Xinjiang Altay is a must-visit in winter. Here's my travel guide.

Altay is famous for its magnificent natural scenery and diverse ethnic culture, especially in winter, when skiing and ice and snow tourism activities are colorful. Xinjiang Altay, known as the "Snow Capital of China," transforms into a snow-covered wonderland in winter. Its pristine snow scenery, world-renowned ski resorts, and rich ethnic culture attract countless tourists to experience the fun of ice and snow and explore local customs. Transportation Guide Plane: It is recommended to fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport first, and then transfer to a flight to Altay, which takes about 1 hour. Train: There is a direct train from Urumqi to Altay, which takes about 10 hours. Self-driving: From Urumqi, take the S21 Awu Expressway, and it takes about 8 hours to reach Altay. Main Attractions Kanas Scenic Area: In winter, Kanas Lake is covered with ice and snow, like a fairy tale world. Fish Watching Pavilion and the Three Bays of Kanas (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) are must-see attractions. Hemu Village: The wooden houses here are covered with thick snow, as if you are in a Nordic fairy tale. In the morning and evening, the village is bathed in sunlight, which is breathtakingly beautiful. Altay General Mountain Ski Resort: The only 5S alpine ski resort in China located in the city, suitable for skiers of all levels. Food Recommendations Grilled Dogfish: Altay's cold-water fish is extremely delicious, and the grilled dogfish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken: The chicken is tender, served with potatoes and peppers, and is a nutritious local specialty. Baursak: A traditional Kazakh snack, golden and crispy, paired with milk tea is an excellent breakfast choice. Accommodation Suggestions Hemu Village Wooden House: Experience local characteristic wooden houses and feel the original Nordic style. Altay City Hotels: A variety of choices, from budget hotels to luxury hotels. Practical Tips Warm clothing: Altay is cold in winter, so you need to prepare down jackets, thermal underwear, hats, gloves, etc. Sun protection: The snow reflects strong sunlight, so it is recommended to bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Reservation: Some attractions and activities require advance reservations, so it is recommended to plan in advance and contact local travel agencies. This winter, come to Altay to experience a snow and ice adventure! From skiing to snow viewing, from food to culture, everything here is unforgettable.