[2025 Burqin Stay] Travel Guide for Hemu Centenary House (Updated Apr)

After the winter came to Hemu last year I have a deep obsession with Xinjiang’s winter finally This time it finally came again Still looks familiar, still the Hemu in my dreams So beautiful! - There are many things to pay attention to when you come to Xinjiang in winter So I'm going to write an article that needs attention, I hope it will be useful to everyone - 🚗【Charter or rent a car】 In winter, the roads in Kanas and Hemu are covered with ice and snow. We can see cars running off the road every day, so it is still recommended to charter a car. We rented a car because I have driven on many icy and snowy roads and I drive very slowly, but it must be a four-wheel drive SUV with snow tires, which is still very easy to drive. - 👭【Hemu Kanas Baihaba】 In winter, you can drive into these three scenic spots. So the travel experience is good ✅Hemu: It is a good place for daydreaming and taking photos, and it also has the largest ski resort in Asia. And the snow in Hemu is very thick ✅Kanas: The morning fog and river rime are more beautiful, and there are fewer people than Hemu ✅Baihaba: You can drive there from Kanas, which is very convenient. The scenery along the way is very beautiful and the village is more primitive. - 👟【Choice of clothes and shoes】 It is too cold in Hemu, so I must buy a pair of thick, non-slip shoes. Last year, I suffered a lot from poor shoes because it was too easy to fall when walking in the snow. This time, I specially bought some yellow boots that are indestructible so that I can walk steadily in the snow. The rubber outsole that cannot be kicked apart is wear-resistant and durable. It is not only beautiful, but also non-slip, warm and comfortable. The popular high-top yellow boots have a handsome and classic look, and the shoe shape is delicate and not bulky, and they look great in photos. When I was playing and taking photos in the snow, I had a pair of Timberland shoes to protect me from the cold and various road conditions. They were really comfortable and reliable. Hemu also needs very thick clothes. You can bring a few more sweaters and coats. Thermal underwear is a must. It is very beautiful to take pictures. - 🎿【Wooden Ski Resort】 For ski enthusiasts, there should be no one who doesn’t love skiing in Hemu! It should be the top ski resort in China. There are many high-end hotels under construction. Come to Hemu to ski. - 🏨【Some suggestions about accommodation】 1️⃣Hemu: A century-old house | The price is relatively high, the heating is sufficient, and the cabin is very photogenic Hemu Youyuan | The B&B is very nice and the atmosphere for taking photos is great 2️⃣Kanas: Leisurely | The decoration and quality are very good, the old village is convenient Baihaba: We didn't stay there, the accommodation conditions are not as good as Hemu Kanas - 🍽️【Some restaurants we ate at】 Hemu: The Story of the Stone, Twenty-Two, Crazy Growing Coffee Kanas: Leisurely and carefree

Here's a travel guide for Altay: Best Time to Visit • Summer (June-August): Pleasant climate with an average temperature of around 20°C, ideal for escaping the heat. Hike through flower meadows and participate in folk activities like the Altay Horse Racing Festival and the "Girls' Chase." • Autumn (September-October): A photographer's paradise. The autumn scenery along the Kanas, Hemu, and Keketuohai scenic routes is stunning, with colorful foliage. A perfect self-driving experience. • Winter (November-March): Enchanting snow scenery. General Mountain Ski Resort and Hemu Jikepulin Ski Resort are havens for ski enthusiasts. Experience horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiles, and other snow activities. Recommended Attractions • Kanas Scenic Area: Known as "God's Palette." Take a boat trip on Kanas Lake, admire the beauty of Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. Ascend the Fish Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of the lake, visit a Tuvan family, and experience the unique ethnic culture. • Hemu Village: Known as the "Most Beautiful Village in China." The sunrise viewing platform offers a view of the village shrouded in morning mist. The birch forest turns golden in autumn, and in winter, it transforms into a fairy-tale world of snow mushrooms. Participate in bonfire parties. • Keketuohai National Geopark: Home to the No. 3 vein of the "Meritorious Mine," which once repaid 40% of the Soviet Union's foreign debt. Explore the underground mine and witness the breathtaking autumn scenery of the Irtysh Grand Canyon. The "Husband and Wife Trees" are covered in rime in