China's Unique Border Wonderland Bordering Three Countries

📍Detailed Location Altay Prefecture is located in the northern part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, bordering Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. It sits at the southern foot of the Altai Mountains and the northern edge of the Junggar Basin. Key attractions are distributed as follows: • Kanas Scenic Area: Located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, including Kanas Lake, Fish Viewing Platform, and Tuva villages. • Hemu Village: Located near Kanas Lake in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, known as "China's most beautiful village." • Keketuohai National Geopark: Located in Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, famous for its No. 3 Mining Vein and Irtysh River Grand Canyon. • Baihaba Village: Located in Tiereketi Township, Habahe County, Altay Prefecture, known as the "First Village of Northwest China." 🚗Transportation Guide • External Transportation: • By Air: Direct flights to Altay Xuedu Airport are limited. It's recommended to fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport first, then transfer to Altay. • By Train: Take trains K9735, Y965, etc. from Urumqi Station to Altay Station. The journey takes about 14 hours and costs 105-280 yuan. • Self-driving: Routes G216 and S21 from Urumqi to Altay are suitable for self-driving, but be cautious of driving safety during snow season. • Internal Transportation: • Taxi: Taxi fares within Altay city are about 20-30 yuan. • Charter car: Recommended for traveling between scenic spots, costing about 800-1000 yuan per day for a 5-seater car. • Direct shuttle buses: Some scenic areas provide direct shuttle services, such as from Burqin to Kanas. 🌟Must-do Activities 1. Kanas Scenic Area • Kanas Lake: Take a boat tour or hike through the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay) to experience the beauty of "God's palette." • Fish Viewing Platform: Climb 1,068 steps to overlook the entire Kanas Lake. Wildflowers cover the mountains in summer, while colorful forests dominate in autumn. • Tuva Home Visit: Experience the intangible cultural heritage of Sur instrument performance, taste milk tea and Borsok (fried dough), and experience Tuva culture. 2. Hemu Village • Sunrise Viewing Platform: Ride a horse or walk to Haden Platform to overlook the village shrouded in morning mist, like a fairyland. • Birch Forest Hiking: Walk through golden tunnels in autumn or enter a snowy mushroom fairy tale world in winter. • Bonfire Party: Participate in bonfire parties at night, dance with locals, and experience Kazakh customs. 3. Keketuohai National Geopark • No. 3 Mining Vein: Explore the "meritorious mine" of the Republic and learn about its historical contributions. • Irtysh River Grand Canyon: Admire China's only river flowing into the Arctic Ocean, with stunning autumn colors in the canyon. 4. Baihaba Village • First Village of Northwest China: Visit after obtaining a border permit, view Kazakhstan's mountains from afar, and feel the tranquility of the border. 5. Other Special Activities • Winter Activities: Horse-drawn sleighs, water-splashing ice formation, snowmobile forest crossing, and other ice and snow activities. • Folk Experience: Participate in Altay horse racing festivals, "girl chasing" and other folk activities to experience Kazakh culture. 💰Average Cost • Admission Fees: • Kanas Scenic Area: About 230 yuan (including shuttle bus). • Hemu Village: About 102 yuan (including shuttle bus). • Keketuohai National Geopark: About 90 yuan (including shuttle bus). • Baihaba Village: About 50 yuan (including border permit application fee). • Dining Costs: • Local specialties such as mutton soup, baked naan, and naren cost about 50-100 yuan per meal per person. • Accommodation Costs: • Economy hotels: About 200-400 yuan per night. • Luxury resorts: About 800-1500 yuan per night. • Wooden cabins in scenic areas: Need to be booked in advance during peak season, prices may double. • Total: Depending on personal spending habits, the average cost is about 1000-2000 yuan per person (excluding transportation costs to and from Urumqi). 📌Small Tips • Clothing Suggestions: Altay has large temperature differences between day and night. Prepare thick clothes, hats, sunglasses, and sun protection clothing. In winter, also prepare thermal underwear, down jackets, and snow boots. • Respect Customs: Respect local ethnic minority customs, such as not eating pork or mentioning taboo topics. Do not mention pigs or pork in front of ethnic minorities. • Safety Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking in scenic areas. Follow professional instructor guidance for activities such as horseback riding and snowmobiling. • Shopping Suggestions: Souvenirs in scenic areas are relatively expensive. It's recommended to shop at markets in Altay City. Also, be careful to identify product quality and avoid purchasing inferior products. • Border Permit Application: A border permit is required to visit border areas such as Baihaba Village. It's recommended to apply in advance at Habahe County or the Kanas Transfer Center. • Time Difference Adjustment: Xinjiang is 2 hours behind Beijing time. Adjust your schedule accordingly to avoid affecting your trip. • Eco-friendly Travel: The ecological environment in Altay is fragile. Please follow scenic area regulations, do not litter, and protect the natural environment.