Xinjiang Kanas Travel Guide—Recommended Kanas Travel Routes
Xinjiang Kanas Chartered Tour Consultation Tel.: 0991-8585456 (same number)
Recommended Route:
D1: Urumqi—Karamayli Hooved Animal Nature Reserve—Kekesuli—Koktokay Town (about 530KM, driving time about 7.5 hours)
D2: Koktokay—Koktokay Scenic Area—Colorful Beach—Burqin (about 360KM, driving time about 6 hours)
D3: Burqin—Kanas—Fish Viewing Pavilion—Kanas Lake (about 140KM, driving time about 4 hours)
D4: Kanas—Wolong Bay—Moon Bay—Fairy Bay—Hemu—Observation Deck Sunset (about 95KM, driving time about 3.5 hours)
D5: Hemu Sunrise—Observation Deck—Devil’s City—Karamay (about 500KM, driving time about 8 hours)
The world of blue bays—Koktokay
This place is not only the ‘cold pole’ of Xinjiang but also a rare ‘hometown of gemstones’ nationwide and a rare ‘natural mineral exhibition hall’ worldwide. Along the way, visit Wild Duck Lake—Kekesuli, and arrive at the famous Irtysh River Grand Canyon. These geological heritages have rare and precious value worldwide, forming a dazzling scenic spot on Xinjiang’s mysterious tourist route around Dzungaria. Take an electric cart to appreciate attractions such as Turtle Rock, Birch Forest, Couple Tree, and Stone Gate along the way, and visit the famous landmark of Koktokay—God’s Bell Mountain.
The eastern little Switzerland—a pure fairyland [Kanas]
If you’re traveling to Xinjiang, you must visit Kanas. The rejuvenation of all things in spring, the fiery passion of summer, the enchanting romance of autumn, and the purity of winter—each season tells a story of Kanas’ beauty. The morning at ‘Fairy Bay’ is like a layer of milky white mist gently floating and rising, creating a dreamlike atmosphere akin to a fairyland. The ‘Moon Bay’, a popular photo spot, exudes a mysterious charm under different light conditions. By climbing up to the commanding height of Kanas Lake—the Fish Viewing Pavilion, you can have a bird’s-eye view of the entire Kanas Lake. Looking north, you can see the sun-glinting Friendship Peak Glacier, while to the south, the Kanas River winds like an emerald ribbon among the towering mountains. To the west lies a vast expanse of lush green grass.
Kanas—Wolong Bay
In the middle of the lake here lies a winding sandbar, looking like a dragon coiled within. The entire Wolong Bay winds through the lush and beautiful primitive forest. Viewed from above, it resembles a soaring dragon amidst a vibrant forest. It is truly spectacular.
A fairy tale world, returning to nature—Hemu Village
Beside the beautiful Kanas Lake lies a picturesque mountain village—Hemu Village. Just like its name, the village features log cabins stacked with logs, surrounded by birch forests. The lively Hemu River winds through the village, creating a picturesque and harmonious scene. The starry night sky and the surrounding birch forests seem to bring a touch of mystery and tranquility to this ancient village. A sense of calm and serenity, seemingly cultivated through travel, fills the air.
The fantastic and colorful world is not far from us – Colorful Beach
The rock layers here are composed of red, earthy red, light yellow, and light green sandstone, mudstone, and conglomerate, with various colors of rocks. These bizarre colors, illuminated by the sunshine at sunset, come at you from all directions, appearing so delicate and charming. It truly deserves to be called the most beautiful Yardang landform in Xinjiang.
Perhaps there was really a ‘devil king’ here once – the magnificent Devil’s City
The wind-eroded masterpiece, [Urho Devil’s City], how can one imagine that this place was once a lake? The magnificent and desolate beauty of nature coexist here. The strangely shaped rock layers seem to really tell us that there was once a devil king here. Passing through the Karamay 100-kilometer oilfield production area, countless ‘pumping jacks’ are busy up and down, like pulsating pulses, so full of vitality.
Precautions
1. When traveling to Kanas, only a border pass is required for Baihaba. Border passes can be processed at your household registration location, Kashgar, Burqin, or directly at the Kanas scenic area with your ID.
2. Food prices within the scenic area are very expensive, and if you ride a horse through Hemu, it will be even more difficult to purchase food. Therefore, try to purchase sufficient supplies in Burqin. The ultraviolet rays in Xinjiang are intense, and the climate is dry, so be sure to prepare enough sunscreen and pay attention to moisturizing.
3. The diurnal temperature variation in the Kanas area is significant, with temperatures dropping to below zero in the morning and reaching up to 27°C during the strongest midday sunshine. Therefore, when watching the morning light, be sure to stay warm. It is better to bring along down jackets, hats, gloves, sweaters, etc. During the day when playing in the scenic area, you can wear a thin long-sleeved shirt with an outer jacket; when it’s hot, you can take off the jacket. It is not recommended to wear short-sleeved shirts to avoid sunburn.
4. Hemu has many horse teams, and it is often possible to encounter horses galloping, raising a lot of dust. It is recommended to wear a mask. In addition, bring along some insect repellent, stomach medicine, and other commonly used medications for unexpected needs.
5. Due to the dry climate in Xinjiang, combined with the hot-natured diet of mutton and chili peppers, nosebleeds are common. Skin and lip chapping are also severe, so it is important to bring various protective products.
Best Time to Visit Kanas
Best Seasons: June and September are the best. The flower fields in June and the golden autumn in September are Kanas’ signatures. In June, Kanas is full of spring vitality, with boundless greenery that makes people linger; after a short summer, Kanas welcomes its golden September, with forests painted in layers of colors.
Winter in Kanas, with its frozen lake, is equally breathtaking. Kanas has introduced a winter tourism program (from October 10th to May 10th of the next year), which not only offers partial ticket exemptions but also allows visitors to experience a ‘horse-drawn sleigh’. Every winter, there is also a Winter Photography Tourism Festival.
For Xinjiang Tours, Contact Guo Jing
Consultation Hotline (Same)