Comprehensive Travel Guide to Kanas Scenic Area | Transportation, Attractions, Accommodation, and Cuisine All Covered

| Transportation, Attractions, Accommodation, and Cuisine All Covered. Transportation🚗 - By Air✈️: You can take a direct flight from Urumqi to Kanas Airport, with a flight duration of about 50 minutes. Flights operate from April onwards. After landing, take a taxi or the scenic area shuttle directly to Kanas Scenic Area. - By Train🚆: There is no train station in the scenic area. If you choose to travel by train, you can take a train from Urumqi to Beitun and then switch to a bus to Kanas. - By Car🚗: Drive from Urumqi along the Jingxin Expressway northbound. Upon reaching the scenic area entrance (Jiadengyu, Hemu, or Terekti), you’ll need to take the scenic area shuttle bus to enter. Attractions - Kanas Lake: The core attraction of Kanas, famous for the mysterious "Kanas Lake Monster" legend. In the early morning, the lake is half frozen and half azure, creating a dreamy scene. Lakeside boardwalks allow for leisurely walks to admire the scenery. - Three Bays: Including Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay, these are the highlights of the scenic area. Early morning is the best time to photograph the ever-changing mist. Start at Fairy Bay for the morning fog, then take a shuttle to Moon Bay, and finally walk to Dragon Bay. - Fish Watching Pavilion: Located on the summit of Camel Peak on the west shore of Kanas Lake, at an altitude of 2,030m and 600m above the lake. It offers the best panoramic view of Kanas Lake and the surrounding mountains. Tickets must be purchased at the visitor center for the shuttle to the pavilion, which stops halfway up the mountain, followed by a 15-minute climb on foot. - Hemu Village: Features primitive and tranquil Tuvan wooden houses. In the early morning, the village is shrouded in mist with rising smoke, resembling a fairy tale. You can rent a horse to explore the birch forests or stroll along the 2-3 km main road. The viewing platform on the hillside across the Hemu River offers a panoramic view of the village. - Baihaba Village: A small village on the China-Kazakhstan border, known as the "First Village in Northwest China." Visit the boundary marker and experience the novelty of standing in two countries at once. Accommodation Recommendations🏨 - Inside the Scenic Area: Limited options available; book in advance. High-end accommodations include Kanas Villa, nestled by the lakeside forest, with a great location but higher prices. A more budget-friendly option is staying in a Tuvan village guesthouse. There are two Tuvan villages: the old village near the visitor center is more convenient, while the new village is on the way to Fish Watching Pavilion and also offers free shuttle service. - Outside the Scenic Area: Jiadengyu is the main accommodation hub for Kanas, with options ranging from budget to luxury. Food Recommendations🍜 - Big Plate Chicken: Flavorful chicken with wide noodles soaked in rich sauce, served in generous portions. - Hand-Ripped Lamb: Tender and juicy, best enjoyed with just a sprinkle of salt. - Milk Tea: Savory and rich, perfectly paired with borsok (fried dough). - Dogfish Stewed with Tofu: A local specialty, featuring firm-fleshed fish and tofu soaked in flavorful broth. - Baked Buns: Crispy on the outside with juicy lamb filling. Ticketing🎫 - Online: Book via official Kanas Scenic Area platforms (WeChat, Douyin), Ctrip, or other online channels. Time-slot reservations are available, and entry is granted with your ID—no physical ticket needed. - Offline: Purchase tickets at the scenic area visitor center. Important Notes⚠️ - The scenic area implements real-name, time-slot reservations. Bring your ID. - Temperature fluctuations are common, with potential sudden drops or rain. Pack accordingly, including warm layers, rain gear, and waterproof shoes. - Strong UV exposure—bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. - Food inside the scenic area is expensive; stock up in Burqin beforehand. - Large temperature differences between day and night; prepare for cold mornings. - Hemu has many horse teams, which can stir up dust—consider bringing a mask.