1. Why is Kanas so Special?
Do you want to know why the water of Kanas Lake displays different colors across seasons? Is the legend of the mysterious creature in Kanas Lake based on truth? Has anyone ever witnessed the most breathtaking sunrise moment at Kanas Lake? There are 56 ethnic groups in China, which ethnic group inhabits in Kanas and what are their unique folk activities? It is said that Kanas is the "Little Switzerland", do you want to know why? In order to help you figure out all the above problems, we will guide you to explore the amazing Kanas via below contents.
1.1 Diverse Ecological Landscapes
The Kanas Scenic Area is situated in the northern part of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, covering a total area of 10,030 square kilometers. It is a comprehensive eco-tourism destination integrating glaciers, lakes, forests, and grasslands. The centerpiece, Kanas Lake—China's deepest alpine freshwater lake (maximum depth: 188.5 meters)—resembles a crescent moon and is hailed as the "Last Pure Land on Earth".
The lake's water displays magical hues of emerald green and sapphire blue due to mineral content and seasonal changes, earning it the nickname "Chameleon Lake".From May to October, its colors shift with snowmelt, plant growth, and rainfall. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Friendship Peak and dotted with glacial relics (e.g., cirques, U-shaped valleys), the area forms a unique geological wonderland.
The scenic zone also encompasses alpine meadows, primeval forests (featuring Siberian spruce and fir), valley streams, and the Naren Grassland. With 55 natural attractions spanning 33 categories—glaciers, snowfields, alpine landscapes, and more—the region offers breathtaking vistas and unparalleled beauty, thus making it a must-visit destination for tourists.
1.2 Nature's Hidden Code
As China's deepest glacial moraine-dammed lake (188.5 meters deep), Kanas Lake was shaped by Quaternary glacial movements and tectonic subsidence. Fed by snowmelt, its waters shimmer in mystical blue-green gradients under shifting light.
The iconic "One Lake, Three Bays" landscape—Kanas Lake, Wolong Bay (Dragon Crescent Bay), Moon Bay, and Shenxian Bay (Immortal Bay)—is celebrated as a "fairyland on earth."
Legends of a "lake monster" also add an air of mystery to its allure. Over the years, some tourists have captured an unidentified creature suspected to be a "lake monster" in the waters of the first bend of Kanas Lake. It is like a huge black shadow swimming on the lake surface, creating large-scale waves, and it often drags horses and other creatures into the water. Later, it was confirmed that this creature is Hucho taimen.
1.3 Culture & Ethnic Heritage
The name "Kanas" derives from Mongolian, meaning "beautiful and mysterious lake". Folklore claims that Genghis Khan once traversed this land, while the wooden villages and traditions of the Tuva people preserve ancient customs.
Kanas is the sole settlement of China's Mongolian Tuva ethnic group. Their log-cabin architecture, throat-singing art (khoomei), and festivals like the Nadam Fair display a rich cultural legacy. Villages such as Hemu and Baihaba are famed for winter snowscapes and chimney-smoke tranquility, which in turn evoke a fairy-tale ink-painting world.
1.4 Contrast between Kanas & Switzerland
In terms of the richness of scenery, the scenery of Kanas is more diverse. There are all sorts of forests, lakes and snow-capped mountains, various landscape elements are integrated, giving people a very natural feeling. In contrast, the scenery of Switzerland is relatively simple and pure. Although there are also multiple landscape elements there, generaly speaking, it is more monotonous.
In addition, when traveling in Switzerland, you may find the prices are relatively higher mainly because of the high salaries of local people, and combined with the exchange rate, the consumption is naturally not low. Moreover, in terms of taste, most of the food in Switzerland is not as good as Chinese cuisine.
Generally speaking, Switzerland is very pristine and is especially suitable for self-driving tours and hiking. However, if it's for more recreation in the journey, I think Kanas is a step ahead due to its late-night snacks and more wonderful performances. Overall, it is more suitable for a vacation.
2. The Tangible Benefits Bring to Tourists
Nature’s Healing
The pristine air and light pollution-free night skies of Kanas offer you a sanctuary to escape urban chaos, allowing you to reconnect with inner peace and rejuvenate your spirits.
Cultural Empathy
By interacting with the Tuva people, you may gain insight into the nomadic wisdom of living in symbiotic harmony with nature, fostering a profound connection to ancient traditions, which will leave you a deep impression in your later life, whenever you thought of it, it is always the exhilarating experience lingering in your mind.
Aesthetic Enlightenment
Kanas’ multidimensional landscapes—glaciers, lakes, forests, and meadows—serve as a masterclass in natural aesthetics. Photographers and cultural explorers alike immerse themselves deeply in this breathtaking realm, uncovering endless inspiration and opportunities for discovery.
