For details, please contact: Xinjiang Tourism, Xiao Guo: (same) 0991-8585456
Kanas generally refers to the Altay Scenic Area in Xinjiang, represented by "Kanas + Baihaba + Hemu". In summer, the Kanas area is covered with lush green snow firs extending as far as the eye can see, and the emerald-green lake stretches far into the distance like a huge ribbon.
From September to October, the colors here, accumulated over a year, present the most captivating appearance. The forests and grasslands gradually change colors, making the entire Kanas resemble a Monet painting with a riot of colors. Therefore, it has become synonymous with ‘the most beautiful autumn scenery’.
Enjoy the ‘Nordic Forest’: As you climb the mountain, you can see the Nordic forest form of the Altai Mountains. After entering September, a colorful feast is composed of golden birch forests, apricot-yellow larches, fiery red European aspens, and evergreen pine and cypress trees.
The Unseen Lake Monster: Rumors of the ‘lake monster’ made Kanas famous overnight, but there is no scientific evidence to date of its existence. However, if you’re lucky while boating on the lake (yachts are available), you may see a one-meter-long taimen—a spectacular sight.
★ Only Know the Three Bays? Don’t Miss the Rock Paintings, Yaze Lake, and Shouting Spring!
The Three Bays are already known to almost all travelers, so I won’t elaborate further here. Let’s talk about the Tuluk Rock Paintings, Yaze Lake, and Shouting Spring.
Tuluk Rock Paintings: Located at Kanas’s First Bay, the scale is not large. Animals such as horses, sheep, and deer are carved onto rocks with hard tools. According to research, the paintings date from the Sui, Tang, to the Yuan dynasties and are a must-see for history lovers. At the same time, the view of the lake and mountains from here is also excellent, and without the noise of tourists, finding a big rock to lie down on in the warm afternoon sunshine and taking a nap is a rare natural pleasure.
Yaze Lake: The shuttle bus does not go here. It can be reached by walking 1.2 kilometers north along the plank road from Shenxian Bay. It is a small, butterfly-shaped lake where wild ducks, wild geese, swans, and other birds inhabit the surrounding marsh wetlands and grasslands, creating a beautiful scene.
Shouting Spring: Located about 3 kilometers south of Kanas New Village, there is a dirt road behind the village for walking. The Shouting Spring was originally stagnant water, but when you shout at it, the sound wave frequency interference causes resonance, and water begins to emerge from the spring, causing the sand at the bottom to churn up and down. Try shouting from your diaphragm and you’ll see! You will be amazed by the magic of nature.
★ Tuwa Homestay: A Glimpse into an Ancient Ethnic Group
Many households in Kanas Old Village and Hemu Village offer homestay experiences (80 yuan per person, about 40 minutes), including performances of the syr, khoomei, storytelling about the Tuwa people, and tastings of milk tea and dairy curds.
Homestays do not perform for single travelers and only start when a certain number of people are gathered. This is an opportunity to chat with them, which feels more authentic and may lead to unexpected gains. After all, homestay performances are becoming increasingly formalistic.
★ The Thrilling Rapids of Kanas/Hemu Rafting
Experiencing the excitement and joy of the water is the fun of rafting. The rafting in Kanas and Hemu gradually intensifies the excitement, allowing you to delve deeper into the sensory stimulation brought by rafting step by step. Feel the rush of the rapids while the endless scenery on both sides makes you linger.
Kanas River Rafting: The total distance is 8 kilometers, from Hukou to Yaze Lake, with a water time of about 40 minutes. There are vehicles at the end of the rafting route to return to the tourist center.
Hemu Rafting: The full length is 8.8 kilometers. The ticket office is located beside the Hemu Bridge. Starting from here, you will float downstream for about 30 minutes.
Jiadenyu
Jiadenyu is considered the first stop to Kanas. It guards the entrance and exit of Kanas and mainly serves as a parking area and a dining and accommodation area for tourists.
Take the shuttle bus from Jiadenyu to enter the scenic area and arrive at the Kanas Transfer Center (buses depart every hour from 8:00 to 19:30, 90 yuan round trip, about a 50-minute ride).
We went in late June and stayed near the Sun Castle in Jiadenyu at night. I found that there are actually fields of dandelion flowers and villa-style accommodation houses here. It is truly a beautiful净土 beyond the scenic area.
Baihaba
Known as the First Village in the Northwest and the First Outpost in the Northwest, it is one of China’s eight most beautiful towns. It is located on the border between China and Kazakhstan within the Kanas scenic area.
The village is dominated by the Tuvans. It has a strong Tuvan flavor and is increasingly favored by people due to its unique folk customs.
To get to Baihaba, you need to purchase additional tickets and shuttle bus tickets at the Kanas Transfer Center (ticket price: 30 yuan + shuttle bus: 45 yuan).
Hemu
An independent scenic area about a 50-minute drive from the Kanas scenic area, known as the "God’s Own Land". You need to take a shuttle bus from Jiadenyu, or you can drive there yourself.
Tickets and shuttle bus tickets for the Hemu scenic area (ticket price: 50 yuan + shuttle bus: 52 yuan). After arriving at the scenic area, you need to transfer to the shuttle bus around the village.
(Small public transportation around the village) Arrive in the village.
★ A Leisurely Stroll in Hemu
Staying in the grid of the city for too long sometimes really makes one physically and mentally exhausted. I want to put down my work, put down my phone, discard all worries, and hide in a farmyard, only worrying about three meals a day, and not thinking about anything else.
Of course, we are also aware that we cannot always hide in that corner and escape from real life. But when I came to Hemu, I suddenly discovered that some places may not bring us escape, but immersion.
For Hemu, I don’t recommend a detailed itinerary, only ten key words: Slow down, relax, be attentive, feel, immerse.
★ The Mystical Experience of Baihaba Ancient Village
Border Marker No. 5: The border marker is not far from the village. It costs 100 yuan round trip by horse, or you can walk there. There is an earth road about 3 kilometers long in the village. Just ask the villagers for directions.
China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon: About 8 kilometers away from Baihaba, it is a viewing platform beside the road and you cannot enter the canyon. From here, you can overlook the China-Kazakhstan border (rent a motorcycle for 50 yuan/person round trip, or a car for 100 yuan round trip).
I suggest that if time allows, don’t rush. I hope everyone can have a slow and relaxed time.
Stroll leisurely on the wooden plank walkway and quietly feel the azure lake and the pine and cypress trees covering the mountains. Put down your phone, empty your mind, and don’t miss the beautiful scenery in front of you. In this way, Kanas will bring us even more feelings.
I hope this guide can help you! Friends who want to visit Xinjiang or have any questions, please feel free to leave a message or send a private message.
Xiao Guo: (Same) 0991-8585456