[2025 Burqin Attraction] Travel Guide for Hemu Observation Deck (Updated Oct)

8-Day Northern Xinjiang-Urumqi Tour: Explore the beautiful scenery and rich culture! With this guide, you can easily explore the pearl of Northern Xinjiang! -------- 🏃 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, enjoy 24-hour airport/station transfer service 🚘, and start your Urumqi City Walk 🚶‍♂️. Day 2: Gurbantunggut Desert -> Karamay Desert Park -> Ulungur Lake Park Cross the desert, explore the park, and enjoy the beauty of nature 🏜️. Day 3: Hemu Scenic Area -> Hemu Grassland -> Birch Forest Area -> Hemu Bridge -> Hemu Aid Bridge Explore Hemu, stroll through the grassland, visit the birch forest, and feel the charm of the bridges 🌳. Day 4: Hemu Viewing Platform -> Kanas Scenic Area -> Kanas Lake Climb the viewing platform, overlook Kanas, and enjoy the beauty of the lake and mountains 🏞️. Day 5: World Devil City -> World Devil City - Sphinx -> Tianma Changxiao -> Father of the Earth Explore Devil City, admire the unique landforms, and feel the magic of nature 🌍. Day 6: Sayram Lake -> Sayram Lake Point General Platform -> Moon Bay -> Kele Yongzhu -> West Sea Grassland Tour around Sayram Lake, enjoy the lake and mountains, and experience the grassland style 🌊. Day 7: Tianshan Tianchi -> Dinghai Shenzhen Visit Tianshan Tianchi and find the legendary story of Dinghai Shenzhen 🏔️. Day 8: Disband in Urumqi, airport/station transfer service provided 🛫, looking forward to seeing you again! -------- 🎒 Travel Preparation: Northern Xinjiang-Urumqi Travel Essentials 🧥 Clothing: Down jacket, thermal underwear, thick socks, cold and windproof, keep warm. 🎩 Accessories: Warm hat, scarf, gloves, ear protection and frostbite protection, stylish and practical. 💳 Documents: ID card, passport, driver's license, travel essentials, smooth journey. 🧴 Skincare: Sunscreen, lip balm, hand cream, moisturizing and anti-dryness, beautiful travel. 🔋 Others: Power bank, multi-function power socket, charge anytime, no power outage. This is the Northern Xinjiang-Urumqi travel essentials I prepared for you! Remember to add or remove items according to your needs, and have a nice trip! -------- Come to Urumqi and feel the unique charm of this city. Don't forget to leave your footprints and good memories!

6-day tour of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, a perfect combination of beautiful scenery and culture! Don't miss this amazing itinerary and experience the unique charm of Northwest China! / 🛣️Itinerary DAY 1: Tianshan Tianchi Lake Visit the mysterious Tianshan Tianchi Lake and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature. DAY 2: Kanas Scenic Area -> Kanas Lake -> Kanas Three Bays -> Kanas River Viewing Platform Immerse yourself in the fairyland of Kanas and discover the secrets of nature in the beautiful scenery. DAY 3: Hemu Scenic Area -> Hemu Viewing Platform Climb up to the Hemu Viewing Platform and overlook the whole view of Hemu Village to feel the charm of the primitive village. DAY 4: Hemu Morning Mist - Hemu Trip Moments (provided) - Populus euphratica Forest City/Kuitun Wake up in the morning mist of Hemu, capture beautiful moments, and then head to Populus euphratica Forest City or Kuitun. DAY 5: Sayram Lake -> Sayram Lake Point General Platform Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sayram Lake and look back at the vicissitudes of history on the Point General Platform. DAY 6: Dushanzi Grand Canyon Explore the Dushanzi Grand Canyon and marvel at the wonders of nature. / Some tips: 🥇Specialty Prices: Changji's specialties such as potato vermicelli and chickpeas are worth buying, but remember to compare prices. 🍽️Food Recommendations: Don't miss the local specialties in Changji, such as roasted whole lamb and hand pilaf, a paradise for foodies! ✈️Airport Transportation: You can take the airport bus, drive, or take a taxi to Urumqi International Airport, which is convenient and fast. 📸Photo Spots: Laolong River Populus euphratica Forest and Jiangbulake are beautiful photo spots, so don't forget to take beautiful photos! 🔔Note: The climate in Changji varies greatly, so remember to check the weather forecast and prepare clothes. / ✨Don't forget to like and save this itinerary to easily explore Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and start your dream trip!

Snow mountains, log cabins, birch forests, forests, starry skies... We found all the scenes in the fairy tale world here. We have always heard how beautiful it is in autumn, but we didn't expect it to be more dreamy in winter. When we saw the morning mist by the lake, the cooking smoke, the log cabin, the snow mountain, and the lake, no adjective was enough to describe our inner excitement. By the way, when we picked up the snow, we found that the snow was powder snow, which was crystal clear under the sun. 🔸【Preparation before departure】 Like most people in the south, when preparing to leave, the first thing we think of is what we need to prepare. When we arrived here, we didn't feel as cold as we imagined, but keeping warm is still very important. 1. Basic items: Thick down jacket (preferably long, warmer), warm underwear + thick sweater inside, if you want to take pictures in a skirt, you must wear very thick leggings, shoes must be non-slip, we saw many people slip on the road. 2. Warm items: Warm baby (can be brought on the plane), gloves, ear protection, hat. 3. Other items: Various medicines for prevention (such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, trauma, because there are not many shops in the far northwest). 🔸【Attraction Experience】 The whole village, we feel quite large to walk around, there are various literary and artistic shops, gourmet shops, coffee shops, etc., all very interesting. When sitting inside the house drinking something, looking at the snow scene outside, it's too cozy. In the early morning, we slowly walked from Hemu Bridge to the viewing platform, and also saw the birch forest along the way. Every angle is so beautiful. We also saw that you can experience horse riding, playing in the snow, and renting local costumes here. 1. Fun: Log cabins, horse riding, playing in the snow, skiing, travel shooting, etc. 2. Food: We ate local mutton, dog water fish, all local specialties. 🔸【Attraction】 Hemu Village 🔸【Tips】 1. When entering Northern Xinjiang, you must pay attention to safety. You need to find someone who is familiar with the road to drive in. In the shadow of the valley, the sun can't reach, and the road is full of hard ice and snow. You need a 4WD car and a car with snow tires. 2. Hemu is quite large, there are many fun things to do, and now it is winter, it is possible to encounter road restrictions due to weather (heavy snow, etc.), it is recommended to choose a few more days. This time due to weather reasons and road restrictions, some time was delayed, which resulted in not experiencing the travel shooting in ethnic costumes, a little regretful.

If I could only choose one place to see snow in winter, Xinjiang would definitely be my answer! Powder snow, Christmas trees, log cabins, morning mist, and endless snow-capped mountains are so healing! ✔️Route: Burqin Airport/Kanas Airport (outbound) - Hemu - Kanas - Baihaba Village - Burqin (return) If you want to visit Xinjiang in winter, you should definitely go to the Altay region. If you follow this itinerary, 4-5 days will be enough, not counting the flight time. There are no shuttle buses in these scenic spots in winter, so you must drive yourself Gramineae Hemu Observation Deck is very beautiful! You can overlook the whole village, and it is recommended to go at sunrise or sunset. It only takes 20 minutes to walk from Hemu Village to the viewing platform even in winter, and 10 minutes in summer. Kanas Kanas Lake does not freeze even in winter. The green water rolls between the snow-covered banks, which is very beautiful. There is also a super giant Christmas tree! The three bays of Kanas are Shenxian Bay (where you can take photos of the morning fog), Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. If you have enough time, you can hike to visit them. Baihaba Village A relatively primitive village You must apply for a border pass before you can pass! You can do it when you pass by Kanas.

🌄 Hemujie Divine-Level Sunrise! Aid Xinjiang Bridge Stunning Morning Light + Secret Hiking Guide —— 【Must-Go Reasons】 Heavenly filter loading! Morning fog + wooden houses + snow-capped mountains = 360° flawless wallpaper Unlock the hidden version of Hemujie with a niche hiking trail! —— 📍Location: Hemujie Scenic Area, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture 🚗 Transportation Tips: 1. Fly from Urumqi to Altay City, then carpool 3 hours directly to Hemujie Village 2. Scenic area ticket 102 RMB includes shuttle bus, first bus at 6 AM —— 🔥 Walking Route: 1⃣️ 5:30 Occupy a spot at Aid Xinjiang Bridge Bring a tripod for the sunrise! The stream under the bridge creates stunning morning fog reflections. The moment at 6:30 when golden sunlight covers the wooden houses is always worth it. 2⃣️ 8:00 Harden Platform Hike 20 minutes to the top for a god’s-eye view of Hemujie Village panorama. Remember to wear non-slip shoes! The wooden plank path is frosty and very slippery. 3⃣️ 10:00 Kesh Ashk Valley A secret spot only locals know! Walk 3 km along the horse trail beside Aid Xinjiang Bridge, encounter dandelion meadows + crystal blue streams, and a high chance to spot a little fox. —— 📸 Divine Photo Spots: 1. River beach 50 meters downstream from Aid Xinjiang Bridge (best spot for morning fog shots) 2. Dead tree branches in Kesh Ashk Valley (top choice for Instagram-style photos) —— ⚠️ Pitfall Prevention Guide: • Wear down jackets after September! Temperatures near zero at dawn • Village prices double, recommend bringing your own snacks • No signal on hiking trails, download offline maps in advance

