Xinjiang Kanas Travel Guide

Autumn in Xinjiang Kanas ~ Niuma's Banwei Trip Every golden autumn, the vast Altay region located in the far northwest of China becomes one of the most popular areas for autumn viewing. Kanas, with its palette seemingly spilled by God and mysterious lake monster legends, is a fairy-tale world in oil painting tones—Baihaba, the most beautiful autumn scenery in the far northwest of China—Hemu, the colorful beach by the Irtysh River, the most beautiful yardang landform rated by National Geographic, the European taiga forests covering the mountains, unknown wildflowers on the grasslands, pointed wooden log houses, herders and their flocks returning at sunset. Autumn in the Altay region offers a rich experience. Attractions and Activities It is recommended to start from Hemu to Kanas: Kanas is located in the northern part of the Altay region and is a famous freshwater lake with a maximum depth of about 196 meters, belonging to the Arctic Ocean basin. The legend of the Kanas lake monster has long been passed down here, adding a layer of mystery. The Altay Mountains here are covered with European-style taiga forests, complemented by the pointed wooden houses of the Tuva people, presenting a European northern style. Take photos by the Kanas Lake, climb to the Fish Viewing Pavilion halfway up the mountain at an altitude of 2030 meters, which is the best spot to overlook and check in with a panoramic view of the entire Kanas Lake and the snow-capped Friendship Peak on the China-Mongolia border. For those wanting to see the sunrise, you can take the early scenic shuttle bus to Fairy Bay to watch the morning mist or enjoy the sunrise and dawn by the lakeside. Then hike along the rushing and clear Kanas River to the famous Three Bays: Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay, to get truly close to Kanas; the route is filled with charming autumn scenery—golden, bright red, and lush green, with deadwood in the water and grassy meadows in the forest, fragrant and lush. The most beautiful spot along the way is the famous Moon Bay. In the afternoon, take the scenic shuttle bus to Baihaba: Baihaba is a small village located on the border between China and Kazakhstan, only 1.5 kilometers from Kazakhstan, connected by a national defense road, known as the "First Village in the Northwest." It is regarded as one of the eight most beautiful small towns in China. Every autumn, the golden forests intoxicate the eyes, like a fairy-tale world. The ancient Tuva culture blends with the pristine natural ecology, with rows of pointed wooden log houses retaining strong ethnic style, smoke curling from chimneys, and cattle and sheep covering the hillsides. From afar, the colorful red, yellow, and green forests look like an elegant European oil painting~ Transportation It is recommended to charter a car for travel. Food Recommendations Lake Freshwater Series: Kanas Lake has pure water quality and is rich in cold-water fish, such as the five-lined black dogfish, with firm and tender meat. Braised or steamed preparations are recommended. Kazakh Traditional Food: Hand-grabbed Lamb: Slow-cooked, tender meat without gamey taste, paired with onions to reduce greasiness. Milk Tea and Baursak: Salty and fragrant milk tea paired with fried dough snacks, a local breakfast staple. The cuisine mainly features beef, lamb, and noodles with strong flavors, so it is advisable to bring stomach and heat-relief medicine. Helpful Tips The temperature in northern Xinjiang is relatively low in the early morning and evening, and the weather changes quickly. For those taking photos early or late, please wear proper cold-proof clothing such as windbreakers, fleece, down jackets, and keep hats and gloves on to stay warm.