A Spontaneous Journey

1. Classic 3-Day Itinerary (Highlights Version) Day 1: Kanas Lake Core Area • Morning ◦ Arrive at Jiadengyu Ticket Office (scenic area entrance), transfer to shuttle bus. ◦ Visit Kanas Lake: Take a boat ride or hike along the lakeshore (recommend wooden boardwalk to "Tuluk Rock Paintings"), enjoy the stunning lake and mountain views. • Afternoon ◦ Climb Fish Watching Pavilion (1,068 steps, panoramic lake view, chance to spot legendary "lake monster" in good weather). ◦ Stay overnight in Kanas Village log cabins, experience Tuvan culture (optional home visit with traditional Suer instrument performance). Day 2: Three Bays Hike + Baihaba • Early morning photograph Shenxian Bay mist (best 6:00-8:00 in summer). • Morning hike or take shuttle to Moon Bay and Wolong Bay (recommend 2km hike from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay). • Afternoon visit Baihaba Village (border pass required), explore this primitive village on China-Kazakhstan border, witness sunset grazing scenes. Day 3: Hemu Village Day Trip • Morning drive to Hemu Village (~1.5 hours), climb Haden Platform for panoramic views. • Afternoon stroll through birch forests and Hemu Bridge, try horseback riding or rafting (summer). • Evening stay in Hemu log cabins, photograph stars or morning mist (optional next day). ------ 2. In-Depth 5-7 Day Itinerary (For Photography/Hiking Enthusiasts) Day 1-3: Same as classic 3-day itinerary. Day 4: Hemu Surroundings • Horseback riding or hiking to Beautiful Peak (4 hours round trip), or explore Hongbasi Grassland. Day 5: Twin Lakes Hike • Kanas Lake → Twin Lakes (guide required, ~8 hour hike to hidden lakes). Day 6-7: Jiadengyu→Hemu Trek (~30km, 2 days 1 night) • Classic trekking route through valleys and forests, spectacular autumn colors (camping or stay with local herders). ------ 3. Practical Information 1. Transportation • Main routes: ◦ Flight: Urumqi→Kanas Airport (direct in peak season), or fly to Altay then charter car (~4 hours to Jiadengyu). ◦ Train: Urumqi→Beitun City, then charter car to Kanas (~5 hours). • Within scenic area: Mainly shuttle buses + hiking, private vehicles prohibited in core zones. 2. Accommodation • Jiadengyu: Budget hotels, convenient for early park entry. • Kanas/Hemu Villages: Log cabin homestays (peak season ¥500+, book early), Hemu offers more tranquility. 3. Tickets • Kanas Scenic Area: Entrance + shuttle ¥230/person (valid 2 days). • Baihaba: Additional ticket (¥30) + border pass (apply at hometown or Burqin). • Hemu Village: Entrance + shuttle ¥102/person. 4. Best Seasons • June-August: Lush greenery, 15-25°C temperatures. • September-October: Peak autumn colors (late September best). • Winter (December-March): Picture-perfect snowscapes, some facilities closed, ideal for niche travelers. 5. Important Notes • Large temperature variations - bring windproof jackets even in summer. • Sun protection! Strong high-altitude UV rays. • Respect ethnic minority customs, avoid drone photography near herders.