🌾 Autumn in Kanas, known as the "God's Backyard," is a top-tier feast of autumn colors in China. It only looks its best for about 25 days a year (usually from late September to mid-October). The golden birch forests, emerald lakes, morning mist, and smoke rising from village chimneys together create a richly colorful painting. I have prepared a detailed Kanas autumn travel guide for you, hoping to help you fully enjoy this season in Kanas. ✨ Highlights of the Trip · Encounter a Nordic-style secret realm: Kanas is known as the "God's Backyard" and is the pinnacle of autumn colors in Xinjiang. Here, the Siberian taiga meets the Altai Mountains, forming vertically distributed landscape zones. Golden forests, turquoise waters, and snow-capped wooden cabins create a legendary autumn scene. · Capture the symphony of morning mist and smoke: At Fairy Bay, watch the morning mist dance lightly over the lake like flowing silk; in Hemu Village, see smoke rising from Tuva wooden houses blending with the mist, swirling above the golden birch forest in a fairy-tale scene. · Climb high for panoramic views: Ascend the 1,068 steps of Guanyu Terrace to overlook the entire Kanas Lake. The lake surface shines deep blue-green under the sun, like liquid gemstones. · Deeply experience Tuva culture: Visit the most beautiful Tuva village in China, feel the primitive and simple ethnic culture, taste local specialties, and listen to the sound of the Chuwuer flute. 🧳 Preparation Before Travel · Best travel time: September 20 to October 10 is the peak period for Kanas autumn colors, lasting about 25 days a year, with a short peak for yellow leaves. · Weather and clothing: Autumn in Kanas has a large temperature difference, reaching 15°C during the day and possibly dropping to -5°C at night. · Recommended "onion-style" dressing: Prepare short sleeves + fleece + windbreaker/thin down jacket. · Wear comfortable waterproof hiking shoes suitable for extensive walking. · Don’t forget rain gear (mountain weather changes rapidly) and sun protection (strong UV rays). · Transportation: · Airplane: Direct flights to Kanas Airport (3 flights daily), then take a 30-minute scenic shuttle bus to the visitor center. · Train + transfer: Take the night train (Z9578) from Urumqi to Altay Station, then carpool to Burqin Bus Station, and transfer to the scenic area shuttle. · Self-driving: From Urumqi, drive north along G216 (about 10 hours). Private cars must park at Jiadenyu multi-story parking lot (30 RMB/day) and transfer to the scenic shuttle. · Ticket booking: · Kanas Scenic Area implements flow control; tickets must be booked in advance on the official "Kanas Original Travel Network" platform. · Ticket prices: First entry to Kanas 230 RMB/person (ticket 160 + shuttle 70); second entry 270 RMB/person; Hemu Scenic Area 102 RMB/person; Baihaba Scenic Area 75 RMB/person. · Consider purchasing the all-area pass for 375 RMB/person, including tickets and shuttles for Kanas + Baihaba + Hemu and Guanyu Terrace. 🗺 Classic Five-Day Autumn Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi → Burqin · Morning/Afternoon: After arriving in Urumqi, rent a car or take a long-distance bus to Burqin (about 7-8 hours). · Evening: After arriving in Burqin, visit the Five-Color Beach and watch the rock layers reflect golden light at magical moments. · Night: Explore Burqin night market, try kvass and grilled dogfish (about 50 RMB per person). Accommodation options include Burqin Fairy Tale Hotel (200+ RMB/night) or other Burqin hotels. Day 2: Burqin → Kanas Lake → Guanyu Terrace · Morning: Depart Burqin at 7:30 to Kanas, try to avoid crowds. · Morning: After arriving at Kanas Scenic Area, check in first, then hike around Kanas Lake and enjoy feeding wild ducks. · Afternoon: Climb Guanyu Terrace (1,068 steps), take off-peak photos of Moon Bay’s S-curve after 4 PM. · Night: Stay in wooden cabins in old or new Kanas villages (new village recommended for quieter environment). Day 3: Morning Mist at Fairy Bay → Moon Bay Hike → Hemu Village · Early morning: Head to Fairy Bay by 6:30 to capture the morning mist (staying in the scenic area is necessary to catch the first shuttle). · Morning: Hike along the boardwalk connecting Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay to deeply experience Kanas’s essence. · Afternoon: Private car for 1.5 hours directly to Hemu Village (faster than shuttle). · Night: Stay in a wooden cabin in Hemu Village, experience Tuva culture, and enjoy the tranquility under the starry sky. Day 4: Morning Mist in Hemu Village → Free Exploration → Baihaba Village · Early morning: Climb to Harden Platform between 6-7 AM to photograph Hemu Village’s morning mist, smoke, and sunrise blending. · Morning: Free exploration in Hemu Village, drink milk tea under birch trees, visit Tuva wooden houses. · Afternoon: Head to Baihaba Village (border permit required), feel the tranquility of the northwest’s first village, and admire the unique scenery of the China-Kazakhstan border. · Night: Return to Kanas or Hemu for accommodation. Day 5: Return or Extended Trip · Return to Urumqi according to your plan, or continue exploring nearby attractions like the Devil City Yardang landforms. · If time allows, consider visiting Sayram Lake (often foggy in autumn, like floating fairy mist). 🍜 Recommended Local Delicacies Autumn in Kanas also offers a unique taste experience: · Burqin Grilled Dogfish: A cold-water fish unique to Kanas, crispy skin and tender meat, a local signature dish. · Hand-pulled Lamb: Fresh lamb stew paired with piyazi (onion) to cut the grease, accompanied by a cup of brick tea, excellent flavor. · Kazakh Milk Tea: Salty and rich, paired with baursak (fried dough), a classic local breakfast or afternoon tea. · Hemu Hot Pot: Lamb broth with local wild mushrooms, warming and comforting, perfect for cold autumn days. 💎 Practical Tips · Avoid crowds: Kanas autumn peak sees many tourists; take the first shuttle at 8 AM to avoid crowds. · Border permit: If planning to visit Baihaba Village, apply for a border permit in advance. It can be obtained for free at your local police station or on-site at Burqin Government Service Center (ID card required). · Photography tips: · Best shooting times: Early morning and evening are golden hours for photographing Kanas autumn scenery, with soft light that better shows autumn layers. · Equipment suggestions: Bring a DSLR/mirrorless camera with wide-angle lens (for panoramas), telephoto lens (for details); polarizing filter (for lake reflections), tripod (for mist and night shots). · Accommodation suggestions: · Scenic area lodging: Prefer wooden cabins in Hemu or Kanas for window views, but prices are high; book 1-2 months in advance. · Burqin lodging: Cost-effective choice with many hotels and guesthouses, concentrated food options, and convenient transportation. · Budget reference (per person/day): · Economy: 500-700 RMB (budget hotel + snacks + public transport + some tickets) · Comfortable: 800-1500 RMB (quality guesthouse/hotel + meals + private car/self-drive + tickets and experiences) · Notes: · Kanas has little light pollution; the night sky is brilliant. Try star photography (bring a tripod). · Some areas in the scenic zone have weak signals, especially Hemu and Baihaba villages; carry some cash (some areas have no signal). · Respect local Tuva customs: don’t step on door thresholds casually, don’t refuse host toasts (a lip touch shows respect). Autumn in Kanas is a brief yet brilliant natural miracle, a palette spilled by the gods. Whether it’s the misty lake, the golden birch forests, or the smoke curling from Tuva villages, you will encounter an unforgettable autumn secret realm journey. This guide hopes to help you better explore this land and gain unforgettable golden autumn memories. Wishing you a pleasant trip!

🍂🍁Help! Who is spying on Altay’s 20 days?!🍁🍂 — Autumn here doesn’t just “arrive,” it crashes onto the earth with a bang! 🌈 Clickbait Alert “Only 20 days! Autumn at 48°N spills the entire palette, humans can only kneel and screenshot” 📅 Time Magic 9.20-10.10⚡️ Limited to 20 days! Miss it and wait a whole year! 🌡️ Daytime 15℃ → Night -5℃, travel through summer and winter in one day, wear down jackets in the morning and gauze in the afternoon, at night gather around the fire eating Hami melon🍈 👗 OOTD Curious Outfits Windbreaker + wool hat + thin down jacket, take photos for three seconds, strip off in five seconds, shivering while shooting, freezing to the point your emoji face is a masterpiece vibe!📸 📍 Check-in Spots · A Little Secret 1️⃣ Kanas Three Bays 🌫️ Fairy Bay 06:00 The fog adds its own filter, like a layer of blue-green glaze buff on the lake surface 🌙 Moon Bay 12:00 Walk 200 meters downstream, no one there! Turn the S-shaped river into your phone wallpaper 🔍 Hidden Easter Egg: Pick up a piece of shattered white birch reflection, it can be your autumn-exclusive screensaver 2️⃣ Hemu Village 🐑 07:00 Harden Platform, morning mist + cooking smoke + Tuva wooden houses, one click to generate a fairy tale template 🎵 By the campfire at night, when the Chuer dance and morin khuur start playing, even the stars begin to keep the beat✨ 🚶‍♀️ 18km hike to Little Black Lake, bump into thousands of sheep halfway, the copper bell background music comes with 3D surround sound, crushed fallen leaves are free drum beats 3️⃣ Irtysh River Valley The river surface directly copies the sky into golden yellow, toss a stone in, autumn’s echo is “ding dong~”🔔 4️⃣ Koktokay Canyon + colorful forest + snow mountain, a little yellow in September, in October it’s “golden” to the point of glowing, in the next 30 days it will turn into a giant golden mine🏆 📸 Photography Extras 🎥 Wide angle 16-35mm: swallow the morning fog whole into the lens 🔭 Telephoto 70-200mm: pick a fingerprint of autumn on the high ridge 🕶️ Polarizer: instantly remove water surface reflections, making reflections look photoshopped 🧎‍♂️ Low angle + water surface: shoot “two autumns, up and down,” and someone in your circle will immediately ask, “Is this AI?” 🚗 Transport · Accommodation · Survival Guide ✈️ Fly to Urumqi → charter a car 5h rushing into Altay, passing from desert to colorful forest, your eyes get an SPA 🏡 Hemu wooden houses! Book in advance! If not, you’ll have to compete with the sheep for grass nests🐑 🍖 Village milk tea + Baursak, calorie bombs directly counter the subzero blast, eat and instantly recover 100% ⚠️ Last sentence In these 20 days, the earth secretly tells Altay its hidden golden code Don’t go now? Autumn will “shoo” shut down, and won’t restart until next year!

🌾✨Golden Strike! 8 Days 7 Nights Altay Autumn Photography Full Guide｜National Geographic Style + Wild Luxury Party🔥 💎God’s spilled palette! Small group of 6 crossing S21 Desert Highway + Ahe Highway, unlocking Kanas golden forest + Sayram Lake blue hour— 🚐【Itinerary Highlights】 ▪️8 days 7 nights pure play small group! Maximum 6 people, each with a window seat ▪️VIP access! Skip the line at Kanas for 1.5 hours, shoot morning mist during golden hours ▪️Wild luxury experience! Hemu BBQ party + Sayram Lake sunset hotpot, listen to folk songs under the starry sky 🏔️【Daily Highlights】 D2 Desert Highway Crossing ▪️S21 no-man’s land! Shoot "Lonely Road" in a red dress, sunset cable car + alpine cinema D3 Ahe Highway Secret Realm ▪️Tongba Forest! Birch leaf rain + Tolehait Grassland, drone aerial of "golden waves" D4 Hemu Travel Photography Strike ▪️Morning mist watch! Harden platform shooting "smoke curling," wild luxury BBQ + bonfire party D5 Kanas Lake Stroll ▪️Light hiking! Lakeside boardwalk shooting "golden reflection," encounter a little fox D6 Sayram Lake Sunset Party ▪️360° lake driving! S-curve aerial shot "road blockbuster," hotpot party + lakeside concert D7 Second Visit to Sayram Lake ▪️Free stroll! Swan companions + blue ice wonder, shoot "Atlantic Tears"

Spilled palette 🎨, China's last pure land ✨, reaching its peak beauty in September 🔥 Kanas, meaning "beautiful and mysterious lake" in Mongolian, is located on Provincial Road 232 (S232) in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is known as the "God's Reserved Land." Here, glaciers, snowfields, mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, and grasslands come together. Every autumn, it becomes a palette spilled by God, with golden birch forests, azure lakes, and towering snow-capped mountains forming a breathtaking painting. ✨ Best Travel Time Mid-September to early October each year (best autumn colors) Opening Hours: May 1 - Oct 15: 08:00-20:00 Oct 16 - Apr 30 (next year): 10:00-18:00 Tickets 🎫: 230 RMB/person 📌 Complete Transportation Guide 🚩 For Flyers: ✈️ Direct flights to Kanas Airport (3 flights daily) Arrival → Scenic area shuttle bus 30 min direct to Visitor Center Early flights recommended to avoid fog ☁️ 🚩 For Train Travelers: 🚂 Urumqi night train Z9578 (departs 21:40) → Carpool from Altay Station 50 RMB/person (2h) → Bus transfer at Burqin Bus Station 🚌 to scenic area direct bus 100 RMB/person (3h) 🚩 For Self-Drivers: 🚗 From Urumqi via G216 (10h) Note ❗️ Speed limit 60 km/h on Burqin-Jiadengyu section Parking fee 🅿️: 30 RMB/day (Jiadengyu multi-story parking lot) 🗓️ 3-Day Essential Itinerary ✨Day 1: First Encounter with Northern Xinjiang✨ ⏰ Afternoon: Arrive in Burqin 🌅 Evening: Colorful Beach sunset viewing (ticket 45 RMB) Magical moment watching rock layers reflect golden light ✨ 🌃 Night: Visit night market, try kvass + grilled dogfish (about 50 RMB/person) 🏨 Stay: Burqin Fairy Tale Hotel (200+ RMB/night) ✨Day 2: Wonderland Kanas✨ 🌄 Morning: Depart at 7:30 to avoid crowds 🌊 Morning: Hike around Kanas Lake (feeding wild ducks 🦆 is super fun) ⛰️ Afternoon: Climb Guanyu Terrace (1068 steps) After 4 PM, take off-peak photos of Moon Bay S-curve 📸 🌌 Night: Stay in Kanas Old Village/New Village (New Village recommended for quieter stay) ✨Day 3: Dreamy Hemu✨ 🌫️ Early morning: 6:30 capture morning mist at Fairy Bay (must stay in scenic area to catch first shuttle) 🚐 Morning: Private car 1.5h direct to Hemu Village (faster than shuttle) ☕ Afternoon: Drink milk tea under birch trees / visit Tuva wooden houses 🌆 Dusk: Watch cooking smoke rise from Harden Platform (absolutely beautiful!) 🌠 Night: Sleep in Hemu wooden cabin (fall asleep to the sound of the stream 💫) 💯 Must-Visit TOP 5 1️⃣ Three Bays PLUS: · Fairy Bay (6:30 Tyndall effect is amazing!) · Moon Bay (S-curve must-photograph spot) · Wolong Bay (Dinosaur Island is adorable 🦕) 2️⃣ Kanas Lake Boat Tour (120 RMB/person) Search for the mysterious "lake monster" 👀 3️⃣ Guanyu Terrace (climb to see sea of clouds wonderland ☁️) Remember to wear comfortable shoes 👟 1068 steps! 4️⃣ Hemu Village (China’s most beautiful village 🏡) Watch cooking smoke at Harden Platform at dusk 🌄 5️⃣ Baihaba Village (border permit required) Experience the tranquility of Northwest’s first village 🍃 🏡 Accommodation Guide 📍 Jiadengyu: Kanas Folk Custom Park Mongolian yurts/star rooms with unique charm ✨ 📍 Kanas New Village: Sanbai Homestay Smart home + wooden cabin experience 🌲 📍 Hemu Village: Hemu Mountain Villa Garden-style wooden cabins, very healing 💐 🍖 Foodie Must-Try · Burqin Night Market: Kvass + grilled dogfish forever the best! · Hemu Earth Hotpot: Lamb so fresh it explodes with flavor 💥 · Baorsak: Local breakfast for 5 RMB, very filling · Beef mixed noodles: Satisfying even inside the scenic area 😋 💡 Super Practical Tips 🧥 Clothing: Onion-style layering! T-shirt + fleece + windbreaker (Daytime 24°C, night possibly 0°C ❄️) 🧳 Essentials: Sunscreen + sunglasses + motion sickness medicine + stomach medicine 💸 Money-saving Tips: ✈️ Book Urumqi flights 15 days in advance to save half 🎫 Buy combo ticket: Kanas + Hemu + Baihaba 375 RMB 🚗 Carpool for 4 is most cost-effective (Burqin-Hemu 600 RMB/car) 📸 Photography Tips 👗 Outfit: White/red/blue stand out best against golden background 📷 Equipment: · Bring telephoto lens for Fairy Bay · Use wide-angle for Guanyu Terrace ⏰ Golden hours: Early morning and evening light is softest Save this guide and start your golden fairy tale journey in Northern Xinjiang! 🌟

