Altay | Venture into the Hidden Gem of Northern Xinjiang, Encounter a Four-Season Fairytale

The Garden of the Gods: Kanas Lake reflects colorful forests in its emerald waters, while smoke curls from the chimneys of Hemu Village—autumn like an oil painting, winter like a snow kingdom. The Legend of Eternal Ice and Snow: Explore the "Birthplace of Human Skiing," gliding on traditional fur skis through snow-laden forests. Pastoral Symphony: Witness Kazakh nomadic migrations in summer, with thousands of horses galloping across the grasslands; lie under the starry sky of the Altai Mountains and listen to the wind's song. Wild Wonders: The rugged Koktokay Canyon and the white-sand desert encircling Bai Sha Lake—every frame is a natural rhapsody. 📸 Must-Do Experiences 1. Hike the Three Bays of Kanas: Morning mist shrouds Shenxian Bay, while Moon Bay resembles jade embedded in the valley. 2. Slow Living in Hemu Village: Stay in a wooden cabin, await the morning mist and sunset, and share a bowl of milk tea with the Tuwa people. 3. Sunset at Colorful Beach: Dancing Yardang landforms and golden poplars along the riverbank create a surreal light show, like Mars' surface. 4. Winter Exclusive: Ride a horse-drawn sleigh through frost-covered forests, and capture the magic of water freezing mid-air in the extreme cold. 📌 Travel Tips Best Seasons: September–October for autumn foliage, December–March for snow play, June–August for summer escapes and flower fields. Transport: Recommended to charter a car or self-drive from Urumqi, unlocking desert, forest, and snow-capped mountain vistas along the way. Hidden Gem Note: Baihaba Village requires a border pass; respect nomadic culture—take only memories, leave only footprints. "In the corners of Altay, you’ll find vast landscapes and the warmth of human life." — Set forth, and let the free wind carry away all noise.