winter. • Five-Colored Beach: Yadan landforms alongside the Irtysh River. At sunset, the rocks display a gradient of red, purple, and yellow under the light, creating a unique landscape. • Ulungur Lake (Fuhai): Offers a golden beach for seaside vacations in summer. In winter, experience the Winter Fishing Festival, watch net fishing, and enjoy fresh fish soup. • Baihaba Village: The "First Village in the Northwest," located on the China-Kazakhstan border. A border defense permit is required. Less commercialized, ideal for relaxation. Transportation • Main Transportation: Fly to Urumqi and transfer to Altay or Kanas Airport. Alternatively, drive from Urumqi via the S21 Desert Highway (approximately 6 hours to Altay City). • Local Transportation: Chartering a car is recommended for travel between scenic areas (5-seater car around CNY 800-1000/day). Scenic shuttle buses are also available. Accommodation • Kanas/Hemu: Wooden guesthouses within the scenic area offer basic conditions. Book at least one month in advance during peak season, as prices tend to double. • Burqin: Offers cost-effective options. Hotels near the Russian Style Street are recommended. • High-end Experience: Consider Kanas Lakeview Hotel or Hemu Century-old House Resort. Food • Cold Water Fish Feast: Enjoy pike, "Wudaohei" (black fish), and other fish at the Burqin Riverside Night Market. • Kazakh Cuisine: Try "Naren" (mutton noodles), "Baursaki" with jam, and milk tea. • Altay Mutton: Enjoy clear-broth boiled lamb, free of any膻(mutton) odor. Tips • Ticket Reservations: Kanas and Hemu have limited capacity during peak season. Book tickets three days in advance on the "Kanas Original Travel Network." • Drone Registration: Register drones at the police station for border areas like Baihaba and Baisha Lake. • Changeable Weather: Mountain weather can change drastically throughout the day. Pack windbreakers and sun protection. • Cautious Shopping: Ethnic handicrafts are overpriced within the scenic areas. Consider purchasing them at the Altay City Market. Recommended Itinerary (5 Days) • D1: Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Burqin (Five-Colored Beach sunset). • D2: Burqin → Kanas Lake → Fish Viewing Platform → Stay in Kanas. • D3: Hike around the three bays of Kanas → Hemu Village → Stay in Hemu. • D4: Hemu morning mist → Altay City → Birch Forest Park. • D5: Altay → Keketuohai → Return.

The Altay region, located at the northernmost tip of Xinjiang, borders Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. It is renowned for the magnificent Altai Mountains, pristine forests, lakes, and the unique Tuvan culture. Key scenic spots include Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Baihaba Village, and Keketuohai National Geopark. Best Time to Visit • Autumn (mid-September to early October): The forests are ablaze with color, with golden birch trees mirroring the azure lakes—a photographer's paradise. • Winter (December to February): A fairytale world draped in white, a haven for skiing (e.g., General Mountain Ski Resort). • Summer (June to August): A summer retreat, with blooming grasslands ideal for hiking. • Spring (May): As the snow melts and wildflowers bloom, fewer tourists visit during this time. Transportation Guide How to Get There 1. By Air: • Kanas Airport (open during peak season, June to October): Direct flights to Kanas Scenic Area. • Altay Xuedu Airport: Open year-round, transfer from Urumqi, then take a bus to the scenic area (approx. 4 hrs). 2. By Train: Arrive at Beitun City Railway Station, transfer to a bus/charter a car to Altay (approx. 1.5 hrs). 3. By Car: Urumqi to Altay is about an 8-hour drive. You can visit the S21 Desert Highway and Ulungur Lake along the way. Local Transportation • Inter-Scenic Transportation: Shuttle buses are available between Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba (tickets required). Private cars are not allowed to enter the core area during peak season. • Chartering/Carpooling: Flexible and convenient, recommended for 4–6 people. The cost is approximately CNY 500–800 per day. Recommended Itinerary (5–7 Days) Day 1: Arrive in Altay City • General Mountain Ski Resort (winter) or Birch Forest Park (autumn). • Enjoy local Kazakh cuisine for dinner. Hand-pulled lamb and baursaki (fried dough) are recommended. Days 2–3: In-depth Kanas Lake Tour • Kanas Three Bays: Shenxian Bay (morning mist), Yueliang Bay, and Wolong Bay. • Guanyutai: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake and explore the legend of the "lake monster." • Tuvan Villages: Visit local homes and experience Tuvan culture, including