Just got back from Nalati and can't help but recommend! September in Xinjiang's Kanas is like a cheat code—golden birch forests, emerald lakes, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands all in one frame. Every snap looks like a Nordic masterpiece 📸 The best part? Fewer people and cheap tickets. Quickly save this tried-and-true guide with no regrets! 📍 Itinerary Highlights (Compact but not tiring) Day 1: Various places → Urumqi → Burqin (Must stop for transfer!) • ✈️ Transport: Flight from Urumqi to Burqin Kanas Airport (1.5h) or take the train and sleep overnight to save time • 🌅 Rush to Five-Color Beach at dusk! About 20 minutes after sunset (around 7:00 PM), the rock layers reflect golden light so stunning it takes your breath away (45 RMB ticket totally worth it!) • 🏨 Accommodation: Burqin small town fairy-tale hotel (200+ RMB/night, perfect for Russian-style photos) Day 2: Burqin → Kanas Core Scenic Area (Start at 7:30 AM to avoid tour groups) • ✅ Must-do list: ➊ Hike Kanas Lake (shuttle bus direct): Walk 30 minutes on the boardwalk to the lake center, bring bread to feed the water birds 🐦, super healing scene! ➋ Climb to the top of Fish Viewing Platform (ticket 20 RMB extra): Slowly climb 1,068 steps, the summit view is explosive—sea of clouds, blue lake, and golden pines all in one frame! (Best morning light for photos) ➌ Hidden gem: After 4 PM, go off-peak to Three Bays, soft light makes Moon Bay’s S-curve breathtaking Day 3: Morning mist at Fairy Bay → Relax in Hemu Village • 🌄 Get up at 6:30 AM and rush to Fairy Bay! Morning mist shrouds it like a fairyland (only possible if staying inside the scenic area to catch the first shuttle) • 🚗 Private car 1.5h to Hemu Village (faster than shuttle), drink milk tea under birch trees, visit Tuva wooden houses, climb Harden Platform at dusk to watch village smoke rise 🍜 Foodie Radar • Burqin night market’s kvass + grilled dogfish is insanely fresh (50 RMB per person fills you up) • Hemu Village’s local hotpot warms the stomach! Tender lamb with no gamey taste (80 RMB per person) • Hidden treat: Milk tea with baursak (fried dough bread), local breakfast staple, 5 RMB fills you up ⚠️ Hard-earned Tips 1. Huge temperature difference day and night! Dress in layers: T-shirt + windbreaker/thin down jacket (24°C daytime, near 0°C at night) 2. Book accommodation inside the scenic area early! Recommend Hemu Return Village homestay (heating + floor-to-ceiling windows for stargazing 🌌) 3. Wear comfortable shoes! Average daily walking 15,000+ steps with many mountain paths 4. Bring cash! Some areas have weak signal (China Mobile signal is best) 💰 Money-saving Tips • Book flights 15 days in advance, round trip to Urumqi 1500+ RMB (half the price of direct flights) • Ticket combo is more cost-effective: Kanas + Hemu + Baihaba joint ticket 375 RMB (valid for 2 days) • Carpool with 4 people for best deal (Burqin-Hemu one way about 600 RMB/car) 📸 Photo Tips • Best outfit colors: white/red/blue! Stand out against golden backgrounds • Use telephoto lens for morning mist layers, afternoon is best for soft portrait lighting • Wide-angle lens essential for Fish Viewing Platform, use phone live mode at Rainbow Beach to capture flowing light and shadow September is truly the legendary season for Kanas! Ladies, just go for it, any other questions see you in the comments 👉

When the first snow of the Altai Mountains kisses the glassy sea of Kanas, and the poplars of the Taklamakan Desert ignite the golden flames of the desert, Xinjiang's autumn is staging an epic color revolution grander than The Lord of the Rings! Starting September 20, this vast land covering 1/6 of China will transform into a divine palette accidentally spilled by the gods✨ 🔥 Three Ultimate Autumn Color Matrices 🔥 ❶ 【Northern Xinjiang Secret Realm · God's Palette】 🍂 Kanas Three Bays Illusion ▫️ Fairy Bay Morning Mist: Angel wing cloud waterfall appears precisely daily from 7:12 to 7:35 ▫️ Moon Bay God's Perspective: Drone flights through the golden archway open for a limited time ▫️ Wolong Bay Mirror Reflection: Capture the underwater forest’s otherworldly scene at 4 PM 🍂 Hemu Village Magical Moments ▪️ Climb Harden Platform: Photograph fairy-tale cabins wrapped in smoke and morning mist ▪️ Horseback Explore Beautiful Peak: Pass through golden tunnels of birch forests ▪️ Starry Yurt Night Talk: At 3 AM, the Milky Way vertically blankets the village ❷ 【Southern Xinjiang Fiery Splendor · Desert Golden Armor】 🍁 Tarim Poplar Forest 🔸 Water Poplar Wonder: Glide over the emerald riverbed edged in gold by hang glider 🔸 Millennium Tree King Ceremony: Poplar leaves shimmer with iridescence at sunset 🍁 Pamir Light-Chasing Plan ▪️ Muztagh Ata Peak: Glacier reflects apricot-yellow meadows in cosmic symmetry ▪️ Tasha Ancient Road: Off-road vehicles burst through the red leaf canyon for explosive visuals ❸ 【Eastern Xinjiang Illusion · Colorful Hills Mars Chronicles】 🔶 Kumtag Desert ▫️ Golden Camel Caravan Silhouettes: Silk Road crossing sand ridges at sunset glow ▫️ Starry Camping Plan: Sleep under the star river in meteor crater-like sand pits 🔶 Jiangbulak Wheat Waves ▪️ Crop Circle Art: Giant wheat stacks form land art collages ▪️ Shepherd’s Sunset: Herding sheep across rainbow hills 🎬 Epic Experience Scenes ▫️ Stay in Hemu’s Oil Painting Frame: Open windows to birch forests and snow-capped mountains in one view ▫️ Drive Tank 300 through Sand: Carve perfect arcs in the Taklamakan Desert ▫️ Learn Tuvan Throat Singing: Awaken mysterious echoes on Kanas Lake ▫️ Pamir Yak Feast: Eat stone-baked naan at the glacier’s foot 📸 Divine Photo Guide ✅ Kanas Shooting Spots: Use polarizing filter to eliminate lake glare and capture forest beneath ✅ Poplar Forest Timing: Shoot golden leaves with backlight one hour before sunset ✅ Gear List: Telephoto lens (70-200mm essential) + drone (simplified registration process) 🚁 Exclusive Privileges September 25 - October 15 Hemu helicopter tours open (best panoramic view) Tarim Poplar Forest night starlight boardwalk open (only spot to shoot starry poplars) ⚠️ Mind-Blowing Truths ▪️ Xinjiang autumn has 14 hours of daylight daily (3 hours more shooting time than Tibet) ▪️ Kanas Lake water is not blue but milky glassy color (due to mineral suspension) ▪️ Poplar leaves change yellow, orange, red, purple in sequence (one tree shows rainbow gradient) 🌠 A color pilgrimage you must make in this lifetime! Miss it and wait for another ice age (real geological cycle)

If you don’t go to Kanas, you simply don’t understand what the miracle of autumn means > 🍁 Best season: September 20 - October 15 (miss it and wait another year) > 🕐 Recommended duration: 5 days 4 nights > 💰 Budget per person: ¥4500-6500 (including airfare) > 📍 Core experiences: Morning mist in Hemu, horseback riding, stargazing camping, overlooking Heavenly Lake from the Eye of God --- 🌫️ 1. Why is Kanas the "Top Autumn Destination in China"? Have you ever seen a scene like this— Morning mist flowing like milk through the valley, Smoke curling from wooden houses, Golden larch forests covering the hillsides, A horse slowly walking by, Its hooves startling a flock of birds into flight. This is not the Middle-earth from the movie "The Lord of the Rings," This is Kanas, Xinjiang, A real "God’s backyard." Every year, only for a brief 20 days, It’s as if God takes a golden brush And paints the entire Altai Mountains into a fairy tale. Miss it, and you have to wait 365 days. --- 🗺️ 2. 5 Days 4 Nights In-Depth Itinerary Day 1: Fly to Urumqi → Transfer to Altay → Overnight in Burqin - ✈️ Recommend taking an early flight, arriving by evening - 🏡 Stay: Burqin’s distinctive Russian-style cabins (recommended "Birch Forest Homestay") - 🍜 Must-try: Irtysh River cold-water fish, Kvass drink Day 2: Burqin → Kanas Scenic Area (4-hour drive) → Stay in New Village/Old Village - 🚐 Take the scenic area shuttle bus, colorful forests along the way like an oil painting - 🌲 Must-do: - Climb the Fish Viewing Platform: overlook the entire Kanas Lake, resembling a giant green dragon - Stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, listen to the pine waves and lake whispers - 🏘️ Stay: Kanas Old Village wooden cabin (private and quiet) or New Village (better facilities) Day 3: Early morning departure → Hemu Village (China’s most beautiful village) - 🌅 Wake up at 6:00, capture photos of wooden houses and smoke in the morning mist - 🐎 Must experience: horseback riding through the birch forest to Harden Platform for a panoramic village view - 📸 Photo spots: - Small bridges and flowing water in the morning light - Tuva elders in ethnic costumes - Golden rooftops at sunset - 🏡 Stay: Hemu century-old wooden house homestay (snow-capped mountains visible from the window) Day 4: Baihaba Village (border secret spot) day trip - 🚪 Border permit required in advance (can be obtained in Burqin or Kanas) - 🌄 This is China’s westernmost point, separated from Kazakhstan by only a river - 🍂 Autumn colors are wilder here, with very few people, almost like a private tour - 🐄 Experience: visit Tuva families, drink milk tea, listen to the Chuur flute Day 5: Return → Altay → Fly back to Urumqi - 🎁 Souvenir recommendations: - Tuva handmade wood carvings - Altai honey - Ethnic embroidered small bags --- 💡 3. Nine Travel Pitfalls & Mistakes (90% of people have made these!) 1. ❌ Think you can see golden colors in early September? ✅ Actually, the best period starts at the end of September; early visits only see green! 2. ❌ Want to stay in cheap hotels outside the scenic area? ✅ Wrong! You must stay inside the scenic area, or you’ll waste 3 extra hours daily queuing to enter! 3. ❌ Can you drive directly to the core area? ✅ No! Private cars can only reach Jiaden Valley; you must transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus. 4. ❌ Wear high heels or leather shoes to Hemu? ✅ Ruins the experience! The village has wooden paths and steps; hiking shoes are a must. 5. ❌ Not bringing a jacket at night? ✅ Midnight temperatures drop to -5°C; down jacket + hat + gloves are essential. 6. ❌ Didn’t book accommodation in advance? ✅ Peak season rooms sell out a month ahead, especially old houses in Hemu! 7. ❌ Only visit Kanas Lake, skip Hemu? ✅ Like eating hotpot without the meat! Hemu is the soul of the trip. 8. ❌ Visit Fish Viewing Platform only during the day? ✅ Wrong! Afternoon light is backlit; early morning or dusk is the best time for photos. 9. ❌ Try to go to Baihaba without a border permit? ✅ You’ll be stopped at the gate, no tears will help! Prepare 7 days in advance. --- 📸 4. Photo Tips (Make your social media explode with likes) - Outfit suggestions: red dress, camel coat, ethnic-style scarf (contrasting with golden forest) - Best shooting times: - Hemu: 5:30-7:30 (peak morning mist) - Kanas Lake: 18:00-19:30 (golden sunset) - Must-capture shots: - Back view walking toward wooden houses in the mist - Tossing fallen leaves overhead (slow motion) - Horseback riding through forest trails (drone perspective) --- ✈️ 5. Transportation & Budget Reference (suitable for corporate, family, solo travelers) | Item | Cost (per person) | |------|------------------| | Round-trip airfare (from major cities) | ¥2800-3800 | | Scenic area tickets + shuttle bus | ¥400 | | Accommodation (4 nights) | ¥1200-1800 | | Meals + horseback riding + local transport | ¥800 | | Total | ¥4500-6500 | --- ❤️ Final Words: Some Sceneries Must Be Experienced Once in a Lifetime In Kanas, you will understand— why some people are willing to fly 4,000 kilometers, just to see a morning mist, hear the pine waves, and wait for a ray of sunlight to pierce through the golden forest. This is not just a trip, it’s an autumn redemption for the soul.

