North of Northern Xinjiang: Altay

Winter in Altay, Xinjiang is breathtakingly beautiful, a fairy tale world covered in ice and snow, featuring rich natural landscapes, ice and snow sports resources, and unique cultural experiences such as the rime frost in Kanas, Jiekepulin Ski Resort, and the original wooden houses in Hemu Village. Natural Landscapes: ● The snowy scenery of Altay is the core of its winter charm, with mountains, forests, and lakes all covered in white snow, creating a magnificent white world. ● Kanas National Forest Park and Hemu Village are representative spots for snow scenes, where trees and wooden houses are wrapped in snow, creating a dreamy atmosphere. ● Rime frost is also common in Altay, especially in the three bays of Kanas, where the early morning rime frost scenery is picturesque. ● Icefalls and ice lakes are also winter highlights; the icefalls are stunning, and ice lakes like Kanas Lake and Koktokay offer unique experiences of walking on the ice surface. Tourism Experiences: ● Altay has abundant ice and snow sports resources, with Asia’s largest ski resort, Jiekepulin, attracting many skiing enthusiasts. ● Visitors can ski and snowboard in the Yili Grand Canyon. ● You can also experience horse-drawn sled rides, enjoying a romantic journey under the starry sky. ● Hot springs are another pleasure; the hot springs by Kanas Lake and in Hemu Village provide opportunities to relax and unwind in the cold winter days. Cultural Landscapes: ● Hemu Village and Baihaba Village preserve the original ecology and ancient traditions, where visitors can experience the local herders’ lifestyle. ● The wooden houses, cattle and sheep, and tranquil atmosphere in these villages give a sense of peaceful isolation from the world. In summary, winter in Altay is an excellent travel destination combining natural beauty, ice and snow sports, and unique cultural experiences. It is recommended to consult relevant travel guides for more detailed information.