Is Xinjiang suitable for tourism in winter? Recommended tourist attractions in Xinjiang in winter
Tourism consultation (same)
Winter in Xinjiang is a winter fairy tale in the northwest. Here, the water is crystal clear, the mountains rise and fall, the forests are dense, and the scenery is beautiful. In winter, Kanas is like a fairy tale world of ice and snow, with snowy ice lakes. Under the blue sky, the jade-like Kanas winds through the glacier-covered mountains, captivating the heart.
Why choose to visit Xinjiang in winter? What is different about traveling to Kanas in winter?
①Worth seeing
Compared to the blooming flowers of spring, the lush green grass of summer, and the colorful autumn leaves, Xinjiang’s winter is extremely cold and long. However, in this season that makes you grit your teeth with cold, there lies pure and stunning beauty. Such scenery cannot be seen anywhere else at any other time.
Winter in Xinjiang is a winter fairy tale in the northwest. Here, the water is crystal clear, the mountains rise and fall, the forests are dense, and the scenery is beautiful. In winter, Kanas is like a fairy tale world of ice and snow, with snowy ice lakes. Under the blue sky, the jade-like Kanas winds through the glacier-covered mountains, captivating the heart.
In the morning light, Hemu Village is like a fairyland with morning mist弥漫. Sunlight spills all around the courtyards of Hemu, creating dazzling waves of light on the snow, bringing vitality to the entire village. Winter’s Hemu, dressed in silver and white, is beautiful and elegant, as well as generous.
Here, you can experience the true northern scenery, a world of ice and snow with thousands of miles of frozen land and drifting snow.
②Low consumption
Compared to high-priced airfare, train tickets, scenic area tickets, shuttle bus tickets, and high accommodation costs in summer and autumn, Xinjiang’s winter is much kinder to your wallet…
Major transportation: In winter, flights and train tickets to Xinjiang are very cheap. Direct one-way flights from popular cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen range from 300 to 1000 yuan; train tickets also range from 500 to 800 yuan one-way. Flight prices are cheaper than long-distance train tickets;
Scenic area tickets: As everyone knows, the biggest expense of traveling to Xinjiang is the scenic area tickets and shuttle bus fees. Compared to other tourist cities, it is a shameful figure. But in winter, due to limitations, the scenic area ticket prices are reduced, and the shuttle bus can be replaced by the car we take, especially in Northern Xinjiang. In summer and autumn, the combined ticket price for the three scenic areas of Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba is 340 yuan per person. In winter, a one-ticket pass is implemented for these three scenic areas, with a ticket price of 90 yuan per person;
Accommodation costs: In popular places like Kanas, Hemu, Baihaba, and Burqin during summer and autumn, the average accommodation cost per person per night is around 300 yuan. However, in winter, the accommodation cost is only about 130 yuan per person.
③Enjoy with ease
Every summer and autumn, tourists to Xinjiang are endless. Whenever you travel during this time, it is no surprise to see long queues at the scenic area ticket booths and shuttle bus stops. However, Kanas in winter is not very well-known, so fewer people visit. At this time, you can enjoy the beauty of nature to your heart’s content without fear of being disturbed.
What to do in Kanas, Xinjiang in winter?
①Take a hot spring bath
Taking a hot spring bath in winter is very beneficial to physical and mental health because the alternation of cold and heat can dilate and constrict skin blood vessels, promoting blood circulation and metabolism in the body. The五彩湾Ancient Sea Hot Spring Resort is a great place to take a hot spring bath. In winter, it has a unique charm, with light snow floating and the ground covered in silver light, while the hot spring pools are bustling with people, creating a scene of clouds and mist. After bathing in the hot spring, skating in a swimsuit is also a beautiful sight. The setting sun and its afterglow blend together, allowing you to let go of your mood and let your thoughts wander to distant ancient times. At night, you can also gaze up at the starry sky. The五彩湾Ancient Sea Hot Spring Resort happens to be on the golden route to the Kanas scenic area and an important tourist hub and transit point. While resting your feet, take a hot spring bath and enjoy the warmth of winter, which is an excellent experience in winter.
②Ride a horse-drawn sleigh
Traveling to Kanas in winter, taking a horse-drawn sleigh is the most fun way of transportation. Riding on snow more than a meter deep, fully experience the atmosphere of "not a single bird in the sky, not a footprint on the ground" in the silent valley.
③Walk through the snow walls
Kanas is the scenic area with the highest latitude in Xinjiang, with a winter that lasts for more than half a year. In winter, the snow is heavy and the winds are strong. When the snow accumulates to its thickest on flat ground, it can reach about two meters. In recent years, the Kanas scenic area has opened winter tourism activities and specially purchased snowplows to ensure the normal progress of winter travel within the scenic area. Nowadays, snowplows have become a standard configuration for the Kanas scenic area in winter, providing logistical support for the scenic area’s winter operations. As the snow accumulates thicker and thicker, thick "snow walls" are formed on both sides of the road, reaching a height of one to two meters. The "snow walls" not only prevent vehicles and other transportation from sliding off the road but will also gradually form a unique landscape.
