A Fairy Tale Town at the Foot of the Snow Mountain

7-Day Xinjiang Altay Tour Guide from Zhengzhou High-Speed Rail Station 1. Transportation Guide - Intercity Transport: Take the high-speed train from Zhengzhou East Station to Urumqi Station (about 10 hours, ticket price 800-1000 RMB), then transfer to the bullet train from Urumqi to Altay Station (about 4 hours, ticket price 300-400 RMB); or fly from Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport to Altay Xuedu Airport (about 4 hours, including tax 1500-2500 RMB, with large fluctuations in peak season). After arrival, rent a car for self-driving (daily rental 300-600 RMB) or carpool (100-150 RMB per person/day), which better suits the dispersed attractions in Altay. - City/Scenic Area Transport: Taxi starting fare in Altay city is 10 RMB. From Burqin County to Kanas and Hemu, take the scenic area shuttle bus (about 3 hours, ticket price 100 RMB per person); only shuttle buses are allowed inside the scenic areas, Kanas shuttle bus costs 120 RMB per person (valid for 7 days), Hemu shuttle bus costs 52 RMB per person. 2. Accommodation, Prices, and Ticket Prices - Recommended Accommodation: 1. Altay City: Ji Hotel (cost-effective, 300-400 RMB/night, near the high-speed rail station) 2. Burqin County: Kanas Lake Hotel (lake view rooms, 500-800 RMB/night, convenient for entering the scenic area the next day) 3. Hemu Village: Wooden Cabin Homestay (unique scenic rooms, 600-1200 RMB/night, including breakfast, window view of snow mountains) - Ticket Prices: Kanas Scenic Area 160 RMB/person, Hemu Scenic Area 50 RMB/person, Baihaba Scenic Area 30 RMB/person, Koktokay Scenic Area 90 RMB/person; shuttle buses require separate purchase; some scenic areas offer half-price tickets for students and seniors with valid ID. 3. Core Scenic Area Itinerary 1. Day 1-2: Altay City + Koktokay (2 days): Visit Koktokay No. 3 Mine Pit (explore the "Meritorious Mine"), hike the Irtysh Grand Canyon, see Shenzhong Mountain and the Couple Trees, experience the collision of canyon streams and granite landforms. 2. Day 3-4: Kanas Scenic Area (2 days): Take the shuttle bus to visit Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay (must check in with the three bays in one frame), climb the Fish Viewing Platform to overlook the full view of Kanas Lake, stroll along the lakeside boardwalk at dusk, and encounter the sunset glow. 3. Day 5-6: Hemu Village (2 days): Watch the morning mist over Hemu River (very fairy-like), hike to Harden Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of the village, explore the ancient Hemu Village to experience Tuva culture, and enjoy the brilliant starry sky at night (an excellent stargazing spot in the Northern Hemisphere). 4. Day 7: Baihaba Village + Return (1 day): Visit Baihaba, known as the "First Village in Northwest China," see the China-Kazakhstan border marker, return to Altay City in the afternoon, and end the trip. 4. Safety Advice and Practical Tips - Clothing and Gear: Altay has a large temperature difference between day and night (up to 15°C), bring windproof and waterproof jackets, fleece liners, and warm thermal pants; wear anti-slip hiking shoes (many gravel roads in scenic areas), and bring sun hats, sunglasses, and sun protection masks (UV rays are very strong). - Medicine Preparation: Prepare altitude sickness medicine (Rhodiola, take 3 days in advance), cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine (to cope with beef and mutton diet), motion sickness medicine (long scenic area rides), band-aids, and sunscreen (SPF50+). - Safety Tips: Signal is weak in scenic areas, download offline maps in advance; do not stray from trails when hiking, avoid mountain climbing in rain or snow; respect Tuva customs, do not enter private wooden houses without permission; drive within speed limits (60 km/h in mountain roads). - Tips: The diet mainly consists of beef, mutton, and noodles; bring some snacks; exchange cash in advance as some homestays only accept cash; book accommodation and tickets 1-2 weeks in advance during peak seasons (June-September, November-March). 5. Best Photo Spots and Times - Best Spots: Kanas Three Bays (morning mist at Fairy Bay, S-shaped curve at Moon Bay), Kanas Fish Viewing Platform (full lake view), Hemu Harden Viewing Platform (village + snow mountain panorama), Baihaba Village border marker (border scenery), Koktokay Shenzhong Mountain (canyon landmark). - Best Times: Early morning 6-8 AM (Hemu morning mist, Fairy Bay morning mist, soft light), afternoon 2-4 PM (Koktokay, Baihaba, clear light and shadow), evening 7-9 PM (Kanas Lake sunset, Hemu starry sky, sunset prolongs the atmosphere). This 7-day itinerary connects the core scenic spots of Altay, balancing natural wonders and cultural charm. Whether for summer cooling or winter snow viewing, you can immerse yourself in the charm of this "pure land on earth."