My Altay: Baihaba

The Baihaba Scenic Overlook is located in Baihaba Village, known as the "First Village of the Northwest." Situated on the banks of a border river between China and Kazakhstan, it's home to the largest concentration of Tuvan people in the Altay region of Xinjiang. Here, you can take in the rustic charm of the village, the majestic mountains, the lush forests, and even glimpse the exotic landscapes of Kazakhstan, creating an unparalleled viewing experience. I. Basic Information - Opening hours: 9:00am - 8:00pm - Ticket prices: Entry ticket: CNY 30/person, shuttle bus: CNY 45/person. A combined ticket for Kanas, Baihaba, and Hemu is available for CNY 375. - Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hrs. We recommend visiting in the early morning or evening for the softest light and most stunning scenery. The morning mist and sunset glow add a touch of magic to the landscape. II. Preparation Border Permit: Baihaba Village is in a border region, so you'll need a border permit. You can apply for one at your registered residence or with your ID card at the border police station in the Kanas Scenic Area Visitor Service Center (Kanas Street). The process takes about 10 mins. Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is significant. Even in summer, bring warm clothing like a jacket or fleece. In spring and autumn, pack warm cotton clothes and sweaters. Winters are extremely cold, so pack down jackets, thermal pants, snow boots, thick gloves, and a hat. Other items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat are essential. A portable charger is recommended for your electronic devices. Photography enthusiasts should remember their cameras, lenses, and memory cards. III. Transportation From Kanas: Take the shuttle bus from the Kanas transfer center to Baihaba. The journey takes about 1 hr and offers scenic views of winding mountain roads, snow-capped mountains, meadows, and birch forests. By car: Set your navigation to the Tieleketi Ticket Station. You'll need to obtain a border permit from the Habahe County Border Police Brigade en route. You must also book your self-drive entry to Baihaba online at least one day in advance via the Yuanxingwang official WeChat account. Reservations must be made before 6:30pm the day before your visit. The scenic area limits self-drive entry to 200 vehicles per day: 190 vehicles with a wheelbase under 9m and 10 RVs with fewer than 9 seats. If the quota is full, park at the ticket station parking lot and take the shuttle bus from the Tieleketi Ticket Station. By air: Fly to Altay Xuedu Airport or Kanas Airport. Rent a car or hire a private car to Jiadengyu Ticket Station. Purchase tickets and take the shuttle bus to the Kanas Scenic Area transfer center. Obtain a border permit and take another shuttle bus to Baihaba. By train: Take the train to Beitun City or Altay City. Upon arrival the next morning, take a bus to the Jiadengyu Ticket Station. Take the shuttle bus to the Kanas Visitor Service Center, obtain a border permit, and then take another shuttle bus to Baihaba. IV. Scenic Overlook Spots Baihaba Stone Monument Overlook: This is the perfect spot to capture a panoramic view of Baihaba. From here, you can see the village's charming wooden houses, the distant snow-capped mountains, and the vast forests and grasslands. In the morning, the mist-shrouded village looks like a fairyland. In the evening, the sunset glow paints the rooftops and pastures as cattle and sheep return to their pens, creating a peaceful, idyllic scene. You can also observe the herds leisurely entering and exiting the village. New Village Overlook: Navigate here to find the boardwalk connecting the new and old villages. It offers a panoramic view of the old village, showcasing its rustic charm, the arrangement of wooden houses, and the daily lives of the villagers, giving you a glimpse into the traditional Tuvan lifestyle. Batebai Overlook: Featuring two large swings, this overlook not only provides a bird's-eye view of Baihaba but is also a prime sunset viewing spot. Stroll along the boardwalk to enjoy different perspectives of the scenery. Be aware that the boardwalk may be icy in winter, so bring ice cleats. V. Nearby Attractions Baihaba Village: Immerse yourself in the primitive and rustic atmosphere of this village, home to Kazakh and Tuvan people. Visit the traditional wooden houses, experience the unique local culture, interact with the friendly children and freely roaming livestock. In winter, the snow-covered village transforms into a winter wonderland. China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon: The Akehaba River, the border river between China and Kazakhstan, flows through the canyon below. From the viewing platform, you can gaze at the neighboring country, admire the rolling mountains and colorful forests, and experience the unique border scenery. The Lonely Tree: Located in the Yegende Prairie, this is one of Baihaba's most famous landmarks, exuding a sense of serene solitude. At night, the sky is filled with stars, and with a bit of luck, you might even capture the aurora, the Milky Way, or shooting stars. VI. Accommodation Recommendations Baihaba Village offers characteristic Tuvan wooden houses for a close-to-nature experience. Accommodation prices vary depending on the season, room type, and availability. Prices generally increase during holidays, so booking in advance is recommended. Staying in the old village is convenient, with more supermarkets and restaurants nearby. Baihaba Sanbaisuo, for example, offers nine courtyards and various room types to suit different needs, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in village life. VII. Important Notes Baihaba is a border region. Photography of military posts and drone flights are prohibited. Do not use altered, expired, or invalid border permits or use someone else's documents. Forgery, alteration, purchase, sale, or use of forged permits is strictly prohibited. During the National Day holiday period, accommodations may be fully booked, so book in advance. The weather in the scenic area can change rapidly, so be prepared for both rain and sun. The scenic area is located in a remote mountainous region with limited medical facilities. Avoid touching wild plants and animals to ensure your safety.