3. How to Get to Kanas?
3.1 Traffic Information
External Transportation
Air Express: Direct flight from Ürümqi to Kanas Airport (1.5 hours).
Train + Bus: Overnight train from Ürümqi to Beitun City → Bus to Burqin County → Shared taxi to the scenic area.
Scenic Area Transportation
Shuttle Bus Rules: Entry ticket includes a one-time shuttle pass for Three Bays (re-entry requires an additional 35 CNY/person).
Horseback Riding: Hemu Village to Meilifeng Peak (~2 hours, 200 CNY/person);
3.2 Best Season
Best Time: June, September
Suited to: History & culture enthusiasts, families with children, photographers & art lovers
4. Highlights of Kanas
4.1 Kanas Lake — China’s Most Stunning Glacial Moraine-Dammed Lake
Mystical Hues: Kanas Lake, situated deep within the Altai Mountains of Xinjiang, is China's deepest glacial moraine-dammed lake, with a surface elevation of 1,374 meters and a maximum depth of 188.5 meters. The lake's water displays magical hues of turquoise, milky white, and grayish-purple across seasons and weather conditions, a phenomenon attributed to minerals in glacial meltwater and light refraction, earning it the title "God’s Palette".
Legendary Mysteries: Tales of a "lake monster" and the kilometer-long driftwood embankment add layers of enigma to the lake. Actually, it is the endemic Hucho taimen (giant freshwater fish) in its depths inspired legends of a "lake monster."
Immersive Experiences: Cruising in the lake or hiking along wooden boardwalks would leave an indelible mark in your mind.
4.2 Three Bays — Nature’s Sculpted Wonders
Shenxian Bay (Immortal Bay)
Morning Mist Fantasy: At sunrise, you can witness the fog filling in the bay, which in turn to weave the light and mist into an ethereal dreamscape as the stunning natural landscapes you would immerse in it deeply.
Moon Bay
S-Shaped Meander: Curving like a crescent moon, its center features two "footprint-like" sandbars and it is said to be the marks left by Genghis Khan during a pursuit.
Wolong Bay (Crouching Dragon Bay)
Dragon’s Lair: A dragon-shaped islet rests at the bay’s center, flanked by awe-inspiring autumn vistas of golden larch forests, which will evoke your strong sensory experience.
4.3 Guanyu Terrace (Fish-Watching Platform) — A God’s-Eye View
Panoramic Vantage Point: Climb 8 steps to the terrace for a sweeping view of Kanas Lake, its grandeur is amplified when shrouded in mist.
Photographer’s Paradise: Capture the lake’s shimmering waters, mountain silhouettes, and the rare Buddha’s halo effect in clouds, which is indeed a visual spectacle.
4.4 Hemu Village — A Fairytale Primordial Hamlet
Hem Village, regarded as one of the China's Six Most Beautiful Ancient Villages, nestled in the heart of Xinjiang's Kanas Scenic Area within the Hemu Valley, is China's best-preserved primitive settlement of the Mongolian Tuvan people, hailed as "God's Private Garden" .
Surrounded by the Altai Mountains, the village transforms into a "fairy-tale realm" each autumn, with golden birch forests and traditional log cabins shrouded in morning mists. Over 60 traditional mukeleng houses (interlocking wooden structures with snow-resistant sloped roofs) preserve nomadic heritage, while chimney smoke and livestock enclosures reflect the Tuvans' semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral lifestyle. Summer offers horseback expeditions through alpine meadows, while winters with 2-meter-deep snow create a "snowbound utopia" for wilderness skiing. The village's intangible cultural heritage museum showcases endangered traditions like choor flute performances and ancient fur-skis crafting, there are some unique attractions which are worth visiting.
Log Cabins under Starry Skies: Tuvan-style wooden cabins nestled among birch forests, with the Milky Way vividly visible at night.
Sunrise at Haden Platform: Ascend at dawn to witness a poetic panorama of the village shrouded in morning mist and rising chimney smoke.
Horseback Adventures: Gallop through meadows to Meilifeng Peak, which is surrounded by wildflowers, and finally you will be indulged in the nomadic traditions.
4.5 Baihaba Village — A Hidden Paradise on the China-Kazakhstan Border
Untouched Serenity: Less commercialized than Hemu Village, the village offers a symphony of wind and streams as chimney smoke mingles with snow-capped peaks.
Cultural Strolls: Wander village paths to explore the historic post office and century-old houses, thus embracing the Kazakh ethnic charm.
4.6 Tuva Cultural Immersion — Where Heritage Meets Folklore
In a Tuvan cultural immersion, it seems to rewind to the golden age of nomadic civilization. Stepping into a pointed-roof log cabin, the senses are enveloped by the scent of pinewood and the texture of handwoven goat-hair tapestries, while elders play the melancholic choor (reed flute) melody "Black Galloping Horse" through morning mists—an instrument crafted from hollow reeds and recognized as national intangible heritage, its deep tones hailed as "the breath of the earth".
