A paradise on earth, explore the beauty of Kanas!

Kanas is located in the Altay region of Xinjiang. It is famous for its magnificent natural scenery, the mysterious Kanas Lake and the unique Tuva culture. It is known as the "Switzerland of the East" and the "Photographer's Paradise". The following is a detailed guide for traveling to Kanas in 2025, covering the best travel time, transportation, accommodation, recommended attractions, ticket information and precautions. 1. Best time to travel Kanas is beautiful in all four seasons, but the landscapes vary greatly in different seasons: - **May-June (Spring)**: The snow begins to melt, wild flowers bloom, and there are fewer tourists, which is suitable for travelers who like tranquility. - **July-August (summer)**: The climate is cool and the forests are lush, suitable for summer vacation and hiking, but there are many tourists. - **Mid-September to mid-October (autumn)**: The most beautiful season in Kanas, with golden birch forests, blue lakes and morning mist, it is like a fairy tale world. - **November to March of the following year (winter)**: Covered in snow, you can experience ice and snow activities (such as horse-drawn sleigh rides and skiing), but the temperature is extremely low and some facilities may be closed. **Recommended season**: mid-to-late September to early October (best autumn scenery) or June (pleasant spring scenery). 2. Transportation** 1. How to get to Kanas? ** - **airplane**: - Fly to **Kanas Airport** (about 1 hour drive from the scenic area) or **Altai Airport** (need to take a bus to Kanas). - **train**: - Arrive at **Beitun City Station** or **Altai Station**, then take a bus or chartered car to the scenic spot. - **Self-driving**: - Starting from Urumqi, drive along National Highway G217 for about 800 kilometers. Be careful of icy and snowy road conditions in winter. 2. Transportation within the scenic area** - **Interval bus**: Self-driving is prohibited in the scenic area, and you need to take the interval bus. The main routes include: - **Jiadengyu→Kanas Transfer Center** (70 yuan/person one-way, 110 yuan/person round trip). - **Kanas Transfer Center→Guanyutai** (20 yuan/person round trip). - **Kanas→Baihaba** (border pass required). - **Jiadengyu→Hemu** (50 yuan/person). 3. Recommended major attractions** 1. Kanas Lake** - **Fish Watching Platform**: The best place to overlook the panoramic view of Kanas Lake. You need to climb 1,000 steps and the round trip takes about 2 hours. - **Cruise**: 120 yuan/person, but the experience is average (enclosed cabin, limited vision), it is recommended to watch the lake view from a distance for a more stunning view. - **Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay)**: - It is recommended to hike from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay (about 2 kilometers, 40 minutes), and the scenery along the way is very beautiful. 2. Hemu Village** - **Hemu Observation Deck**: The best place to photograph morning mist and sunrise. - **Birch forest**: It turns golden in autumn, perfect for photography. - **Tuva Village**: Experience local folk culture. 3. Baihaba Village** - **China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon**: You need to apply for a border pass to experience the border scenery. - **Original Village**: Quieter than Hemu, suitable for in-depth travel. **Preferential policies**: - Free tickets for seniors over 65 years old and half price for shuttle buses. - Discounts available for students, military personnel, etc. 4. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Jiadengyu**: Accommodation is concentrated outside the scenic area, and the price is relatively cheap. - **Kanas Old Village/New Village**: Convenient for visiting Kanas Lake, but prices are higher during peak season. - **Hemu Village**: Wooden house B&B, suitable for photographing morning fog. - **Baihaba Village**: More primitive and quiet, suitable for in-depth experience. 6. Food Recommendations** - **Xinjiang specialties**: roasted whole lamb, hand-pulled meat, mixed noodles, and baked buns. - **Tuvan delicacies**: milk tea, milk lumps. - **Recommended restaurants**: - **Kanas Mountain Flavor** (spicy chicken fried belt noodles). - **Hemu Villa** (Xinjiang specialties). VII. Precautions** 1. **Border Pass**: You need to apply for it in advance to go to Baihaba (you can apply for it at Habahe County or Kanas Border Police Station). 2. **Weather**: The temperature difference between day and night is large, so you need to bring a down jacket after September. 3. **Altitude sickness**: Kanas is about 1,374 meters above sea level. Generally, there is no altitude sickness, but avoid strenuous exercise. 4. **Environmental protection**: littering is prohibited in the scenic area. 5. **Peak season booking**: Accommodation is tight from September to October, so it is recommended to book 1-2 months in advance. 8. Recommended itinerary (3 days)** - **Day1**: Kanas Lake (Fish Watching Platform, Cruise) → Sanwan Hiking → Stay in Kanas Village. - **Day2**: Kanas→Baihaba (border tour)→stay in Hemu Village. - **Day3**: Hemu Observation Deck (sunrise) → birch forest → return. The beauty of Kanas lies in its purity and mystery. Whether it is the golden world in autumn or the ice and snow fairy tale in winter, it is worth a visit. Plan your trip in advance and choose the right season to better experience this paradise on earth!