If you can only visit one place in your life, it must be Kanas

Kanas Scenic Area Travel Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Fairyland on Earth 1. Overview of the Scenic Area and Best Time to Visit Kanas Scenic Area is located in the northern part of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, situated in the golden area bordering China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction, it combines alpine lakes, primeval forests, grassland rivers, and ethnic minority cultures, earning the reputation of "a fairyland on earth, the garden of gods." Best visiting seasons: - Golden autumn (mid-September to early October): The forests are dyed in layers of colors, and the lake and mountain scenery combined with the colorful forests create a stunning picture, a paradise for photography enthusiasts. - Summer (June to August): Cool and pleasant climate with an average temperature around 20°C, ideal for summer vacations. - Winter (December to February): A snowy world covered in silver, where you can experience unique snow trekking and horse sledding. Recommended duration: 2-3 days 2. Transportation Guide 1. Major transportation methods - Airplane: Fly first to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, then transfer to a flight to Altay Airport (about 1.5 hours), followed by a 3-hour drive to the scenic area. - Train: Take the Northern Xinjiang Railway from Urumqi Station to Beitun City Station (about 12 hours), then transfer to a bus to Burqin County (2 hours). - Self-driving: Depart from Urumqi via S21 Awu Expressway and G217 National Highway, covering about 800 kilometers, taking 10-12 hours. 2. Internal transportation within the scenic area - Shuttle bus: The ticket includes basic shuttle bus fees, operating from 8:00 to 20:00. - Special transportation: Horse riding in Hemu Village (200 RMB/hour), Tuva family horse carriage visits (50 RMB/person). 3. Must-See Core Attractions 1. Kanas Lake - Fish Viewing Platform: Climb 1,068 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the lake and search for the "lake monster." - Boat tour: 120 RMB/person, experience the lake’s strange color changes with depth up close. - Hiking boardwalk: A 5-kilometer wooden walkway along the lake, passing rock paintings and the Turuk karst landform. 2. Fairy Bay - Moon Bay - Wolong Bay - Fairy Bay morning mist: Recommended arrival at 6:30 to capture the dreamy scene of swirling mist. - Moon Bay hike: A 2-kilometer riverside trail with an S-shaped river bend; the best photo spot is at the west viewing platform. - Wolong Bay panorama: Drone photography requires prior approval; the central island resembles a pterosaur. 3. Hemu Village - Sunrise viewing platform: Climb the Harden platform (30 minutes) to capture the primitive village at dawn. - Birch forest: Golden in autumn, combined with wooden houses and cooking smoke, creating a picturesque scene. - Star photography: Lights go off after 11 PM, revealing a clear Milky Way (tripod required). 4. Baihaba Village - The first village in the northwest: Border permit required (can be obtained with ID at the Kanas Transfer Center). - Autumn pasture: In September, the spectacular scene of herders moving hundreds of cattle and sheep. 4. In-Depth Experience Recommendations 1. Cultural experiences - Tuva family visits: Taste milk wine, listen to Chuur performances (intangible cultural heritage instrument), and learn the Black Horse Dance. - Kazakh sheep catching: Watch traditional equestrian performances during festivals. 2. Outdoor activities - Horseback trekking: Classic route from Jiadengyu to Hemu (6-8 hours), guide accompaniment required. - Mountain biking: Route from Hemu to Beautiful Peak (bike rental 80 RMB/hour). - Winter skiing: Jikepulin Ski Resort (one of Asia’s largest ski resorts). 3. Unique accommodations - Starry sky RV camp: By Kanas Lake, equipped with astronomical telescopes. - Hemu wooden cabins: New village offers better facilities, old village has a more original atmosphere. - Luxury tents: High-end camping in Baihaba with private butler service. 5. Practical Tips 1. Ticket information - Peak season (May to October): 230 RMB/person; off-season: 100 RMB/person. - One ticket covers Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba areas. - 50% discount for students, military personnel, etc. 2. Essential items - Sun protection kit: Sunglasses, hat, and SPF50+ sunscreen. - Warm clothing: Day-night temperature difference can reach 20°C; down jackets needed in September. - Mosquito repellent: Many mosquitoes in summer; recommended to bring repellent. 3. Precautions - Respect ethnic customs: Do not take photos of locals without permission; remove shoes before entering wooden houses. - Environmental protection: Smoking is prohibited throughout; carry out all trash. - Safety tips: Stay away from undeveloped areas and be alert for wild animals. 4. Food recommendations - Must-try specialties: Tuva Boarsak (fried dough), dried meat pilaf, milk curds. - Popular restaurant: "Snow Country Balang" music bar by the Hemu riverside. - Souvenirs: Authentic black honey from Burqin County night market (50 RMB/bottle). 6. Itinerary Suggestions Classic three-day route: Day 1: Jiadengyu entrance → Transfer center → Fish Viewing Platform → Kanas Lake boat tour → Stay in the scenic area. Day 2: Fairy Bay morning mist → Moon Bay hike → Wolong Bay → Transfer to Hemu → Stay in a wooden cabin. Day 3: Hemu sunrise → Birch forest cycling → Return via Five-Color Beach. In-depth five-day route: Add Baihaba Village stay, Xiaohei Lake hiking, Tuva cultural experiences, and more. Conclusion: The beauty of Kanas lies not only in its lake and mountain scenery but also in the different charms displayed through the seasons. It is recommended to avoid the National Day peak period (September 25 to October 10) and choose weekdays for a better experience. Remember to bring enough camera batteries and memory cards, as every frame here is worth preserving.