🌾 Xinjiang's Dual Autumn Charm｜Northern Xinjiang's Fairy Tale World VS Southern Xinjiang's Cultural Secrets 🏜️ ✨【Exclusive Autumn Experiences in Northern Xinjiang】 Kanas Take a boat ride to admire the colorful autumn foliage Hike along the Three Bays Trail to capture morning mist Climb to the Fish Viewing Platform for a panoramic view Hemu Village Stay in wooden cabins and gaze at the starry sky Ride horses through golden birch forests Wait for sunrise and morning mist at Harden Platform Sayram Lake Cycle around the lake and encounter swan flocks Taste cold-water whitefish dishes Photograph snow-capped mountain reflections at Pine Head 🍂【Cultural Feast in Southern Xinjiang】 Tarim Poplar Forest Ride a small train through golden corridors Photograph thousand-year-old poplars standing in life and death Camp in the desert and stargaze Kashgar Old Town Learn to make traditional Uyghur naan Visit century-old tea houses and listen to Twelve Muqam Experience pottery making on Handicraft Street Pamirs Plateau Photograph snow-capped mountain reflections at Golden Grassland Visit Tajik homes Capture aerial shots of Panlong Ancient Road 📸 Photography Tips: Northern Xinjiang Morning Mist: 6-8 AM at Hemu Village Best Light for Poplar Forest: 2 hours before sunset Cultural Documentary: Kashgar Old Town opening ceremony Starry Sky Photography: Hemu/Desert camping areas 🎒 Travel Tips: ▪️ Large temperature differences between day and night, dress in layers ▪️ Moisturizing and sun protection are essential ▪️ Border permits required for some areas ▪️ Respect local ethnic customs 🍇 Food Recommendations: Northern Xinjiang: Milk curds, Baursak, Kvass Southern Xinjiang: Roasted pigeon, Pot meat, Hami melon ✨ Unique Experiences: Participate in Kazakh nomadic migration photography Learn plant printing crafts Collect autumn leaves to create travel journals 🌻 Save this guide and let’s explore Xinjiang’s golden fairy tale this autumn together! Feel free to ask questions in the comments~

Xinjiang·Kanas 5 Days 4 Nights In-Depth Guide | Budget 6000 RMB | Autumn Legendary Route 📍 Route: Urumqi → Burqin → Kanas → Hemu Village → Five-Color Beach → Urumqi 🗓️ Duration: 5 days 4 nights (Recommended late September to early October: peak autumn colors) 💰 Total Budget: About 5850 RMB (per person) 🚗 Transportation: Flight + carpool/car rental + shuttle bus 📌 Style: Nordic secret realm × Alps on the map of China × Tuva culture --- 🍁【Trip Highlights】 - Enjoy the three bays of Kanas Lake (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) alone in the morning mist - Climb to the top of Guanyu Terrace to overlook the jade-green lake and snow-capped mountains panorama - Stay in century-old wooden guesthouses in Hemu Village, open the window to see snowy pine forests, wake up to curling cooking smoke - Hike along the shore of Kanas Lake, passing through golden larch forests - Capture the sunset at Five-Color Beach, with Yadan landforms and the Irtysh River’s stunning light and shadow - Experience Tuva culture: listen to the Chuur flute, drink milk tea, gather around the fire for night talks - Taste the flavors of Northern Xinjiang: Burqin grilled dogfish, hand-pulled meat, baursak, dried horse sausage --- 🗓️ Detailed Itinerary --- Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi → Fly to Burqin (or Beitun) → Stay in Burqin - ✈️ Transportation: - Fly nationwide to Urumqi (Reference price: round trip 2800-3500 RMB from Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou) - Transfer: Urumqi Diwopu Airport → Burqin Five-Color Beach Airport (small route, 1.5h) - Flight reference: CZ6817 / G52875, ticket price about 600-800 RMB (book in advance) - Total flight budget: 3800 RMB (round trip) - 🚖 Taxi from airport to Burqin town (about 50 RMB) - 🏡 Accommodation: Burqin Qipan Guesthouse or Fairy Tale Border City Hotel - Price: 400 RMB/night, Russian-style small town, charming night view - 🍽️ Dinner: Burqin Riverside Night Market - Must-eat: grilled dogfish (perch), dried meat pilaf, kvass (about 60 RMB per person) ✅ Total Day 1 cost: about 4300 RMB (flight 3800 + accommodation 400 + meals 60 + transport 50) --- Day 2: Burqin → Kanas Scenic Area → Stay in Kanas Village - 🚙 Morning: Carpool/car rental departure (recommended 4-person off-road carpool, about 300 RMB per person) - Distance: Burqin → Kanas Scenic Area entrance (about 200 km, 4 hours) - Scenery en route: grasslands, river valleys, birch forests alternating - 🎫 Afternoon: Enter Kanas Scenic Area (ticket + shuttle bus: 230 RMB) - Tour route: 1. Shenxian Bay: morning mist shrouds, golden birch reflections like a painting (best in September) 2. Moon Bay: S-shaped jade river, check in at the “Flying Dragon in the Sky” stone monument 3. Wolong Bay: shaped like a giant dragon, can hike the boardwalk for aerial shots - 🏡 Accommodation: Kanas Old Village wooden guesthouse (recommended “Snowland Family” or “Tuva Family”) - Price: 500 RMB/night, kang bed-stove + fireplace + Tuva style, simple but original ecology - 🍲 Dinner: homestyle dishes at guesthouse (hand-pulled meat, milk tea, baursak, about 60 RMB per person) - 🌌 Night: starry sky without light pollution, shoot the Milky Way (if weather permits, possible aurora colors!) ✅ Total Day 2 cost: about 1100 RMB (carpool 300 + ticket 230 + accommodation 500 + meals 60) --- Day 3: Climb Guanyu Terrace + Lakeside Hiking → Hemu Village - 🌅 Early morning: Guanyu Terrace (requires shuttle bus + climbing 1068 steps) - Cost: shuttle bus 30 RMB (included in ticket), overlook full view of Kanas Lake from the top - Photo spot: platform facing the lake center, snow mountains + blue water + golden forest, legendary composition - 🍂 Morning: free hiking along Kanas Lake shore (free) - Recommended route: walk 2 km along the lake from the village, few people, beautiful scenery, larch forest like an oil painting - 🚙 Noon: carpool to Hemu Village (about 80 km, 2.5 hours) - Cost: carpool about 200 RMB per person - 🏡 Accommodation: Hemu century-old wooden guesthouse (recommended “Hemu Mountain Villa” or “The Watcher”) - Price: 600 RMB/night, some with viewing balconies facing snow mountains - 🍽️ Dinner: guesthouse custom meal (dried horse sausage fried rice, yogurt dumplings, milk tea, about 70 RMB per person) - 🌃 Night: climb Hemu viewing platform (free), see the whole village lights + starry Milky Way ✅ Total Day 3 cost: about 1000 RMB (carpool 200 + accommodation 600 + meals 70 + shuttle bus 30) --- Day 4: Hemu Morning Mist + Village Stroll → Five-Color Beach Sunset - 🌫️ 6:00 AM: climb Hemu viewing platform (can ride horse 100 RMB/person or hike 30 minutes) - Watch morning mist rise from the valley, wooden house cooking smoke curling, called “China’s most beautiful morning mist” - 🏘️ Morning: free stroll in Hemu Village - Photo spots: Hemu Bridge, birch forest, small wooden houses, Tuva small church - Experience: chat with Tuva elders, listen to Chuur flute performance (can book experience class 150 RMB) - 🚙 Noon: carpool back to Burqin (about 150 km, 3 hours) - Cost: carpool about 200 RMB per person - 🌇 Evening: Five-Color Beach sunset (ticket + shuttle bus: 50 RMB) - Irtysh River flows through Yadan landforms, rocks show red, yellow, orange, purple colors under sunset - Golden photo time: 18:30-19:30 (autumn sunset about 19:40) - 🏡 Accommodation: Burqin Qipan Guesthouse (same as Day 1) - Price: 400 RMB/night ✅ Total Day 4 cost: about 900 RMB (carpool 400 + ticket 50 + accommodation 400 + meals 50) --- Day 5: Burqin → Fly back to Urumqi → Return home - ✈️ Morning: Burqin Airport → Urumqi (flight about 1.5h, ticket 600 RMB) - 🚖 Taxi or subway to airport/train station in city - ✈️ Return home ✅ Total Day 5 cost: about 700 RMB (flight 600 + transport 100) --- 💰 Total Budget Summary (per person) | Item | Cost | |------|------| | Round-trip flights (including small route) | 3800 RMB | | Carpool fees (3 segments) | 700 RMB (300+200+200) | | Accommodation (4 nights) | 1900 RMB (400+500+600+400) | | Tickets + shuttle buses | 310 RMB (Kanas 230 + Guanyu Terrace 30 + Five-Color Beach 50) | | Meals (5 days) | 250 RMB (50 per day) | | Other experiences | 150 RMB (Chuur flute experience) | | Total | About 5850 RMB | > 💡 Money-saving Tips: > - If budget is tight within 5000 RMB: > - Take the bus (Urumqi → Burqin, about 12h, ticket 300 RMB), save 1200 RMB on airfare > - Stay in dorm hostels (Kanas/Hemu about 200 RMB/bed), save 800 RMB > - If you want to upgrade: > - Rent a private 7-seat SUV (about 5000 RMB for the whole trip), more freedom > - Add a helicopter tour over Kanas Lake (1680 RMB/person/10 minutes), worth the price! --- 📸 Travel Blogger Insider Tips 1. Best photography times: - Kanas three bays: 6:30-8:00 AM (morning mist + backlight) - Hemu morning mist: 6:00-7:00 AM (around sunrise) - Five-Color Beach: 18:30-19:30 (most vivid sunset side light) 2. Clothing suggestions: - September-October temperature: 15°C daytime, -5°C at night, bring a windbreaker + light down jacket + fleece - Shoes should be non-slip, boardwalk often has dew and fallen leaves 3. Pitfall warnings: - Food inside scenic areas is expensive, bring your own snacks (chocolate, beef jerky) - For carpool, use official platforms or guesthouse recommendations, sign agreements to avoid being left behind --- 🌲 Conclusion 6000 RMB for a 5-day 4-night Western Region fairy tale journey. You wake up in the morning mist of Kanas, Fall asleep under the starry sky of Hemu, Walk through China’s most Swiss-like autumn, Hear the thousand-year flute sound of the Tuva people. Kanas is not just a landscape, It is a poem written into your heart.