④Experience the Tuvan log cabins
The Altay region is dominated by the Tuvans. The log cabins have become a symbol of the Tuvans, appearing particularly primitive and unsophisticated, with traditional characteristics of nomadic peoples. The Tuvans, in an environment far from civilization, made full use of local resources to build wooden cabins that are warm in winter and cool in summer, with a European style. The rooftops are generally made of wooden planks nailed into an A-frame canopy, and the bodies of the houses are stacked with single-layer logs about 30 to 40 centimeters in diameter, which are both warm and moisture-proof. People who have visited where the Tuvans live will first see the European-style log cabins. These pointed-roof, square-based wooden houses, although simple in structure, are highly practical. Living in the log cabins of the Tuvans, drinking the butter tea or fermented mare’s milk made by herdsmen, and tasting Xinjiang’s special cuisines have become indispensable unique experiences for tourists.
⑤Watch the sunrise, morning fog, and panoramic view from the viewing platform in Hemu Village
In the early morning, climb up to the viewing platform on the mountain beside Hemu Village to capture the sunrise and morning fog over the village. Standing at the top of the mountain, looking at the wooden houses, as the sunlight gradually advances, overlook this primitive village that resembles a fairyland, with cooking smoke rising slowly, forming a dreamlike smoke band. It feels like this scene can only be described in a fairy tale world. You can also see a panoramic view of Hemu Village. Most of the panoramic photos of Hemu are taken here. Legend has it that Genghis Khan once reviewed his hundred thousand troops here. Just imagine how grand and impressive the scene must have been!
⑦Viewing Snow Mushrooms at Kanas Lake
Every winter, Kanas Lake presents a spectacular sight of snowy mushrooms, which are incredibly beautiful, making one marvel at the wonders of nature. On the white snowfield, clusters of snow mushrooms look so fantastic under the setting sun. The snow in the water appears even whiter and smoother, like a fairy tale ice and snow world! You can act like a child, stepping on the snow mushrooms and leaving your cute footprints…
⑧Viewing Kanas Rime
After passing Tuojing Bay, follow the Kanas River upstream. The crystal-clear rime corridor will lead you into a dreamlike world. Here, there are girls singing and dancing gracefully, young and vibrant; over there, scholars recite poems, gentle and refined; here, children play games, lively and cute; over there, old men with silver hair dance gracefully, kind and broad-minded. There are ‘white orchids’, ‘white plum blossoms’, ‘silver chrysanthemums’, and ‘reed flowers’; there are also ‘snowcocks’, ‘snow hares’, ‘snow deer’, and ‘snow butterflies’. Moreover, the rime here lasts for a long time, so you don’t have to worry about it disappearing quickly.
How many days are suitable for winter travel in Xinjiang, and how should I plan it?
Winter in Xinjiang is extremely cold, with an average winter temperature of around -13℃, and Kanas has an average temperature of around -18℃. It can get as cold as -30℃. Therefore, it is not recommended to stay for too long. If you want to have a good time without any regrets, 7 days is the best choice. You can take a loop route without repeating, and visit classic attractions.
Tian Chi and Colorful Bay Ancient Sea Hot Springs in one day; Kanas in one day, Hemo in one day, Hemo Meili Peak in one day, Urho Magic City in one day, Kuitun Grand Canyon in one day. This just forms a perfect loop route.
What basic knowledge do I need to know for winter tourism in Kanas, Xinjiang?
①Winter Travel Equipment
Equipment: A 20L daypack for personal use, a pair of trekking poles, a vacuum flask, a waterproof bag (winter snowfall is heavy, trekking poles are useful when going to the Hemo Observatory).
Essential skincare items: Lip balm, sunscreen, skincare products, face masks (especially for girls, as Xinjiang is very dry).
Tripods are useful, as the night sky is always bright, whether in Kanas or Hemo.
②Sunshine Duration
The sunshine duration in Xinjiang in winter is shorter than in summer, with sunrise around 8:30 AM and sunset around 7:00 PM.
③Are the mountains closed in winter?
The answer is: The mountains are not closed. Several years ago, Kanas Scenic Area began winter tourism activities and specifically purchased snowplows to ensure normal winter travel within the scenic area. Nowadays, snowplows have become standard equipment in Kanas Scenic Area during winter, providing logistical support for winter operations.
What is the average winter temperature in Xinjiang, and what should I wear?
Winter Temperature: Xinjiang is very cold in winter, with an average winter temperature of around -13℃, and Kanas has an average temperature of around -18℃. It can get as cold as -30℃. Dressing Guide: Waterproof jacket and pants, down jacket, snow-proof and anti-slip snow boots, quick-dry underwear, disposable underwear (bathing and drying clothes are inconvenient in winter), high-cut hiking boots + gaiters, more than 2 pairs of hiking socks, windproof gloves (both full-finger and half-finger), hand warmers, knee pads, sunglasses + ski goggles, fleece hats with nose vents, sun hats
Winter Tourism Consultation for Kanas (Same)