How amazing is Altay? This fairytale route in Northern Xinjiang will captivate you at first glance!

🌟 Xinjiang Altay In-depth Travel Guide 🏔️ (Fairytale Border Town + Stunning Secret Realm) 🎯 Must-See Highlights ✔️ Kanas Lake, the "Garden of God" 💧 ✔️ Hemu Village, the most beautiful village in China 🏡 ✔️ Baihaba, the No. 1 village in Northwest China ✨ ✔️ Grassland Stone City of the Golden Ranch 🗿 🌞 Best Seasons 🌸 May–June: Wildflowers covering the mountains + herdsmen migration 🍁 September–October: Forests of vibrant colors + golden period for photography ❄️ December–March: Ice and snow fairytale world (ski resort) 📍 Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ Kanas Scenic Area - Check in at the Three Bays (Fairy Bay/Moon Bay/Sleeping Dragon Bay) 🚢 - Climb to Fish Viewing Pavilion for a panoramic view (1,068 steps) - Experience a visit to a Tuva family 🎵 2️⃣ Hemu Village - Stay in a log cabin and watch the morning mist 🌫️ - Ride a horse to Beauty Peak 🐎 - Skiing in winter ⛷️ 3️⃣ Koktokay - Hike the God Bell Mountain Canyon 🥾 - Explore the Meritorious Mine Pit ⚒️ 4️⃣ Wucaitan (Colorful Beach) - Yadan landform spectacle at sunset 🌅 🗓️ Classic Itinerary ✅ 3-Day Essential Tour D1: Ürümqi → Kanas Lake D2: Kanas Three Bays → Fish Viewing Pavilion → Hemu D3: Hemu Morning Mist → Return trip ✅ 5-Day In-Depth Tour D1-2: Kanas D3: Baihaba D4: Hemu D5: Koktokay 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ Main transportation: - Fly to Altay Snow Capital Airport/Kanas Airport 🚗 Local transportation: - Chartered car (approx. CNY 800–1,000/day) - Scenic area bus (Kanas ↔ Hemu CNY 60) 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations • Hemu/Kanas: Characteristic log cabins (book in advance!) • Burqin: Russian-style hotel • Winter options: Jikepulin Ski Resort ⛷️ 🍢 Food Check-In 🔥 Must-eat list: - Altay barbecue 🍖 - Kazakh Baursaki + milk tea 🥛 - Cold water fish feast 🐟 - Homemade yogurt + wild strawberry jam 🍓 💡 Useful Tips 1️⃣ Border pass: Required in advance for Baihaba 2️⃣ Large temperature difference: Bring a jacket even in summer 🧥 3️⃣ Photography: Bring a polarizing filter and telephoto lens 📷 4️⃣ Respect local ethnic minority customs ❄️ Special Winter Experiences • Horse-drawn sled through the forest and snowfield 🛷 • Snowmobile through the Hemu River • Experience fur skis 🎿 📅 Suggested duration: 5–7 days (escape the summer heat in June–August/enjoy the autumn scenery in September–October) 💰 Budget reference: CNY 1,500–3,000/person/day (including chartered car and accommodation) Come and encounter China's most beautiful autumn colors and snow scenery! ✨