Finally arrived at the much-anticipated Hemu Village in Xinjiang! 💕 This time, we stayed at Hemu Shuangsuihe·360° Mountain Surround Slowly·Original Wood Style Private Boutique Stay (Sunset Bonfire Party location), and I was amazed the moment I opened the door! 😍 The super large windows let you lie in bed and see the mountains all around, as if the entire room is part of the scenery~ In the morning, holding a cup of the café’s incredibly delicious coffee, sitting by the window and daydreaming is simply a heavenly pleasure! ☕ The coffee brewed by the host is truly amazing, rich and mellow, with a warm feeling spreading from the heart~ During the day, stroll on the Hemu Bridge, feeling the clarity of the Hemu River below, and the distant birch forest looks as pure as a fairy tale world✨ Climb up the Harden Viewing Platform to take in the whole Hemu Village at a glance; at that moment, you really feel the trip was worth it! At dusk, be sure to visit the Sunset Platform! The golden glow of the sunset on the birch forest is breathtaking💫 Every snap is a masterpiece, instantly filling my travel photo album! The most anticipated event at night is the bonfire party organized by the hotel! 🔥 Dancing wildly around the fire, sipping the hotel’s special cocktails, turning strangers into friends—it’s so much fun! We were super lucky to catch the hot air balloon event! Looking down at the entire Hemu Village from the sky, the feeling is truly indescribable~ 💭 Late at night, lying in bed watching movies on the XGIMI projector in the room, you can still see the starry sky through the window✨ The starry sky here is simply dreamlike, the Milky Way is clearly visible, and the moment a shooting star streaks by will move you to tears! After a long day, returning to the hotel, the smart washing machine is so convenient! Clothes washed and ready for tomorrow’s itinerary~ The beauty of Hemu really can’t be captured by photos; you must experience it in person! Especially this hidden boutique stay in Hemu Village, it’s definitely a choice you can’t miss! ❤️ Remember to save this~

Hemu Village Travel Guide (including price reference): Unlock the "God's Reserved Land" with a budget of 800 RMB per person, stay in log cabins, and ride horses to see the morning mist. Hemu Village, a Tuva ethnic village hidden deep in Altay, Xinjiang, is known as "China's Most Beautiful Village" and "God's Reserved Land." The golden birch forests in autumn, the wooden houses faintly visible in the morning mist, and the winding Hemu River create a fairy-tale-like oil painting scene. It’s perfect for hiking, photography, and horseback riding, and is an excellent secret escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Below is a practical guide covering transportation, accommodation, food, and attractions, with a budget of 800-1200 RMB per person (based on 3 days and 2 nights), suitable for self-driving or independent travelers. 1. Preparation Before the Trip: Budget and Season Choice Best Travel Time: Mid-September to early October: Peak autumn colors, golden birch forests, high chance of morning mist, temperatures 5-15°C (bring a windbreaker and sweater). June to August: Summer green grasslands, wildflowers everywhere, good for escaping the heat (temperatures 15-25°C, large day-night temperature difference). December to February: Winter snow-covered scenery, experience horse-drawn sleds and snowmobiles (temperatures -20°C to -5°C, bring down jackets and snow boots). Avoid Crowds: National Day holiday (October 1-7) sees a surge in tourists and accommodation prices double; it’s recommended to visit in late September or mid-October. Budget Allocation (per person for 3 days): Transportation: 300-500 RMB (including round-trip to Kanas Scenic Area + horse riding/electric cart in the village) Accommodation: 200-400 RMB/night (log cabin homestays) Food: 150-250 RMB (snacks + meals) Attractions/Activities: 150-300 RMB (tickets + horse riding + experiences) 2. Transportation Guide: How to Get to Hemu Village? Plane + Private Car/Shared Ride: Urumqi → Kanas Airport: direct flight about 1.5 hours (ticket price 500-1000 RMB, off-season can be as low as 300 RMB). Kanas Airport → Hemu Village: Private car: shared ride for 4 people about 150 RMB/person (1.5 hours, direct to the scenic area transfer center). Bus: Airport shuttle to Jiadengyu (30 RMB/person, 1 hour) → transfer to Jiadengyu → Hemu shuttle bus (50 RMB/person, 2 hours). Self-driving: Navigate to "Hemu Scenic Area Ticket Office," about 8 hours from Urumqi (toll + fuel about 600 RMB/car), can stop in Burqin County for grilled fish. Note: Private cars must park outside the scenic area parking lot (free), then take the shuttle bus (ticket package including entrance 102 RMB/person) into the village. In-Scenic Area Transportation: Shuttle bus: From the transfer center to Hemu Village about 20 minutes (free, included in the ticket), last bus at 8:00 PM daily. Horse riding: One-way from the village to Meilifeng Grassland about 3 hours (150 RMB/person, can negotiate with locals). Electric cart: Short trips within the village (e.g., Haden Platform) 10 RMB/person (charged by segment). 3. Accommodation Recommendations: Stay in Fairy Tale Log Cabins Budget Options: Homestays in Hemu Village such as "Tuva Family" and "Mountain Cottage," priced 200-300 RMB/night (standard room), mostly wooden structures with electric blankets (confirm heating in winter). Hemu Mountain Villa: 1 km from the village entrance, 150-200 RMB/night (no private bathroom), suitable for budget travelers wanting a log cabin experience. Mid to High-End Options: Hemu Century-Old House Homestay: 600-1000 RMB/night (including breakfast + Tuva cultural experience), rooms decorated in ethnic style, some with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains. Hemu Taoyuan Homestay: 400-600 RMB/night, located halfway up the mountain, wide views, 10-minute walk to Haden Platform. Money-Saving Tips: Book one month in advance; prices rise to 800-1500 RMB/night during National Day; Choose village homestays rather than hotels outside the scenic area to save shuttle time; Winter (November to March) is off-season, prices drop below 200 RMB, but some homestays close, confirm in advance. 4. Must-Visit Attractions and Activities (with prices) 1. Hemu Bridge and Hemu River: Best spots for morning mist and sunset photography Tickets: Included in the Kanas Scenic Area pass (102 RMB/person, includes shuttle bus), half price for students. Must Experience: Morning mist photography: 6:30-7:30 AM, stand on Hemu Bridge to shoot wooden houses surrounded by mist (reserve spot early, 80% chance of mist in autumn). Birch forest hiking: Walk 30 minutes west along Hemu River from the village entrance, golden birch reflected in the river, great for portrait photography (free). Hemu River rafting: Summer only (120 RMB/person, about 40 minutes), wear life jackets and kayak through rapids (children must be over 1.2 meters tall). 2. Haden Platform: The highest panoramic viewpoint of the village Route: 20-minute walk from village homestays (or 50 RMB/horse ride) to the mountaintop, all wooden boardwalk. Must Experience: Sunrise and sunset: Summer sunrise at 6:00 AM, autumn at 7:30 AM, golden sunlight on rooftops with smoke curling (bring a tripod). Star gazing: No light pollution at night, Milky Way clearly visible (best after 11 PM in summer, wear thick down jackets in winter). 3. Meilifeng Grassland: A secret place for horseback riding Cost: Guided horseback round trip about 5 hours (300 RMB/person, can form groups of 4), includes basic insurance. Features: Passes birch forests, streams, pastures, ends at Tuva herders’ summer pasture (fresh milk available for 5 RMB/cup). Great for photographers, can dismount anytime to take photos (avoid trampling grass). 4. Tuva Home Visit: Listen to the Chuurqin and drink milk tea Cost: 50 RMB/person (includes performance + snacks), lasts 1 hour. Content: Watch Tuva elders play the "Chuurqin" (a grass flute with ethereal sound). Taste Baursak (fried dough), cheese, milk tea, and hear stories about Tuva history. Location: "Tuva Culture Museum" in the village or local homes (ask homestay owners to arrange). 5. Food Guide: Enjoy Xinjiang flavors for about 40 RMB per person Specialty Meals: Recommended places: "Taoyuan Flavor Restaurant" and "Tuva Family Feast" in the village (50-70 RMB per person). Must Order: Hemu local hot pot (120 RMB/small pot): copper pot stewed lamb, wild mushrooms, vermicelli, serves 2-3 people. Hand-pulled lamb (88 RMB/jin): boiled in clear water, dipped in pepper salt and onion sauce (tender and odorless). Baursak with milk tea (15 RMB/set): fried dough dipped in salty milk tea, Tuva breakfast staple. Snacks and Fast Food: Baked naan: 5 RMB each, crispy outside and soft inside, keeps for 2 days (village entrance stall). Grilled meat skewers: 3 RMB each, freshly cut and grilled lamb sprinkled with cumin and chili (recommended "Old Ma Grilled Meat"). Wild blackcurrant juice: 10 RMB/cup, freshly squeezed from mountain blackcurrants, sweet and sour to refresh (summer only). Night Market Must-Try: Hemu Night Market: 30 RMB per person to eat until full, recommended grilled buns (4 RMB each), yogurt rice dumplings (8 RMB/portion), kvass (5 RMB/cup, honey-fermented drink). Money-Saving Tips: Village food prices are 30% higher than Burqin County; bring snacks; Share tables to split costs (e.g., 4 people share one hot pot + 2 dishes, about 40 RMB per person); Milk tea refills are free, leftovers can be packed (use a thermos). 6. 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary Reference Day 1: Arrive at Hemu Village + Sunset at Haden Platform Morning: Urumqi → Kanas Airport → Private car to Hemu Village (transportation 200 RMB). Afternoon: Check into homestay (200 RMB/night) → Birch forest hike in village (free) → Sunset photos at Hemu Bridge. Evening: Tuva home visit (50 RMB) → Night market snacks (20 RMB per person). Day 2: Horseback Riding at Meilifeng Grassland + Sunrise at Haden Platform Early morning: 6:00 AM sunrise at Haden Platform (free) → Return to homestay for rest. Morning: Horseback ride to Meilifeng Grassland (300 RMB/person) → Drink milk at herders’ home (5 RMB). Afternoon: Hemu River rafting (120 RMB) → Visit local handicraft shops (fur hats 80 RMB each). Evening: Hot pot dinner (60 RMB per person) → Star photography (free). Day 3: Morning Mist Photography + Return Early morning: 6:30 AM morning mist photos at Hemu Bridge → Return to homestay to pack. Morning: Take shuttle bus from village entrance → Kanas Airport (transportation 100 RMB) → Return to Urumqi. Total Cost: About 1000-1200 RMB (including transportation, accommodation, food, and activities). 7. Notes Clothing Suggestions: Autumn requires windbreaker + sweater, summer bring sun protection clothes and hat, winter wear snow boots + down jacket; wear long pants and sneakers for horseback riding. Altitude Sickness: Hemu is about 1100 meters above sea level, generally no altitude sickness, but large day-night temperature difference, adjust clothing accordingly. Respect Customs: Tuva people forbid eating dog meat, do not touch villagers’ headscarves or prayer flags casually; ask permission before photographing people. Eco-Friendly Travel: No trash bins in the village, bring your trash back to homestays for sorting; drones are prohibited (must report to scenic area in advance). The beauty of Hemu is hidden in the smoke rising from wooden houses in the morning mist, in the sound of horse hooves on Meilifeng Grassland, and in a steaming cup of milk tea. Take this guide and experience the tranquility and grandeur of this "God’s Reserved Land" with the least budget!

✨Kanas Travel Guide✨ China's version of the "God's Reserved Land," a must-visit fairyland in Northern Xinjiang! No matter the season, you can capture desktop wallpaper-level masterpieces 🤩 🌈Best Travel Season: 【Autumn September-October】 A paradise for photography enthusiasts! Golden birch forests + dark green pine forests + azure lake water, every shot looks like an oil painting 📸 ⚠️Reminder: Prices soar during this period, it is recommended to book rooms 2 months in advance～ 【Summer June-August】 25℃ natural air-conditioned room❄️ Wildflowers bloom everywhere, perfect for summer cooling! 【Winter December-February】 -30℃ ice and snow fairy tale world❄️ Fewer people, beautiful scenery, water splashes freeze instantly, absolutely amazing 🚗Transportation Guide: ✈️By Plane: Kanas Airport (open in peak season) or Altay Airport (open year-round) Car rental after landing is the most convenient～ 🚂By Train: Take the train to Beitun/Altay Station Transfer to a bus to Burqin County 🌟Must-Visit Attractions: ✅Kanas Lake Tickets + shuttle bus from 230 RMB Must climb the Fish Viewing Platform! The unbeatable view after 1,068 steps Three Bays hiking is super romantic 🏞️ ✅Hemu Village Morning mist + starry sky will move you to tears 😭 The log cabins have a great vibe~ (but quite pricey) ✅Baihaba Village A border secret realm requiring a border pass More pristine than Hemu! 🏡Accommodation Recommendations: ☑️Wooden cabins inside the scenic area: window views but expensive ☑️Jiadengyu Hotels: better cost performance ☑️Hemu Homestays: starry sky rooms are amazing! 🍢Food Recommendations: Grilled buns are forever the best! Lamb skewers, hand-pulled rice, salty milk tea... Xinjiang cuisine is top-notch 🤤 💡Tips: 1⃣️Huge temperature difference! Bring both summer and winter clothes 2⃣️Don’t forget the three-piece sun protection set 3️⃣Bring some cash, signal may be weak 👉Recommended Itinerary: Day 1: Kanas Lake + Three Bays Day 2: Fish Viewing Platform + Hemu Village Day 3: Hemu Morning Mist + Return trip

These are the only three places I visit!!! I’ve truly fallen in love with Altay this year 🖼️— I make a trip here every month! The scenery, culture, and food here have completely captivated me!! ✔️First Stop: Hemu Village, "One of the Most Beautiful Villages in China" You’ll only understand its beauty when you see it with your own eyes 👀!! Nature’s brush has painted it extraordinarily vibrant— Ride horses 🐎 across the grasslands 🏞️, climb the Haden Platform to watch the sunrise 🌅, and gaze at the starry Milky Way 🌌 at night. Every moment is breathtaking!! Traveling here is truly relaxing and enjoyable! ✔️Second Stop: If you’re in Altay, you must try this all-fish feast 🐟 🍽️ Little Fishing Village Restaurant • Xinjiang Cuisine • Barbecue • Local Cold-Water Fish The restaurant is elegantly decorated and spacious, with open seating on the first floor and private rooms on the second floor! The menu is diverse, and the flavors are amazing! 🥓 Black Mushroom Stewed Beef Ribs The local specialty black mushrooms 🍄‍🟫 are nutritious and delicious! Stewed with beef ribs, the flavors blend perfectly, and the beef is tender and flavorful—absolutely satisfying! 🐟 Braised Sorro Fish The fish is tender and firm, with a rich braised sauce that’s incredibly tasty!! 🐟 Homemade Five Black Fish Dish A simple preparation of Five Black Fish that retains the natural freshness of the fish! It’s so delicious and unforgettable! ✔️Third Stop: Burqin, "Fairy Tale Town"—its night views are stunning!! I checked out the famous bridge 🌉—taking photos in the middle of the road is super cool 🆒! Burqin’s Russian Style Street is also very unique, full of exotic charm— You can even see more Russian nesting dolls 🪆, which are huge and adorable!!