You can join master artisans in crafting traditional fur skis, primitive snow tools with pine frames and horse-hide bases, reviving the survival wisdom of ancient Altai nomads. At dusk, gather around a felt yurt's hearth to hear throat-sung renditions of the Jangar epic, where Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags coexist with Shamanic ritual drums, embodying spiritual syncretism.
During June's Obon Festival, horse racing, wrestling, and milk wine offerings transform grasslands into cultural theaters, while wintertime khoomei (throat singing) performers harmonize with mountain winds like living fossils of sonic landscapes. Modern eco-cultural programs blend "heritage workshops" with pastoral experiences, inviting travelers to knead cheese or assemble yurts, tactile encounters with a nomadic worldview.
At night, you will enjoy staying in a traditional cabin, gathering around a stove for evening storytelling, and relishing the primal tranquility under starry skies.
5. Recommended Itineraries
5.1 Summer Golden Route (June)
Core Experiences: Flower sea spectacle (red peonies, globeflowers) + Kanas Lake cruise + Hemu Village stargazing.
Itinerary: Ürümqi → S21 Desert Highway → Jiadengyu → Kanas Lake (cruise + Guanyu Terrace) → Hemu Village (sunrise photography) → Burqin (Hedi Night Market).
Advantages: Fewer crowds, affordable lodging, average temperatures 15–25°C.
5.2 Autumn Photography Route (September)
Core Experiences: Morning mist at Three Bays + golden birch forests + Baihaba border village.
Itinerary: Ürümqi → Kanas Lake (Three Bays' hike) → Hemu Village → Baihaba Village (Tuva cultural immersion) → Urho Devil City → Sayram Lake loop.
Advantages: Vibrant autumn foliage, 90% chance of capturing mist and snow-capped peaks in one frame.
5.3 Classic Must-See Routes
Kanas Lake Loop
1-Day Highlights: Kanas Lake cruise → Guanyu Terrace panoramic views → Moon Bay/S-shaped meander hike → morning mist photography in Shenxian Bay.
Transport: Scenic shuttle buses connect all spots; re-entry requires 35 CNY/person.
In-Depth Cultural Exploration (3–5 Days)
Itinerary: Kanas Tuva Village (folk culture) → Hemu Village (log cabins + Haden Viewing Platform) → Baihaba Village (China-Kazakhstan border + border permit) → Jiadengyu Pasture.
Highlights: It blends nature with ethnic culture, ideal for photographers and cultural enthusiasts.
5.4 Self-Drive Exclusive Route (Kanas Loop:7–10 Days)
Routes: Ürümqi → Koktokay Geopark → Burqin (Colorful Beach) → Hemu → Kanas Lake → Baihaba → Fuhai (Ulungur Lake) → Urho Devil City → return via North Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway.
5.5 Seasonal Highlights (Best Time: September 20 – October 15 )
Autumn (Sep–Oct): Golden birch forests, 90% chance of mist-and-snow mountain vistas, dubbed "China’s most stunning autumn."
Winter (Oct–Apr): Snow-covered landscapes; Hemu’s cabins transform into a fairytale world; you can try horse-drawn sledges and winter photography.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mild temperatures (15–25°C), alpine blooms (peonies, globeflowers), open lake cruises.
5.6 Trip Optimization Tips
Combo Tickets: Buy bundled tickets for Kanas + Hemu + Baihaba to save 15%.
Time Allocation: Allocate at least 1 day for Kanas Lake; stay overnight in Hemu for mist/star photography.
Border Permit: Required for Baihaba (apply at Kanas Transit Center with ID/passport).
Avoid Crowds: July and August are the peak season; it is recommended to consider June and September for better views and fewer people.
6. What to Do and Eat in Kanas?
6.1 Boat Exploration
Glide across the lake’s mesmerizing turquoise-to-emerald waters, shaped by glacial melt and tectonic shifts. Keep an eye out for the legendary “lake monster,” believed to be giant Taimen fish (over 10 meters long).
6.2 Guanyu Terrace (Fish-Watching Platform)
Climb 1068 steps to this panoramic vantage point for breathtaking views of the S-shaped lake and snow-capped peaks. Sunrise or misty mornings amplify its mythical allure.
6.3 Three Bays' Hike
Wolong Bay: Capture the dragon-shaped islet surrounded by golden autumn forests.
Moon Bay: Admire the crescent-shaped meander with “footprint” sandbars linked to Genghis Khan’s legend.
Shenxian Bay: Take pictures of ethereal morning fog resembling scattered pearls.
6.4 Photography Hotspots
Golden-hour reflections on the lake at dawn.
Autumn’s vibrant tapestry of larch and birch forests.
6.5 Stay in a Tuvan Log Cabin
You can experience the rustic charm under star-filled skies.
