[1] As a major source of the Urumqi River,[2] Glacier No.1 lies in the north slope of Tiangeer II Peak in the middle section of Tian Shan and it is within Ürümqi County.

[3] Since 2017, a natural reserve covering an area of 950 km2 (370 sq mi) has been set up by the Regional Government of Xinjiang to protect Glacier No.1.

[8] In 1959–60, the research group for the use of mountainous ice and snow, Chinese Academy of Sciences, sent 8 sub-groups to investigate into the glaciers in Tian Shan, during which Tianshan Glaciological Station near Glacier No.1 was set up by Shi Yafeng in 1959.

During Xinjiang's Lianghui session in 2012, Cui Chunyu, Regional People's Representative, proposed an initiative to set up a comprehensive natural protection area covering an area of 240 km2 (93 sq mi) surrounding Glacier No.1.

[7] Yet, this is challenged by doubt and concerns, for tourism is not the main cause of the glacier retreat but can help people to understand the importance of environmental protection and pollution reduction if well governed.

[17] The grazing industry was relocated to reduce its influence to the glacier, and the herding routes were re-designed.