Nestled among the towering mountains of Altay, Xinjiang, lies a fairy-tale world that will light up children’s eyes—Kanas. This summer, take your kids on a journey along the newly opened "Most Beautiful Scenic Corridor in Northern Xinjiang," the Ahe Highway, and unlock new family-friendly ways to explore Kanas, turning your trip into a nature-filled classroom full of surprises! 🌟 Must-Do Family Activities: Let Loose in Nature 1. Ahe Highway Self-Drive Exploration This 209-kilometer scenic road connects grasslands, wetlands, and forests. At Xiaodonggou Scenic Area, kids can run and take photos among wildflowers in July and August; at Wuxilik Wetland Park, spot marmots and long-tailed yellow ground squirrels, and use binoculars to observe the peatland ecosystem; by the stream at Yeka Gorge, the whole family can build “natural artworks” with stones and feel the awe of glacial relics. 2. In-Depth Experience in Hemu Village ◦ Yunxiao Peak Cable Car: Take the kids up to the 2,300-meter summit, use binoculars to observe the vertical ecological zones of the Altay Mountains, and enjoy views of four countries. ◦ Beautiful Peak Horse Riding: Ride along the stream, learn about tree species like fir and birch, and listen to herders explain the medicinal value of grassland plants. ◦ Starry Sky Camping: Lie in a tent on the Harden Viewing Platform at night, use a telescope to find the Milky Way, and listen to a guide tell constellation stories. 3. Magical Kanas Lake Journey ◦ Sanwan Hiking: At Moon Bay’s “Footprint Beach” and Wolong Bay’s lake island, every step holds a surprise. Kids can use mission cards to find squirrels and woodpeckers, completing the “Nature Explorer” challenge. ◦ Boat Tour to Spot the Lake Monster: Receive a “Lake Monster Observer” handbook on the boat, use binoculars to watch the lake surface, and get hand-drawn postcards from staff. ◦ Nature Museum: On the second floor, kids can make plant specimens in the DIY area and try on ethnic costumes to experience Kazakh nomadic migration in a virtual grassland. 🍲 Food Highlights: Taste of Kanas • Hemu Earth Pot Hotpot: A copper pot bubbling with air-dried beef, potatoes, and wild mushrooms; kids can dip yogurt dumplings in honey for a sweet and tangy treat. • Burqin Night Market: Crispy outside, tender inside grilled dogfish; hand-pulled rice flavored with carrots and raisins, avoiding spicy flavors to suit children’s stomachs. • Tuva Family Visit: Learn to make Boersak (fried dough), and add butter and fried rice to milk tea to feel the warmth of nomadic hospitality. 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations: Stay Within the Scenery • Kanas Lakeview Hotel: Open the window to snow-capped mountains and pine forests; family suites come with children’s tents and picture books, and you can book a lamb-feeding experience at a herder’s home. • Hemu Mountain Villa: Duplex loft apartments with private terraces; kids can play puzzles and do crafts in the family activity area, and join bonfire parties at night to learn ethnic dances. • Starry Sky RV Campground: Located in Jiadenyu, the RVs have child safety seats; in the evening, enjoy barbecues at the campsite and watch the sunset paint the grasslands red. 🚗 Transportation Guide: Easy Access to the Secret Realm • Direct Flight + Car Rental: Fly directly from Urumqi to Kanas Airport (1 hour), then rent a car (7-seat business van about 900 RMB/day); stop along the way at Urho Ghost City to photograph the Yadan landforms. • New Self-Drive Option: The entire Ahe Highway is open; SUVs can drive straight to Hemu Village, picnic on the Tolehait Grassland, and use drones to capture stunning “car in a painting” shots. 📌 Practical Tips: Stress-Free Travel with Kids 1. Ticket Discounts: Children under 1.3 meters enter free; students aged 6-18 get half price; family tickets (including Kanas + Hemu + Baihaba) save 80 RMB compared to buying separately. 2. Gear Checklist: Children’s sun-protective clothing (UPF50+), non-slip hiking shoes, portable binoculars, mosquito repellent patches (containing DEET). 3. Safety Assurance: Helmets are mandatory when riding horses; choose insured, reputable horse teams (reference price 200 RMB/hour). 4. Border Permit: A permit is required to visit Baihaba Village, which can be obtained in 10 minutes at the Kanas Visitor Center in advance. Act Now: August is peak season with daily limits of 55,000 visitors, so it’s best to travel off-peak. This summer, let your children gain an unforgettable journey full of exploration and growth amid the lakes and mountains of Kanas!

First time visiting Xinjiang? Embark on an extraordinary travel experience! Capture stunning landscapes with drone photography, explore three magnificent lakes, drive along two iconic highways, immerse yourself in the vastness of the grasslands, visit primitive villages, marvel at unique Yardang landforms, and create unforgettable memories. 🚗 Suggested Itinerary: DAY 1: 🌟 Arrive in Urumqi to kick off your Xinjiang adventure! Airport pick-up service is available to ensure a smooth start to your journey. 🏨 Check into your hotel and enjoy free time to explore the charm of the city. DAY 2-3: 🏞️ Head to Tian Shan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) to admire the breathtaking lake and mountain scenery. Don’t miss the iconic "Stabilizing Needle" rock formation! 🌲 Then, visit the Hemu Scenic Area, stroll across the Hemu Bridge, and soak in the tranquility and harmony of nature. DAY 4-5: 📸 Climb the Hemu Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of the scenic area and capture unforgettable moments with drone photography. 💧 Next, journey to Kanas Scenic Area to explore Kanas Lake and uncover its hidden treasures. 👻 On Day 5, visit the World Ghost City to experience its unique landforms and mysterious atmosphere. DAY 6: 🌊 Discover the beauty of Sayram Lake and the vast freedom of the Western Sea Grassland. 🌉 Afterwards, head to Guozigou Bridge and Guozigou Valley to marvel at the spectacular natural scenery and man-made wonders. DAY 7-8: 🐎 At Nalati Tourist Scenic Area, experience the grandeur and vastness of the "Sky Grassland." 🛣️ On the final day, take on the challenge of driving along the Duku Highway, a famous scenic route, and enjoy its unique charm. 🔚 Conclude your delightful journey and prepare for your return. This itinerary will take you through three stunning lakes, two iconic highways, a vast grassland, primitive villages, and Yardang landforms, offering a diverse and rewarding travel experience! 🎉 -------------------- Tips: 1. Food: Changji offers a variety of local snacks. Be sure to try lamb skewers and hand-pulled rice. The flavors are spicy, so choose according to your preference. 🍢🍚 2. Specialty Prices: Compare prices at multiple shops when buying local specialties to avoid overpaying. 💰🛍️ 3. Customs: Respect the customs of the local Hui people. Dress modestly when visiting mosques, avoiding revealing clothing. 🕌👕 4. Sun Protection and Hydration: The northwest region has strong sunlight, so bring sunscreen and lip balm to stay protected and moisturized. ☀️💄 5. Safety: Be cautious when going out at night. Stick to well-populated areas and stay alert. 🌙👣 A trip to Xinjiang is truly unforgettable! If you want to explore more of Xinjiang’s beauty, don’t forget to follow me for more exciting travel guides! 🌟

Don't miss out, fellow travelers! Check out the exciting details below ↓ -- 🚗 Travel Itinerary: DAY 1: Arrive in Urumqi, with airport pick-up service available! After settling into your hotel, enjoy some free time and get ready to embark on your Xinjiang adventure! 🎉 DAY 2: Head to Tian Shan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) to marvel at the grandeur and mystery of nature. Don't forget to check out the iconic "Dinghai Shenzhen" and capture unique memories. 📸 DAY 3-4: Explore the Hemu Scenic Area, stroll across the Hemu Bridge, and climb the Hemu Viewing Platform to take in the stunning views of the Kanas Scenic Area. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of Kanas Lake. 🌲 DAY 5: Visit the World Devil City to experience the unique Yadan landforms, as if stepping into a magical world. 👻 DAY 6: Tour around Sayram Lake, admire the vastness of the Western Sea Grassland, cross the Guozigou Bridge, and enjoy the picturesque scenery of Guozigou. 🌳 DAY 7-8: Head to the Nalati Tourist Scenic Area to experience the grandeur of the aerial grasslands. Finally, take a drive along the Duku Highway to discover Xinjiang's hidden gems and enjoy breathtaking drone photography. 🛣️ Wrap up your delightful Xinjiang journey and return home! 🏠 -- Travel Tips: - Photo Spots: Don't miss Tian Shan Tianchi, where the mirror-like lake reflects the snow-capped mountains—perfect for stunning photos! 📸 - Food: Be sure to try lamb skewers and "Big Plate Chicken," authentic local delicacies. 🍖🍗 - Sun and Mosquito Protection: Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent for summer travel. ☀️🦟 - Safety: Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so pack warm clothes and be cautious of slippery roads during rainy days. 🧥☔️

📅 Pre-Trip Essentials: Efficient Planning for a Relaxed Journey - Documents: Carry your ID card at all times; a border permit must be obtained in advance at your place of household registration for Baihaba Village. - Clothing: Use the "onion-style" layering method—summer: quick-dry clothes + sun protection; autumn: windbreaker + fleece; winter: down jacket + snow boots. Mountain areas have a 20°C temperature difference between day and night. Bright-colored scarves enhance photo vibes. - Gear: Power bank, foldable water cup (free drinking water available in scenic spots), mosquito repellent spray (summer), lip balm (essential for dry climate). - Transportation: Direct flights to Altay Airport are most convenient, or rent a car (500-800 RMB/day) for flexible sightseeing. Transfers by shuttle bus are required for Kanas and Hemu. 🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions: A Feast of Nature and Culture 1. Kanas Lake (National 5A Level) - The fairy bay in morning mist looks like a wonderland; the S-shaped river at Moon Bay reflects golden birch forests. Climb the Fish Viewing Platform for a panoramic view; if lucky, you might spot the mysterious ripples of the legendary "lake monster." - Hidden activities: Take a boat to explore the lake’s center, hike the wooden plank paths of the three bays, stay overnight in a scenic area cabin to gaze at the Milky Way. 2. Hemu Village (God’s Reserved Land) - At dawn on Harden Platform, smoke and morning mist weave a fairy tale scene; the Tuvan wooden houses peek through the birch forest. In summer, enjoy rafting on the Hemu River; in winter, transform into a snowy village riding horse-drawn sleds. - Intangible cultural heritage experience: Visit blue-roofed wooden houses to learn wool felting (50 RMB to take your handmade item), listen to ancient melodies played on the sur musical instrument. 3. Five-Color Beach (Sunset Spectacle) - The yardang landforms display gradients of red, purple, and golden yellow under the sunset glow, forming a natural oil painting with the poplar forest across the Irtysh River. Arrive one hour early to secure a spot and use a telephoto lens to capture rock wall textures. 4. General Mountain Ski Resort (City’s Skiing Pinnacle) - The only 5S-level urban ski resort nationwide, open for night skiing until 11 PM. The mountaintop café offers views of the molten gold sunset. Show your hotel key card to waive the ski resort shuttle fee; after 2 PM, mountaintop meal sets are 40% off. 🍖 Food Map: Grassland Flavors on Your Palate - Hand-Pulled Lamb: Made from Altay big-tail sheep, boiled in clear water, dipped in salt and cumin, served with hot naan and lamb soup, showcasing the original boldness of the grassland. - Burqin Grilled Dogfish: A cold-water fish specialty from the Irtysh River, crispy outside and tender inside, sprinkled with cumin, paired with kvass (honey-fermented drink), a perfect summer combo. - Kazakh Milk Tea: Salty brick tea with milk skin, served with freshly fried baursak (small fried dough), a warm and filling breakfast. - Naren: Wide noodles mixed with lamb chunks, onions, and spices, eaten by hand to experience the ritual of nomadic life. 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations: Sleep Within the Scenery - Kanas/Hemu Cabins: Book one month in advance during peak season; open the window to snow-capped mountains, gather around the stove at night listening to the horsehead fiddle. Recommended are starry sky cabins with floor heating, costing 300-600 RMB per person. - City Hotels: Burqin or Altay city offer better value, such as chain hotels around 200 RMB, close to night markets for easy access to grilled skewers and fish. ⚠️ Practical Tips: Efficient Pitfall Avoidance Guide - Seasonal Differences: Cool hiking from June to August, golden photography season in September and October, skiing and snow play from November to March, fewer crowds and better prices with blooming wildflowers in May. - Time Management: Flower car parades (12:15/15:45) reduce queues by 50% for popular activities, perfect for squeezing in more experiences; arrive at Five-Color Beach one hour before sunset for the best view. - Environmental Awareness: Drones are prohibited in scenic areas; carry out your trash to protect the purity of the "birthplace of human skiing." - Border and Safety: Border permits required for Baihaba Village; do not stray from trails when hiking in Kanas; winter self-driving requires snow tires. Altay’s charm lies in its ability to fulfill all your natural imaginations: from the mysterious lake light of Kanas to the curling smoke of Hemu; from the molten gold sunset at Five-Color Beach to the thrilling speed at General Mountain. Whether hiking, skiing, or exploring local cuisine, this land lets you rediscover the truest emotions on your journey. Pack your bags and let’s embark on this four-season Northern Xinjiang adventure together! 🌈

