Hemu Village in Altay | Step into a real-life fairytale village.

Finally visited the long-awaited Hemu Village and immersed myself in a fairytale world✨ About Hemu Village Located in the Altay region of Xinjiang, Hemu Village is a settlement of the Tuva people and has been named one of "China's Six Most Beautiful Ancient Towns and Villages" by China National Geographic. The wooden cabins scattered among the mountains, morning mist, and birch forests create cinematic scenes with every snapshot🎬 🚗Transportation - Major transportation: The Kanas Airport is the top choice (about 1-hour drive to Hemu), followed by Altay Airport (about 3.5-hour drive to Hemu). Alternatively, you can take a train to Beitun City and then transfer to a private car or a direct scenic area shuttle. Note that some routes from Beitun to Hemu require transfers, so check schedules on official platforms and plan connections in advance. - Within the scenic area: Tickets and shuttle bus passes are a must! Shuttle buses operate in segments (different stops for village routes and observation decks). Pay attention to signs when getting off, and try to grab a seat on the right side of the mountain road for breathtaking views. 🏡Accommodation Options - Village wooden cabins: "New Village" offers modern facilities, while "Old Village" has a more authentic atmosphere. Book early during peak season. For scenic views, choose rooms with "terraces/mountain views." - Budget reference: Standard rooms range from 300 to 800+ RMB (prices fluctuate significantly during peak season, so book early for better deals). 🌟Must-Do Activities 1. Sunrise at Harden Platform Wake up early to hike or ride a horse to the observation deck. On rainy days, the morning mist enveloping the village is stunning, with wooden cabin rooftops emerging from golden fog like a fairyland🌅 2. Stroll through the Birch Forest The best autumn scenery is from September to mid-October (golden leaves carpet the ground), while summer from June to August offers refreshing greenery. Perfect for portrait photography! Sunlight filtering through the leaves creates a natural filter🍂 3. Horseback Riding Across the Grasslands Rent a horse from local herders (80–200 RMB/hour, priced by route length) and enjoy views of grazing cattle and sheep🐎, reminiscent of a Windows desktop wallpaper! ⚠️Tips to Avoid Pitfalls - Be cautious with souvenirs: Many scams near the scenic area entrance. Instead, head to the riverbank night market in Burqin County for authentic and affordable options. - Don’t miss the shuttle bus: Last bus times vary by season and crowd levels. Get the latest schedule at the visitor center! If you stay out too late, there might be no buses left. - Protect the environment: Avoid stepping on grasslands and take photos in designated areas to preserve this beautiful place. - Prepare for temperature changes: Summer brings mosquitoes, so carry repellent. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so pack a light jacket (short sleeves for noon, long sleeves for evening). 📸Photography Spots - Harden Platform Panorama: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the village in morning mist for a "bird's-eye view." - Hemu Bridge: Combine rivers, wooden cabins, and livestock for dynamic shots. - Wooden Cabin Terrace: Use the mountains as a backdrop for artistic shots of people sitting and sipping coffee. - Birch Forest Path: Shoot upward to capture tree trunks and sunlight for an atmospheric effect. - Hemu River Sunset: Take backlit photos of shimmering river waves and village silhouettes for a romantic vibe. - Wooden Cabin Window Framing: Frame mountains and clouds through a window for a post-worthy shot. Only in Hemu can you truly understand that "Xinjiang's summer is hidden in Altay." Here, there’s no urban noise—just grasslands, forests, wooden cabins, and leisurely moments💚