Little Tianchi is situated about 3 kilometers north of Changbai Grand Waterfall. The lake consists, in fact, of two bodies of water: one is what one would typically call a lake, with crystal blue waters, while the other is very shallow with a yellowish bottom, and is oftentimes partially or completely dried up, revealing its ocherous bottom.

The yellowish lake is situated only about 200 meters from the blue lake, which, in the right lighting - and from a vantage point above - reflects a silvery surface, prompting the local populace to liken the two bodies of water to cups of gold and silver. Others refer to the lakes as a married couple, which has given rise to the lake's nickname "Couple Lake".