This fairy-tale journey through Northern Xinjiang is truly heartwarming 💘! From the Rainbow Beach to Hemu Village and Kanas Lake, every stop is a visual feast! Early June marks the beginning of summer in Xinjiang, making it the most comfortable season of the year. 🚗 6-Day 5-Night Relaxed Itinerary: Day 1: Fly directly from Beijing to Altay, pick up the rental car at noon, and drive directly to Burqin County. After lunch and rest, head to Rainbow Beach before sunset. After visiting, return to the hotel and take a walk to Burqin Ta Bridge for the night view. 📍 Rainbow Beach (Burqin County): Breathtakingly beautiful at sunset! Ticket: 45 RMB, recommended entry after 6 PM. 🏨 Burqin Huanjiang Grand Hotel: Only a 30-minute drive from Rainbow Beach, advance booking is recommended. Day 2: Drive from Burqin to Hemu Village. As you approach Hemu, vast grasslands come into view. Arrive by noon, park at the scenic area entrance, and transfer to a shuttle bus. Explore Hemu Village in the afternoon, starting from Yuanjiang Bridge to Hemu Bridge for fewer crowds and stunning views. 📍 Hemu Scenic Area (Habahe County): Ticket + shuttle bus: 102 RMB. The wooden houses, grasslands, and streams here are like a fairy-tale world. 🏨 Burqin Hemu Taoyuan Homestay: Located at the transfer center, very convenient—no need to carry luggage on crowded buses. The next morning, take the hotel's car to the viewing platform for sunrise. The wooden house experience is fantastic, and you can see a sky full of stars at night. Day 3: After sunrise and breakfast, leave Hemu Village and take the Jiatie Highway to Tiekereiti Township. The scenic drive features streams, snow-capped mountains, flowers, and even marmots. Park at the scenic area entrance for Baihaba and transfer to a shuttle bus. Strolling through the village in the evening is delightful. 📍 Hemu Viewing Platform: Hike up in the early morning for a panoramic view of Hemu Village. 📍 Baihaba (Habahe County): Known as the "First Village in the Northwest," don’t forget to apply for a border permit in advance. 🏨 Wake Up Naturally Homestay: One of the few boutique homestays in Baihaba, very convenient—just 20 meters from the bus stop and next to a Chinese breakfast restaurant. Day 4: Avoid the crowds by entering Kanas from Baihaba—one full day is plenty. Take the shuttle from the homestay to the visitor center, then transfer to the Baihaba-Kanas bus. Spend the day exploring Kanas: start with a boat ride, visit the Three Bays, and hike from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay (about 5 km of scenic, easy trails). End the day at the Fish Watching Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake. 📍 Kanas Three Bays: Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. The hiking trail is about 5 km. 📍 Fish Watching Platform: The best spot to overlook Kanas Lake, requiring a climb of 1,068 steps. 🏨 Stay at Wake Up Naturally Homestay again. Day 5: Depart Baihaba Village and stop by the China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon on the way back. Fans of "My Altay" can visit Rainbow Bulake, walk Li Wenxiu’s homecoming path, check out Zhang Fengxia’s grocery store, and ride horses to Batai Tree for photos. End the day in Altay. 📍 China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon: Spectacular canyon views, best captured by drone. 📍 Rainbow Bulake: Filming location for "My Altay," featuring Li Wenxiu’s homecoming path. 🏨 Altay Fanghua Manji Hotel: A quality choice in the city center. Day 6: After breakfast, shop for local specialties, return the rental car, and fly back to Beijing at noon, concluding your relaxing Altay trip! 🍽 Dining Guide: ✅ Burqin Coldwater Fish Street ✅ Hemu Cloud Slow Life Restaurant ✅ Mayou Fish Naan Pit Roasted Fish 💡 Practical Tips: 1. Early June has large temperature differences—short sleeves during the day, jackets at night. 2. Stay near the transfer center in Hemu for better conditions and convenience. 3. Baihaba is cheaper than staying in Kanas; one day is enough to explore Kanas outside peak season. 4. Scenic areas are far apart, and some self-driving routes have poor road conditions and signal coverage.

3-Day Summer Fairy Tale Trip to Hemu, This Place Called "God's Private Garden" by National Geographic is Breathtakingly Beautiful! ❄️ Itinerary: DAY1: Urumqi - Hemu Village - Transportation tips: Recommended to charter a car or join a group tour (about 7 hours drive), the scenery along the way is super healing - Stay in a Hemu log cabin: Remember to choose one with floor heating! At night, you can see the Milky Way right by the window🌌 - Dinner recommendation "Riverside Restaurant": Steaming local hotpot with milk tea is amazing DAY2: In-depth Hemu Village Tour ⛄ Morning: - Hike to Hemu Viewing Platform: The village covered in morning mist at sunrise is magical (arrive before 7:30) - Walk through the birch forest: Every shot is postcard-worthy📸 ⛄ Afternoon: - Horseback riding: 150 yuan/hour, remember to bargain! - Experience a horse-drawn sled: A favorite local transport 🍲 Dinner recommendation "Old Village No.1": Try the special nang-wrapped meat and air-dried meat DAY3: Hemu - Return Trip - Relax at the Snow Mountain Café: Sip hot latte while enjoying mountain views - Buy souvenirs: Wild mushrooms and handmade cheese are worth bringing home ⚠️ Important tips: 1. Must wear sunscreen clothing and bring sunglasses 2. iPhone batteries drain easily 3. Swimming in the river is prohibited 4. Log cabins have poor soundproofing, bring earplugs 5. Bring two camera batteries 6. Mountain roads are rugged, not recommended for elderly travelers.

Who understands, family! Altay is truly a place where heaven keeps feeding you— the golden birch forests in autumn glow🌞, the powder snow in winter can bury you up to your knees❄️, and even the air carries a milky fragrance~ I've put together this 10,000-word guide covering everything from transportation to food, save it and go straight away❗️ 🍂【Autumn Exclusive · Must-visit in September-October】 ▫️Kanas｜God’s spilled palette🎨 ✅Address: Kanas Scenic Area, northern Burqin County ✅3 must-visit bays (follow the order to avoid detours): 1. Fairy Bay: Morning mist from 7:00-8:30🌫️, sunlight shining through the fog onto the water looks like scattered gold (wear light-colored clothes and stand by the boardwalk, backlit hair glow is amazing) 2. Moon Bay: The S-shaped river looks like a crescent moon🌙, birch forests on both sides turn yellow in autumn, aerial shots are legendary (best light at 3 PM, fewer shadows) 3. Wolong Bay: The small island in the river looks like a lying dragon🐉, walk along the wooden boardwalk to the riverbank to capture the forest reflection in the water ✅Hidden experiences: - Stay inside the scenic area rather than in Jiadenyu! The old Kanas village has Tuva wooden houses🏡, open the window to snow-capped mountains and forests (recommend "Aha International," the owner makes milk tea for breakfast☕️) - On the way to Baihaba, pass through "Naren Grassland," where the pasture turns golden in September🌾, cattle and sheep look like pearls scattered on the ground🐑, free and incredibly photogenic ▫️Hemu Village｜China’s most beautiful ancient village🏡 ✅Address: Hemu Hanas Mongolian Township, Burqin County ✅3 must-do activities: 1. Climb Hadeng Platform to watch the sunrise🌅: Climb 20 minutes at 5 AM, watch the morning mist rise from the valley, wooden houses with curling smoke (bring a heat pack🥤, it’s very cold at the top) 2. Horseback ride through the birch forest🐎: Choose a gentle horse, let the herder lead you along the "Hemu River Canyon" route, 1.5 hours for 80 RMB, the feeling of leaves brushing your shoulders is so healing 3. Have hotpot in a wooden house at night🍲: Order "Hemu local hotpot" with local lamb and wild mushrooms🍄, starry sky outside the window🌌, warm and cozy inside ✅Fun fact: The village’s "century-old houses" are actually trendy shops selling honey rye bread that’s super delicious🍞, 15 RMB each can last as dry food for two days ❄️【Winter Carnival · Must-play from November to March】 ▫️General Mountain Ski Resort｜Powder snow paradise in the city🎿 ✅Address: Jiangjunshan Road, Altay City ✅For skiers: - Slope difficulty: Beginner "Golden Light Trail" is good for newbies, intermediate "Silver Light Trail" offers city views🏙️, advanced "Sunlight Trail" has a U-shaped halfpipe - Money-saving tip: Rent full gear (ski suit + skis + helmet) for 120 RMB/day, get a "season pass" for better value, locals do this - Hidden perk: "Sunset skiing" from 16:00-18:00🌇, the sunset dyes the slopes orange, skiing feels like chasing the light ✅For non-skiers: Take the cable car to the top to "Cloud Top Café"☕️, order hot cocoa and enjoy the snowy view, at 18:30 watch city lights turn on one by one✨ ▫️Jikepulin Ski Resort｜Wild snow lovers’ happy home🎿 ✅Address: Jikepulin International Ski Resort, Hemu Village ✅Why go? - Asia’s largest ski resort! 280 slopes, including a "wild snow area" where you ski into the forest🌲, snow deep to the knees (definitely hire an instructor, safety first) - Stay at "Hemu Mountain Villa," 5 minutes walk to the slopes, wooden houses with floor heating🔥, see the Milky Way at night (December-January is clearest🌌) 🚗【Comprehensive Transportation Guide】 1. Major transport: - Fly to "Altay Airport"✈️: Few direct flights, recommend transfer via Urumqi (3-5 flights daily, book tickets 1 month in advance during peak season) - Train: Urumqi to Beitun Station🚞, then 1-hour taxi to Altay city center (good for those who want to see scenery along the way, depart evening arrive morning after a sleep) 2. Local transport: - Between scenic spots: Recommend car rental for Kanas/Hemu🚗, 5-seater car 400 RMB/day, driver also acts as guide (find a local driver who knows scenic routes and can stop anytime) - City travel: Altay city is small, taxi starting fare 6 RMB, 10 RMB to General Mountain Ski Resort🚕 🍖【Foodie Must-try List】 ▫️Altay city: - "Old Ma’s Lamb Offal Soup": Opens at 8 AM, lamb offal soup + fried dough twists are standard🥣, add a spoon of local chili powder🌶️, so fragrant you’ll stomp your feet - "Ashe Big Plate Chicken": Chicken stewed until falling off the bone, potatoes soft and fluffy🥔, add a portion of belt noodles to mix with the sauce, small portion enough for two ▫️In scenic areas: - Tuva "Milk Curd"🥛: Might taste sour at first, perfect with milk tea, high protein and filling (buy from herders, 10 RMB per small bag) - Kazakh "Boortsak": Fried dough balls🍘, dip in honey or yogurt, super filling breakfast 📌【Super Practical Tips】 1. Weather: Autumn has a 15℃+ temperature difference between morning and night, wear down jacket + thin sweater (easy to take off); winter can be -20℃, must wear fleece pants + snow boots👢 (non-slip soles) 2. Documents: Need a border pass🆔 to visit Baihaba, free to get at Altay "Government Service Center," bring ID card, done in 10 minutes 3. Photography: Wear caramel or white clothes in autumn👗, bright colors (red/yellow) in winter, match snow scenes perfectly 4. Avoid traps: Don’t enter jade shops in scenic areas! For souvenirs, go to city "Grand Bazaar"🛍️, Kazakh embroidered shawls only 50-80 RMB The beauty of Altay is something that gets engraved in your bones—the autumn wind tells you what freedom is🍃, the winter snow teaches you what purity is❄️. Folks, don’t wait, make your next holiday a rendezvous with these mountains and seas～❤️