the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and khoomei (throat singing). • Hiking/Horseback Riding: Explore the lakeside boardwalk or the Kuailehu (Happy Lake) trail. Day 4: Hemu Village • Sunrise and Morning Mist: Climb to the Harden Platform early in the morning for a breathtaking view of Hemu Village shrouded in mist. • Stroll through the Birch Forest: Golden in autumn like an oil painting, and a fairytale wonderland in winter. • Stargazing: With no light pollution, the Milky Way is clearly visible at night. Day 5: Baihaba Village (the First Village in the Northwest) • China-Kazakhstan Border Scenery: A border defense permit is required in advance (obtainable with your ID card at the Kanas transfer center). • Pristine Village: Wooden houses, cattle, sheep, and snow-capped mountains create a tranquil scene. Day 6: Keketuohai National Geopark • Irtysh River Grand Canyon: Unique rock formations and colorful forests in autumn. • No. 3 Mine: A meritorious mine of the People's Republic of China, learn about the history of rare metal mining. Day 7: Departure or Extended Trip • Optional: Ulungur Lake (winter fishing festival), Wucaitan (sunset Yadan landforms). Must-Try Highlights 1. Kanas Lake Cruise: Experience the changing colors of the lake up close. 2. Horseback Riding through Hemu: From Hemu to Meili Peak, experience the intersection of grassland and forest. 3. Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride (winter): A traditional mode of transportation, gliding through the snowy forests. 4. Tuvan Bonfire Party: Listen to the suling (grass flute) and enjoy the Hei Zou Ma dance. Food Recommendations • Cold Water Fish Feast: Zheluo salmon (large red fish) and pike from Kanas Lake. • Kazakh Cuisine: Beshbarmak (boiled meat and noodles), milk tea, and horse sausage. • Xinjiang Specialties: Baked buns, pilaf, Dapanji (big plate chicken), and Kurt (dried yogurt). Accommodation Recommendations • Hemu/Kanas: Wooden guesthouses within the scenic area are preferred (e.g., Hemu Century-old House) for convenient sunrise and morning mist viewing. • Altay City: Many hotel options in the city center (e.g., Jindu Hotel) offer good value. • Winter Accommodation: Confirm heating availability in advance, as some guesthouses close during winter. Important Notes 1. Documents: Carry your ID card at all times. A border defense permit is required for Baihaba. 2. Temperature Difference: Large temperature differences between day and night. Bring a jacket even in summer, and down jackets and non-slip boots in winter. 3. High-Altitude Sun Protection: Strong UV rays, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. 4. Respect Local Customs: Tuvans and Kazakhs avoid stepping on doorsills. Do not take photos of locals without permission. 5. Environmental Protection: Protect nature, do not litter. Budget Reference (per person) • Transportation: Round-trip airfare/train tickets CNY 2,000–4,000, car rental approximately CNY 300 per day. • Entrance Fees: Kanas + shuttle bus CNY 230, Hemu CNY 102, Keketuohai CNY 126. • Accommodation: Guesthouses CNY 200–600 per night, prices double during peak season. • Food: CNY 80–150 per day. Altay is a land of pristine wilderness and poetic charm. Whether you are chasing autumn colors, exploring winter snow, or immersing yourself in nomadic culture, you will experience the gifts of nature. Check the weather and scenic spot opening information before departure. Have a pleasant trip!

DAY 1 From all over China ➡️ Urumqi DAY 2 Urumqi - S21 Desert Highway - Altay - General Hill Ski Resort Night Skiing - Ski Resort Disco - Altay DAY 3 Altay - Hemu - Tuva Village Hot Pot - Hemu Cabin DAY 4 Hemu - Harden Viewing Platform Sunrise - Jikepulin Hemu Skiing (4 hours on beginner slopes) - Kanas/Baihaba DAY 5 Kanas/Baihaba - Baihaba - Lonely Tree - G219 National Highway - China-Kazakhstan Grand Canyon - Karamay DAY 6 Karamay - Sayram Lake Self-Drive Tour - UTV Snow Off-Road Vehicle - Sayram Lake Scenic Area DAY 7 Sayram Lake - Sayram Lake Sunrise - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Urumqi DAY 8 Urumqi Airport Transfer Goodbye, sunny Xinjiang; goodbye, interesting friends. You won't know how big China is until you visit Xinjiang, and you won't know how beautiful China is until you visit Xinjiang. I've never seen a winter like this, with endless snow-capped mountains and glaciers. We passed through rime-covered forests, experienced the starry nights of Hemu, walked through villages full of cabins, ran through knee-deep snow, saw the misty morning of Kanas, visited the pink Sayram Lake, and encountered white swans swimming in the lake and little foxes foraging in the snow. On this trip, we met a great tour leader. Their professionalism and attentiveness made our trip smoother and more enjoyable. Thank you for accompanying us all the way, and thank you to our travel companions who helped each other along the way. I'm really glad to have met you all and grateful for the encounter. I'll never forget this blue, this vastness and brightness. It's said that if you leave something important or personal in a place, you'll return to that place. I left my sunglasses 🕶️ in Xinjiang, so we'll definitely meet again. Itinerary

