For trips to Kanas, you can choose different methods and itineraries according to personal preferences and schedules. Here are some recommended travel methods and itinerary plans:
Travel methods:
Self-drive travel: Starting from Urumqi, drive along the S21 Desert Highway through the Gurbantünggüt Desert to Beitun, then to Burqin, and finally arrive at Kanas. This method offers high freedom, allowing you to stop and go as you please, but the journey is relatively long and may require sufficient preparation and planning.
Round-trip by plane: Kanas Airport is located in Hailutan area, 74 kilometers northwest of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, and about 50 kilometers from Kanas Lake. Choosing to travel round-trip by plane can save time and effort, but airfare may be higher during peak seasons.
Carpooling/Group tour through travel agencies: Book a Kanas carpooling or group tour through major tourism e-commerce platforms (such as Ctrip, Mafengwo, Flying Pigs, etc.). This method is suitable for 1-2 people traveling together. The route is conventional and requires less worry about itinerary arrangements.
Chartered car: A chartered car is the best choice for a group of friends or family to travel together. You can start from Urumqi and arrange for 4-6 days. If you have enough time, you can also add the trip to Sayram Lake. Chartered car travel is more flexible and comfortable, but the price may be relatively high.
Itinerary planning:
Taking the 5-day Kanas tour as an example
Day 1: Urumqi – Koktokay – Fuyun. Visit Koktokay and admire the beautiful river bay scenery of the "Golden Jungle".
Day 2: Fuyun – Free activities in Hemu. Feel the charm of the primitive wooden village in Hemu Village and experience staying in a log cabin.
Day 3: Hemu – Kanas (Stroll through the Three Bays) – Jiadenyu. Visit Kanas Lake, admire the golden autumn scenery known as "the First Autumn Scenery among China’s Top Ten", and stroll through the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay).
Day 4: Jiadenyu – Colorful Beach – Urho/Karamay. Visit the Colorful Beach and enjoy the colorful beaches during sunset.
Day 5: Urho/Karamay – Devil’s City – Urumqi. End the trip and return to Urumqi.
Of course, the itinerary can also be adjusted according to personal time and preferences, such as choosing different arrangements like 3 days and 2 nights, 4 days and 3 nights, or 7 days and 6 nights.
. In Kanas, you can enjoy various natural and cultural landscapes such as lakes and mountains, primitive forests, and folk customs, which will surely make you reluctant to leave.