Kanasi: The Backyard of the Gods

I. Overview of Kanas Location: Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, deep in the Altai Mountains, at the border of China, Russia, and Mongolia. Core Scenic Areas: - **Kanas Lake**: A glacial barrier lake, rumored home of the "lake monster," with water that changes color (shifting between blue and green). - **Three Bays (Immortal Bay, Moon Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay)**: A must-do hiking route, shrouded in morning mist like a fairyland. - **Fish Watching Pavilion**: The best vantage point for panoramic views of Kanas Lake (requires climbing 1,068 steps). - **Baihaba Village**: The "First Village in Northwest China," a primitive Tuvan settlement requiring a border permit. - **Hem Village**: A fairytale-like log cabin village, stunning in autumn foliage and morning mist (often combined with Kanas visits). II. Best Travel Seasons - **Autumn (mid-Sept to early Oct)**: Forests ablaze with color, golden birch trees reflecting on emerald waters—peak photography season (and crowds). - **Summer (June-Aug)**: Lush grasslands, wildflowers in bloom, and cool temperatures (15-25°C), ideal for escaping the heat. - **Winter (Dec-Feb)**: Snow-covered tranquility, offering experiences like dog sledding and "instant freezing" water splashes (dress warmly!). Avoid: **April-May** (muddy from snowmelt) and **November** (transitional period with partial closures before winter). III. Must-Visit Spots & Experiences 1. **Kanas Lake** - Boat cruise/rafting: Explore the lake’s heart and its "color-changing" mystery (¥120/person). - Lakeside boardwalk hike: From the dock to petroglyph areas, up close with pristine forests and waters. 2. **Three Bays Hike** - Immortal Bay at dawn: Mist blankets the bay around sunrise (~6:00 in summer), creating magical lightplay. - Moon Bay to Crouching Dragon Bay: A 3km wooden trail overlooking S-shaped bends and river islands. 3. **Fish Watching Pavilion** - Summit views of Kanas Lake; lucky visitors might spot mysterious ripples from "unknown creatures." 4. **Hem Village** - Sunrise at the viewpoint: Watch the village emerge from mist, with chimney smoke weaving through log cabins. - Birch forest ride: Rent horses or bikes to explore autumn’s hidden beauty. 5. **Baihaba Village** - China-Kazakhstan Grand Canyon: Gaze into Kazakhstan’s vast pastures. - Tuvan home visit: Savor milk tea and traditional *suur* (reed pipe) music. IV. Transportation Guide 1. **Getting There** - By air: Fly to Altay/Kanas Airport (more flights in peak season), then hire a car to Kanas (~3hrs). - Self-drive: Ürümqi → Burqin (~8hrs) → Kanas (~3hrs), passing Ulungur Lake and Colorful Beach. - In-park transport: - Shuttle buses: Base fare included in ticket (Jiadengyu → Transfer Center); separate tickets for Fish Watching Pavilion/Baihaba. - Horseback/hiking: Hem-Kanas trail (~30km, 2 days) through virgin forests and meadows. 2. **Recommended Itineraries** - **3-Day Classic**: Day 1: Jiadengyu → Kanas Lake → Fish Watching Pavilion → overnight in park. Day 2: Three Bays hike → Baihaba Village → overnight in Baihaba. Day 3: Return to Kanas → Hem Village → sunset at Hem viewpoint. - **4-Day In-Depth**: Add Hem sunrise → Little Black Lake hike → Naren Pasture (summer only). V. Accommodation Tips 1. **Inside the Park** - Kanas Old/New Village: Tuvan-style lodges (~¥300-600/night), basic but well-located. - Hem Village: Trendy stays like "Century-Old Cabin" or "Peach Blossom Resort"; autumn rates double (book 3 months ahead). 2. **Outside the Park** - Jiadengyu: Hotel cluster (e.g., Yuehu Hotel), budget-friendly (~30% cheaper than in-park). - Burqin County: Budget hotels (~¥200/night), ideal for layovers; visit the riverside night market. VI. Practical Tips 1. **Tickets & Costs** - Kanas: ¥230/2 days (includes shuttle); Fish Watching Pavilion shuttle ¥20; Baihaba ¥75 (with border permit). - Hem Village: ¥102 (includes shuttle); horseback riding ~¥80/hour. 2. **Essentials to Pack** - Warm layers: All seasons demand windbreakers (weather shifts fast); winter needs down jackets + snow boots. - Sun protection: High-altitude UV calls for sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. - Bug spray: Summer lakeside mosquitoes are relentless. 3. **Key Notes** - Border permit: Required for Baihaba (apply at Transfer Center/Burqin with ID). - Eco-rules: Drones banned (permit needed); no littering. - Connectivity: Weak signal—carry cash and offline maps. VII. Food Recs - **Tuvan flavors**: Hand-torn lamb, dried yogurt, air-dried beef, butter tea. - **Xinjiang classics**: Big-plate chicken, grilled *Aspius* fish (Burqin night market), lamb pilaf. - **DIY snacks**: Park food is pricey/limited; pack naan bread and chocolate for energy.