Hemu Photography Guide

1. Best Time to Shoot: Winter (December to February): A fairy-tale world covered in silver snow. The best shooting period is from December to January of the following year, when the snow is thickest, reaching 50-80 cm. The pointed roofs of wooden houses are topped with fluffy snow eaves, and the smoke from the Tuva people's homes condenses into pale blue mist columns in the -20°C air. Morning fog flows like silk over the snowy slopes, lifting the entire village to the boundary between clouds and snow. Dusk (16:00-18:00): When the sun nears the horizon, the light turns soft pink-purple and light blue. At this time, the morning fog has not completely dissipated (Hemu experiences an average of 12 foggy days in winter). The snow-covered spruce trees in the fog appear faint and mysterious, and combined with the distant smoke from the Tuva homes, it creates a "Chinese ink painting" atmosphere. 2. Shooting Locations Haden Viewing Platform: The best spot to overlook the entire Hemu Village, ideal for shooting sunrise, morning fog, and starry skies. It is about a 20-40 minute walk along the boardwalk from Hemu Bridge, or you can ride a horse up the mountain. Hemu Bridge: An important passage connecting Hemu Village and Haden Viewing Platform, perfect for shooting the Hemu River, rime ice, and snow mushrooms. 3. Notes Warmth: Winter temperatures in Hemu can reach -35°C. Wear thick down jackets, thermal pants, sweaters, and other warm clothing. Be sure to wear scarves, hats, gloves, and use hand warmers. Safety: Ice and snow make roads slippery and prone to falls. Wear shoes with anti-slip soles. Pay attention to your footing while shooting and avoid getting close to cliff edges. Shooting Permits: Some shooting spots require permission from local residents; it is recommended to communicate in advance. When shooting the starry sky, avoid light pollution. Transportation: In winter, self-driving requires a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle with snow chains. The transfer center in the scenic area has buses to various village attractions, so you can take a bus to the corresponding spots.