Xinjiang Kanas

is known as the Garden of God. A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Kanas, Xinjiang As a landmark scenic area in Xinjiang, Kanas is centered around snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes, and the Tuva culture. It is beautiful in all seasons and is a travel destination that combines nature and culture. The following provides practical suggestions from four aspects: best season, core activities, itinerary planning, and practical tips: I. Best Season to Visit Autumn (late September to early October) Features: The forests are colorful, and the birch forests and fir trees are reflected on the lake, making it a golden period for photography. Tip: There are many tourists during the National Day holiday, so it is recommended to book accommodations in advance. Summer (June to August) Features: The grasslands are green, and wildflowers are everywhere. You can hike through the Kanas Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay) and visit Tuva villages. Tip: There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so you need to prepare a windproof jacket. Winter (December to February of the following year) Features: The snow scenery is pure, and you can experience horse-drawn sledges and rime drifting, which is suitable for travelers who like niche travel. Tip: Some areas of the scenic area are closed, so you need to confirm the opening status. II. Recommended Core Activities Exploring Kanas Lake Boat Trip: Take a boat to Erdaowan to experience the changing colors of the lake up close (the lake water has a blue-green gradient due to different mineral content). Fish Viewing Pavilion Hike: Climb 1,068 steps to overlook the panoramic view. When the weather is clear, you can see the snow-capped mountains on the borders of China, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Kanas Three Bays Hike Route: Fairy Bay → Moon Bay → Dragon Bay (approx. 6 km, gentle wooden boardwalk). Highlights: The morning mist in Fairy Bay is like a fairyland, the S-shaped river in Moon Bay is suitable for aerial photography, and Dragon Bay looks like a giant dragon lying quietly. Immersive Experience in Hemu Village Morning Mist and Starry Sky: Get up early and climb to the Haden platform to see the smoke and morning mist intertwined, and observe the Milky Way at night. Tuva Culture: Visit Tuva wooden houses, listen to Sur (traditional instrument) performances, and taste Baursak (fried dough). Baihaba Village (China-Kazakhstan Border) Features: The first village in the Northwest, you need to apply for a border pass, which is suitable for in-depth travel enthusiasts. III. Itinerary Planning Suggestions 3-Day Classic Itinerary (Autumn) Day 1: Urumqi → Beitun (overnight train) → Jiadengyu → Kanas Scenic Area (stay in the scenic area) Focus: Kanas Lake boat trip, Fish Viewing Pavilion sunset. Day 2: Kanas Three Bays Hike → Hemu Village (stay in Hemu log cabin) Focus: Fairy Bay morning mist, Hemu sunset. Day 3: Hemu Village → Beitun → Urumqi Focus: Hemu sunrise, return trip. 5-Day Panoramic Itinerary (Summer and Autumn) Day 1-2: Same as above, adding a day trip to Baihaba Village. Day 3: In-depth tour of Hemu Village (horseback riding to Meili Peak, visit the birch forest). Day 4: Hemu → Wucaitan (sunset) → Burqin (stay in Burqin). Day 5: Burqin → Ulungu Lake (optional) → return trip. IV. Practical Tips Transportation Major Transportation: You can take a train from Urumqi to Beitun (depart in the evening and arrive in the morning), or fly directly to Altay Airport (charter a car to the scenic area for about 3 hours). Scenic Area Transportation: Private cars are prohibited from entering, and you need to transfer to a shuttle bus at Jiadengyu; separate tickets are required between Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba. Accommodation Inside the Scenic Area: Kanas New Village/Old Village wooden houses (conditions are limited, but it is convenient to watch the morning mist); Hemu Village recommends characteristic B&Bs such as "Centennial Old House". Outside the Scenic Area: There are many hotels in Jiadengyu, and the prices are relatively low. Dining Must-try Foods: Cold water fish feast (pike, Wudaohei), hand-grabbed meat, local hot pot, Kvass (honey drink). Tip: The prices of food and beverages in the scenic area are relatively high, so you can bring your own dry food. Other Border Pass: To go to Baihaba, you need to apply at the Kanas Transfer Center or Habahe County. Equipment: Windproof jacket, hiking shoes, sunscreen, moisturizing skin care products (dry climate). Environmental Protection: Kanas is an ecological protection area, please do not litter, and it is forbidden to fly drones (you need to report in advance). V. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls Ticket Purchase: Kanas scenic area tickets + shuttle bus tickets need to be booked online in advance to avoid queuing on site. Horse Riding: The price of horse riding in Hemu Village is about CNY 200–300/hour. Be sure to confirm that the fee includes guide service. Photography: Morning mist and starry sky photography require getting up early. It is recommended to bring a tripod and wide-angle lens. The beauty of Kanas lies in the interweaving of nature and culture. Whether it is hiking, photography, or in-depth cultural experience, you can find your own way of traveling. Plan your itinerary in advance and respect local customs, so as not to fail this "Garden of God".