The Ultimate Kanas Winter Guide

Hey everyone! I just got back from Kanas during the snow season, and it was so stunning that my phone ran out of storage! I’ve put together a super comprehensive guide, covering everything from outfits to photo spots. Follow this and you won’t go wrong! ❄️ 1. Must-Read Before You Go! Life-Saving Preparation Checklist Documents: Don’t forget your ID! If you’re heading to Baihaba, you’ll need a border pass (can be done for free at the local police station in just 10 minutes). Outfits: Promise me, don’t just focus on looking good! ✅ Thick down jacket + fleece-lined ski pants (-30°C will freeze you to the bone) ✅ Waterproof snow boots (thick soles are a must, or walking on snow will hurt your feet) ✅ Trapper hat + fleece gloves (bring two pairs so you can switch if one gets wet) ✅ Hand warmers! Stick them on your phone and body, or your phone will shut down after just a few photos Other essentials: Sunglasses (snow glare can be blinding), lip balm (it’s super dry), and a thermos (for hot water on the go). 2. Transportation Guide | Don’t Be Intimidated by the “Remote” Location! 👉 Getting to Kanas: Plane + Car Rental: The easiest option! Fly to Altay Airport, then rent a car to Kanas (about 4 hours). Make sure the car has snow tires, and the driver can act as a guide. Train + Bus: Take the Snow Country Train to Beitun City, then transfer to a bus to Burqin (1.5 hours), and finally carpool to Kanas (2.5 hours). Perfect for those who want a slow travel experience. Self-Driving: For experienced drivers only! You’ll need a 4WD with snow tires. The mountain roads are winding and snowy—newbies, don’t try this! 👉 Getting Around the Scenic Area: Shuttle Bus: A must within the Kanas Scenic Area! It takes you to places like the Three Bays and Guanyu Pavilion for just 80 RMB per person—super affordable. Horse-Drawn Sleigh: A must-try in Hemu Village! 150 RMB per hour. Sitting on it while enjoying the snowy scenery feels like stepping into a fairytale. Snowmobile: The ultimate way to reach Guanyu Pavilion! 200 RMB per trip. It’s thrilling, saves time, and makes for great photos. 3. Stunning Photo Spots | Don’t Miss These Angles! Kanas Three Bays 🌟 Shenxian Bay: Go at 8 AM! The morning mist wraps around the snowy forest, and sunlight streaming through makes it look like a fairyland. Wear light-colored clothes for the best shots. Moon Bay: The frozen lake surface has “footprint” patterns. Take panoramic shots from the viewing platform—landscape mode on your phone works wonders. Wolong Bay: The snow-covered island looks like a “sleeping dragon.” The best light is at 3 PM, perfect for capturing reflections. Guanyu Pavilion 📸 Take a snowmobile to the top! Overlook the entire frozen divine lake, with snow-capped mountains stretching into the distance. Foggy days add a dreamy vibe—don’t forget to bring a scarf as a prop. Hemu Village 🏡 Haden Platform: Go at 7 AM! Capture wooden houses in the morning mist with smoke curling up—it’s like a Chinese ink painting. Hemu Bridge: Stand on the bridge to photograph the snowy stream. At 4 PM, the sunset turns the snow golden. Snow Mushroom Clusters: Found all over the village! Squat down for close-ups with wooden houses in the background—it’s super cute. Baihaba 🇨🇳 Known as the “First Village in the Northwest,” it’s incredibly rustic! Don’t miss the boundary marker. Wear red for a striking contrast against the white snow. The village is peaceful at dusk, perfect for capturing human-interest shots. 4. Must-Try Activities | Don’t Miss These Experiences! Snowmobile Adventure: Ride from Hemu to Meilifeng, passing by snow-covered yurts—it’s incredibly healing. Hemu Bonfire Party: Starts at 8 PM. Dance with locals and enjoy hot milk tea. Ice Lake Winter Fishing: Experience Tuva-style fishing. You can have your catch grilled by the homestay—it’s super fresh! 5. Food Recommendations | Warm Up with These Delicacies! Hand-Pulled Lamb: Altay’s big-tailed lamb is super tender. Just dip it in salt for an amazing flavor. Around 60 RMB per person. Naan-Wrapped Roast Meat: Freshly roasted lamb wrapped in naan. The naan soaks up the meat juices—find it at the Cultural Road Night Market. Kazakh Milk Tea: A salty and savory flavor, best paired with Baursak (fried dough). Perfect for breakfast on a cold morning. Cold-Water Fish Hotpot: Fish from the Irtysh River has tender meat, and the hotpot broth is unbelievably flavorful. 6. Accommodation Guide | Staying in the Right Place Makes All the Difference! Kanas: Choose a homestay within the scenic area, like Badai Homestay (Kanas branch), which is close to the Three Bays. Rooms have underfloor heating. Hemu Village: Stay in a wooden cabin with underfloor heating! Open the window to snowy views. Landuo Manor is a great choice, and the owner makes breakfast. Price Reference: During the peak season (December to January), homestays range from 800-1200 RMB per night. Book at least a month in advance! 7. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls! Prices within the scenic area are high, so bring some snacks and instant noodles. Don’t touch metal when taking photos! At -30°C, it’ll stick to your skin and hurt. Don’t wander off alone in the wilderness. The snow is deep, and it’s easy to get lost. Always follow a guide. Wear a helmet when skiing! Safety first. Kanas in the snow season is truly healing—every view is like a wallpaper! Don’t wait, go now, and it’ll be a trip you’ll never forget! ✨