6.6 Cultural Immersion
Attend Tuvan throat-singing (khöömei) performances and savor traditional milk tea and dairy snacks.
6.7 Food & Tips
Must-Try Dishes: Grilled lamb skewers, pilaf, and hand-pulled noodles, paired with fermented honey kvass or camel milk yogurt.
7. Nearby Attractions
7.1 Colorful Beach (五彩滩)
Unique Feature: A stark contrast between the Yadan (wind-eroded) landform and the lush oasis of the Irtysh River’s southern bank, crimson rocks glow under golden light at sunset.
Best Time: Summer sunset photography after 21:00 (accounting for Xinjiang’s time difference with other zones).
7.2 Urho Devil City (乌尔禾魔鬼城)
Highlights: Surreal Yadan rock formations resembling castles and monsters; you can explore them via sightseeing train.
Photography Tip: Wear bright-colored clothing for striking contrast against the earthy tones.
7.3 Sayram Lake (赛里木湖)
Unique Feature: Known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic”, its azure waters mirror snow-capped peaks and grasslands, you can also witness the mesmerizing ice bubbles in winter.
Activities: Cycle around the lake (~100 CNY/hour for rental); summer-only lakeside stargazing camps.
7.4 Koktokay (可可托海)
Highlights: The lush Irtysh Grand Canyon offers summer escapes and winter skiing.
Hiking Route: Trek from Shenzhong Mountain to Waterfall Gully (~3 hours).
7.5 Jipul International Ski Resort (吉克普林国际滑雪场)
Advantages: One of Asia’s largest ski resorts, visitors can ride a 2,800-meter cableway for panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and sea of clouds in winter.
8. Useful Travel Tips
8.1 Seasonal Outfit Guide
Summer: Sun hat + UV-protection arm sleeves + windproof jacket (for sudden showers).
Autumn: Waterproof hiking jacket + fleece-lined pants + waterproof boots (to combat morning frost).
Winter: Mid-length down coat + insulated snow boots + touchscreen gloves.
8.2 Accommodation & Dining
Accommodation Recommendations
Inside Scenic Areas: Stay in Kanas New/Old Village log cabins for easy access to morning mist photography. Traditional wooden cabins in Kanas Village or Hemu Village (peak season: 1000+ CNY/night, you need to make a reservation 30 days in advance).
Outside Scenic Areas: Budget-friendly hotels in Burqin County (1 km from ticket center), with nearby Russian-style street exploration. Hotels like Friendship Peak Hotel (100–400 CNY/night), it combines with a visit to the Hedi Night Market.
8.3 Dining Costs
Stir-fried seasonal veggies: It is about 50 CNY/piece inside the scenic areas.
Grilled fish at Burqin Night Market: 50 CNY/piece.
Tip: Carry some snacks and water (bottled water: 5–8 CNY inside the scenic spots).
8.4 Cultural Etiquette & Experiences
Home visit to Tuva families: In Baihaba Village, you can participate in Khoomei performances. When entering a yurt, you need to take off your shoes, and it is forbidden to step on the dining cloth.
Interaction with herdsmen: In September, you can make an appointment to participate in the herdsmen's relocation. In winter, you can experience riding a horse-drawn sledge.
8.5 Safety & Environment
Trail Rules: Stay on marked paths—off-trail hiking is strictly prohibited. Icy surfaces after rain increase slip risks.
Emergency Support: Priority medical access at park clinics and first-aid kits in tour vehicles.
8.6 Pre-Trip Checklist
☑ Passport + border permit (required for Baihaba).
☑ Sunscreen + polarized sunglasses + thermal layers.
☑ Non-slip hiking shoes.
☑ Power bank + basic medications (altitude/windproof).
9. The Possible Benefits of Visiting with Yes! CN Tour
Assisting you to enjoy a time-saving and convenient visit in Kanas, we highly recommend you travel with us Yes! CN Tour.
Guided tours are led by knowledgeable and experienced tour guides who provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and significance of the places you visit. Therefore, joining a guided tour offers a hassle-free, enriching, and socially engaging way to explore the world. It’s an excellent choice for those who value convenience, expert insights, and the camaraderie of group travel. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, a guided tour can provide a memorable and rewarding experience.
What's more, our local experienced drivers will serve you wholeheartedly from the beginning you arrive in the airport of tourism destinations to the last moment you want to leave, we focus on each detail and make tailor-made itineraries based on your group size, physical conditions and budgets. What you need to do is to concentrate on the highlights in the scenic spots.
Most importantly, traveling with a group and a professional guide can provide an added sense of security, especially in unfamiliar or remote locations, our tour guides are well-prepared to handle emergencies, and being part of a group reduces the risks associated with solo travel.
Please don't hesitate to contact with us to create a more unforgettable journey.