Just returned from Altay and learned the hard way: this heavenly land doesn't need tour guides! Independent travel saves money and offers more fun, while tours just limit your freedom. Here's my guide to avoid pitfalls for those who want to enjoy their trip to the fullest👇! True freedom means transportation freedom🚗 ✈️ Direct flight to Altay Airport: Direct flights available from Beijing and Urumqi! Rent a car🚗 (SUV recommended for some off-road sections) right after landing, costing 200+ per day - 100 times more flexible than tour buses～ 🚂 Train transfer: First arrive at Beitun Railway Station, then take a 1-hour taxi to Altay city center. Perfect for budget travelers, with stunning Gobi desert views along the way～ ⚠️ Tour group pitfalls: So-called "panoramic tours" involve 6-hour daily rides with only 40 minutes at each spot for photos. Most time wasted on the road - motion sickness sufferers beware! Right accommodation saves half your money🏠 •Altay city hub📍: Recommend Jindu Hotel! Night market right downstairs, 1-2 hours to major attractions. Standard rooms 150+ per person including Xinjiang-style breakfast～ •Inside Kanas Scenic Area✨: Stay in yurts at Jiadengyu! Lie on the grassland watching the Milky Way🌌 at night, walk 10 minutes to Fairy Bay for morning mist photos - way better than tour groups' distant hotels～ •Hemu village homestay gems🏡: Choose century-old renovated log cabins! Unique wooden houses with landlords who make great hand-pulled lamb, 80+ per person for full experience～ ⚠️ Tour accommodation traps: "4-star hotels" advertised are actually in remote towns; "special yurts" often mean basic dorms with poor hygiene! Hidden gems only accessible via independent travel🎈 🏞️ Kanas Lake: Don't just take 5-minute photos like tour groups! Rent bikes to ride along the lake, watch Wolong Bay and Moon Bay's water change from green to blue💧, explore less-trodden paths where you might spot squirrels🐿️ 🌲 Hemu Village: 2 hours from tours? Not enough! Stay overnight to see: morning smoke curling from wooden houses, sunset painting birch forests red from Haden Platform, and starry skies over rooftops～ 🐎 Nalati Grassland: Independent travelers can choose unique routes! Ride horses through forests to aerial grasslands, drink fresh milk at herders' homes - 10 times more fun than fixed tour routes～ 🗻 Koktokay: Tours only show No.3 Mine? The Irtysh River Canyon is breathtaking! Walk along the river with Shenzhong Mountain's reflection, every shot is wallpaper-worthy～ ⚠️ Tours won't take you here: Baihaba Village's morning mist, Baisha Lake's sunset, Urho's Devil City starry skies - these hidden gems are Altay's soul! Ditch group meals for these authentic flavors🍜 🍢 Whole roasted lamb: Get it freshly prepared at herders' homes! Crispy outside, juicy inside with onions and naan, 100 per person for a feast - 10 times better than tour "roast lamb"～ 🥘 Hand-pulled rice: Street stalls make it best! Chunks of oily lamb with carrots and raisins in rice, paired with yogurt for perfect balance～ 🍯 Kumis + dried yogurt: Must-try! Slightly sour fermented mare's milk packs a punch, dried yogurt gets tastier as you chew - unavailable in tours～ 🍉 Xinjiang fruits: July's Hami melons and watermelons are crazy sweet! Roadside stalls sell big bags for 10 yuan - way better than tour "fruit platters"～ Independent travel must-knows⚠️ 1️⃣ Download offline maps! Some scenic spots have no signal - tours rely on guides, but independent travelers need preparation～ 2️⃣ Pack sun protection! Altay's UV is intense - tour "uniform hats" are useless, bring your own sunhat and sleeves～ 3️⃣ Respect local customs! Don't trample grasslands, don't bargain without buying - independent travel better appreciates local culture～ 4️⃣ Quality over quantity! Altay's attractions are scattered - deeply experience 2-3 spots rather than tour's "10-stop checklist" First time in Altay? Definitely go independent! Drive through ever-changing landscapes of grasslands, lakes and forests, stop for milk tea whenever tired - this spontaneous joy tours can never offer. Just go for it🚀!

【Transportation Guide】 ✈️ Major Transport: 1️⃣ By Air: Fly directly to Urumqi (~6h), then charter/carpool to Hem Village (4h drive). Choose a right-side seat for mountain views 🏔️ 2️⃣ By Train: Arrive at Beitun Station (12h hard sleeper), transfer to scenic area shuttle (Note: Last bus departs at 15:00!) 🚗 Self-drive: Urumqi → G7 Jingxin Expressway → Altay → Burqin → Hem Highway (~10h total). Every roadside shot is Windows desktop-worthy! 🐎 In-Scenic Area Transport: ✔️ Walking/Cycling: Free village exploration (bike rental 30 CNY/hour) ✔️ Shuttle Bus: Must-take! 40 CNY round-trip to viewing platform (operates 8:00-20:00) 🏡【Accommodation Picks】 🔥 Popular Stays: ❶ Wooden Cabin Inn (150-300 CNY/person) Wake up to snow-capped mountains ❄️ with log cabin aroma. Local Tuwa grannies teach goat milking! ❷ Hem Mountain Villa (800+ CNY/night) Hot spring ♨️ + Kazakh song-and-dance dinner. Stargazing rooms for Milky Way views 🌌 ⛺️ Adventure Option: Grassland camping! Wait for morning mist at 4am (must bring moisture-proof pad) 📸【Photography Spots】 ✨ Hadeng Platform: Arrive by 5:30am! Morning mist + log cabins = CCTV-worthy frames ✨ Birch Forest: 3pm sunlight filtering through leaves = instant forest aesthetic ✨ Hem Riverside: Backlight slow-shutter water shots - smartphone-friendly 🐎【Immersive Experiences】 ❶ Horseback exploration (100 CNY/hour): Cross grasslands to visit herders' tents, drink freshly boiled milk tea ❷ Hadeng Peak hike (3-4 hours): Summit views of village - manageable for beginners ❸ Tuwa family visit: Learn felt lamb crafting 🐑, experience soul-stirring throat singing 🍖【Food Highlights】 ✅ Must-try: - Lamb stew with flatbread (50 CNY/person): Bread soaked in broth - plate-licking good! - Cold-water fish hotpot: Fresh pike + wild chives = umami explosion - Cream-top yogurt: Intensely tart with sweet aftertaste ❄️【Outfit Guide】 👗 Photo Ops: ✔️ Red dress + white shawl (perfect grassland contrast) ✔️ Bohemian linen dress + woven bag (birch forest match) 🧥 Practical Gear: Layer with windbreaker mornings/evenings! Sun hat + sunglasses essential ⚠️【Pro Tips】 ❗️ Download offline maps in advance (only China Mobile has signal!) ❗️ Keep shuttle tickets - valid for 48-hour unlimited rides ❗️ Negotiate horse riding prices - start at half the asking rate 💫 Best Seasons: June wildflowers | September golden fairytale | December snow kingdom Avoid National Week! Late September offers fewer crowds, lower prices~ Every breath here feels poetic 🎐 Hide in this northern fairytale corner and live as mountain folk for a few carefree days~

| A June journey to "Hemu + Kanas" is like stepping into a filtered dream! 🏔️ Snow-capped mountains still stand tall, grasslands begin to turn green—claim your own slice of this untouched paradise, where every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy! 📍 Hemu Village | God's Private Garden 🚗 Transportation - Shuttle buses are required within the scenic area to reach the village (last bus at 20:00—miss it, and you'll face exorbitant private car fees!). 📸 Must-Visit Spots ✅ Viewing Platform - 🌅 Sunrise Edition: Morning mist + log cabins + chimney smoke = a fairy tale come to life. - 🐑 Hidden Gem: Venture further! Enjoy an exclusive frame of grasslands, grazing livestock, and snow-capped mountains. 🏡 Accommodation ✔️ Shuboruisi Hotel (personally tested!) - Clean environment, with a second-floor restaurant serving Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine (a lifesaver for southern taste buds). ⚠️ Prices skyrocket during peak season! Book at least one month in advance. --- 📍 Kanas | Where Immortals Reside 🚗 Transportation - Take the shuttle bus into the scenic area, stopping at Moon Bay, Immortal Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay (best saved for the return trip). - Transfer to a direct bus to Fish Watching Pavilion (reach the summit for a god's-eye view!). 📸 Must-Visit Spots ✅ Fish Watching Pavilion - 🏔️ Climb 1,068 steps to overlook the emerald lake in its entirety. - 🌲 Explore the lakeside forest and chance upon squirrels and wild mushrooms. --- ⚠️ Hard-Earned Tips 1️⃣ Huge temperature swings! T-shirts by day, down jackets by night (survival outfit: windbreaker + thin down jacket + T-shirt). 2️⃣ Extreme UV! Sunscreen + sunglasses + hydrating masks (the dryness will crack your skin!). 3️⃣ Scenic area prices are steep! Bring snacks + a thermos (even instant noodles are cheaper than restaurant meals). ✨ Every breath here feels like a spa treatment for your lungs!

Kanas shuttle bus queues over 1 hour + overpriced log cabin stays + gloomy gray lakes on cloudy days… Ready to turn back? But! When you emerge from the morning mist to see the ethereal blue-green glow of Shenxian Bay, or get moved to tears by your own reflection (no lake monster spotted)—OMG this is straight out of a fairy tale! Here’s the ultimate local’s guide to dodging 90% of the pitfalls 👇 —— 🚗【Traffic Hacks】 Ditch the tour buses! Try these instead: ① Fly + drive: Urumqi → Altay Airport (dawn flights show snowy peaks), then drive to Jiadengyu ② Night train adventure: Urumqi → Beitun overnight train, then carpool from station ③ Road trip pros: SUV with snow tires for the breathtaking winding route from Burqin to Kanas —— 🏡【Stay Smart】 Skip Jiadengyu’s noisy tour group hotels! Savvy travelers choose: √ New Village log cabins: Quieter than Old Village, with grazing livestock outside your window √ Baihaba Village: Primitive borderland hamlet with Milky Way views √ Budget warriors: Hostel beds in Hemu + sleeping bag, splurge the savings on whole roasted lamb —— 🍖【Food Survival】 Beware scenic area price gouging! $6 for undercooked noodles? Eat like a pro: 🔥 Hemu Bridgehead Restaurant: $26 local hotpot feeds three, broth so rich it’ll “melt your eyebrows” 🔥 New Village supermarket: Grab instant rice + bagged milk tea for lakeside picnics 🔥 Post-trip refuel: Burqin night market’s cold-water fish—firm, flavorful, and addictive —— 🗺️【3D2N Magic Itinerary】 D1: Jiadengyu → Transfer Center → Shenxian Bay (morning mist) → Moon Bay → Wolong Bay hiking trail (shoot the “Three Bays” with afternoon light) D2: Climb 1,068 steps to Guanyu Terrace → Kanas Lake cruise (chilly deep waters!) → Sunset lakeside light reflections D3: Baihaba border outpost → China-Kazakhstan Grand Canyon → Hemu Village’s chimney smoke over log cabins —— 📸【Instagram Hotspots】 ▫️ Moon Bay trail: Descend 300m for crowd-free S-curve panoramas ▫️ New Village sunset boardwalk: Backlight dandelions at 9pm ▫️ Guanyu Terrace mid-slope: Frame the lake with wild tulips ▫️ Hemu Haden Platform: Dawn at 6am for mist cascading over rooftops —— 💡【Pro Tips】 ✅ Pack a windbreaker—mountain rain brings instant winter ✅ Carry cash—zero signal in the wilds ✅ Marinate in bug spray—midges bite through clothes ✅ Skip Guanyu Terrace after 2pm—backlit photos turn pitch black ✅ Study the map before entering to optimize photo ops Truth: Kanas dazzles in any weather! Hide in cabins sipping hot milk tea when it rains, then sprint for rainbows when it clears 🌈 June’s wildflower-covered slopes are calling—go now!