This is my 12th year traveling around the world. Autumn has quietly arrived. Over the years, I have seen many places in autumn, such as the gentle beauty of Suzhou and Hongcun in Jiangnan, the grandeur of Beijing and Nanjing, but what I can't forget is the beauty of the Xinjiang wilderness in autumn...🍁🌄 Travel Route 🗺️ Day 1: All over the country - Urumqi ✈️ Arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, and feel the unique charm of this city. Day 2: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - Altay City 🏞️🚗 Tianshan Tianchi: Tianchi in autumn is like a fairyland. The snow on the mountain and the blue color of Tianchi complement each other, plus the orange-yellow leaves, as if you are in a Swiss painting. 📸 Go to Altay City to prepare for the next journey. Day 3: Altay - Ahe Highway - Hemu Centennial Old House - Hemu 🛣️🏡 Ahe Highway: The scenery along the way is beautiful, and the aerial photography of vehicles passing through the yellow forest is shocking. 🚗📷 Hemu: Known as the "God's Land", wake up from the cabin in the morning, go up the mountain to watch the morning mist dissipate, and the cattle and sheep roam freely in the mountains and forests, as if in a fairy tale world. 🏞️🐄 Day 4: Hemu - Kanas - Jiadengyu 🏞️🚗 Kanas: One of the four autumn viewing spots in the motherland, the morning mist and cattle and sheep in the three bays, plus the reflection of the snow-capped mountains and the spruce forest, constitute a beautiful picture. 📸🌄 Day 5: Jiadengyu - Devil City - Karamay 🏰🚗 Devil City: Explore this mysterious land and feel the magic of nature. 🏰 Go to Karamay to experience the unique style of this city. Day 6: Karamay - Sailimu Lake - Sailimu Lake 🌊🚗 Sailimu Lake: The place where Sa Beining said "it's a waste of life if you don't come once". The autumn mountains and the lake of Sailimu Lake are like the sea of Xinjiang, which is refreshing. 🌊🍂 Day 7: Sailimu Lake - Urumqi 🌊🚗 Return to Urumqi from Sailimu Lake and enjoy the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang along the way. Day 8: Urumqi - All over the country ✈️ End the pleasant Xinjiang tour and return to all parts of the country. Recommended check-in points 📸 Tianshan Tianchi: Take a photo of the same style as Switzerland and feel the beauty of Tianchi in autumn. Hemu: Experience the fairy tale world of morning mist and cattle and sheep roaming freely in the mountains and forests. Kanas: Excellent place to enjoy autumn, take pictures of the morning mist in the three bays and the reflection of the snow-capped mountains and the spruce forest. Sailimu Lake: Feel the sea of Xinjiang, take pictures of the autumn mountains and lakes. Ahe Highway: Aerial photography of vehicles passing through the yellow forest, recording the shocking scenery along the way. Travel Tips 💡 Dress: It is recommended to wear light/brilliant clothes, which will make the photos more beautiful. 👗👔 Sun protection: The ultraviolet rays are very strong, so sun protection is very important. 🧴🌞 Transportation: Xinjiang is vast and rich in resources. You have to drive 3-5 hours a day in Northern Xinjiang. It is recommended to plan your itinerary and transportation in advance. 🚗🗺️ Summary 🎉 The beauty of Xinjiang's autumn is unforgettable. From the fairyland of Tianshan Tianchi to the fairy tale world of Hemu, to the beautiful autumn scenery of Kanas and the magnificent lake of Sailimu Lake, every place is refreshing. Pack your bags, follow this guide, and explore the beauty of Xinjiang's wilderness together! 🍂✨🧳

| Hemu Volunteer DAY 30 can meet up when visiting the birch forest. Although it rains from time to time today, the light is not very good, but after all, I will leave the day after tomorrow, so I still have to come and see this birch forest behind the old house for a hundred years that I saw every day but never approached. I this It's really too bad, I can't shoot one tenth of the beauty of the golden birch forest!!! Forget it, the appearance of the birch forest in Hemu in autumn is left in my memory, which is enough~ North Xinjiang Kanas Autumn cat sucking