Local's Guide to Enjoying Autumn in Kanas

I've been running a guesthouse in Kanas for years, and every autumn, friends flood me with questions about how to make the most of their trip. So here's a super detailed guide for you👇 🎈Best Time to Visit The peak season for stunning views is from mid-September to early October! During this time, birch forests and larch trees don their golden and orange hues, perfectly complemented by the azure lake and distant snow-capped mountains. Every snapshot is Instagram-worthy📸. If you're visiting during the National Day holiday, expect more crowds. For a quieter experience, mid to late September is ideal. 🚗 Transportation Guide By Plane: Fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, then transfer to Kanas Airport (about a 1-hour flight). From there, take the airport shuttle to the scenic area. Alternatively, fly to Altay Airport and take a shuttle bus or hire a car to Kanas, which takes about 3-4 hours. By Train: Take a train from Urumqi to Beitun City, then switch to a shuttle bus or hire a car to Kanas. The journey takes about 6-7 hours in total. By Car: Drive from Urumqi along the G217 National Highway, which takes about 12 hours. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, but the drive can be tiring, so it's best for those with ample time and a love for road trips. In the Scenic Area: Private cars are not allowed in the core scenic area, so you'll need to switch to shuttle buses. If you want to visit the Guanyu Pavilion, you'll need to take a separate shuttle bus (free but limited, so it's best to scan the QR code for tickets at 9 AM). For a unique experience, you can also opt for horseback riding, but make sure to choose a licensed operator. 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations Kanas New Village: Perfectly located, just a 10-minute shuttle ride to the transfer center. It's convenient but tends to be pricier during peak season. Jiadengyu: Offers more accommodation options at relatively affordable prices. However, you'll need to queue for shuttle buses to and from the scenic area daily, which can be time-consuming. Baihaba Village: Less crowded with stunning views, and you can avoid the long queues. The village is rich in Tuva cultural charm. 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions Fairy Bay: Be sure to visit early in the morning to catch the mist! The thin morning fog blankets the water, with sunlight streaming through, creating a magical interplay of light and shadow. The reflections of trees swaying in the water make it feel like you've stepped into a fairyland—every shot is a masterpiece. Moon Bay: The S-shaped river bend is incredibly unique. The water's color changes with the light, and the vibrant trees along the banks make for a breathtaking view from the observation deck. Guanyu Pavilion: Climbing 1,068 steps is worth it for the panoramic view of Kanas Lake. Snow-capped mountains, forests, and the lake stretch out before you, making all the effort worthwhile. You might even spot the mysterious "lake monster"👀. Hemu Village: Known as "God's Backyard," this place perfectly blends primitive villages with natural beauty. Climb the Haden Observation Deck to see the morning mist rising from the village, creating a fairytale-like scene. In the evening, enjoy traditional Tuva singing and dancing performances to immerse yourself in local culture. 🍱 Food Recommendations Hand-Grasped Rice: A hearty dish of rice cooked with carrots and lamb. The lamb is tender and juicy, and the rice absorbs the meat's aroma and the sweetness of the carrots—utterly satisfying. Grilled Lamb Skewers: Freshly cut and grilled lamb sprinkled with cumin and chili powder. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—each bite is bursting with flavor. Milk Tea: The local traditional milk tea is savory and rich. Pair it with Baursak (a type of fried dough), and you've got the perfect breakfast to warm you up. ❗Helpful Tips - The temperature in Kanas varies greatly between day and night. It can be around 10-15°C during the day but drop to freezing or below at night. Bring plenty of warm clothing, including a down jacket🧥. - The scenic area involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable sneakers to avoid sore feet after a day of exploring. - If you want to take stunning photos, prepare extra memory cards and batteries for your camera. The scenery here will keep you snapping away. - Visiting Baihaba requires a border pass, so make sure to bring your ID and prepare in advance.