When traveling to Altay, Xinjiang, you can follow these suggestions for a great trip:?
Recommended Core Attractions:?
Kanas Scenic Area: Admire attractions such as Kanas Lake (legend of the ‘lake monster’), Shenxianwan/Moon Bay/Wolong Bay (three-bay hiking), and Guanyutai (panoramic view), and experience activities such as visiting the Tuwa village, autumn photography, and winter snowshoeing.?
Hemu Village: Experience wooden houses, morning mist and cooking smoke, autumn scenery of the birch forest, and participate in activities such as horseback riding to Meili Peak, stargazing, and skiing in winter (Jikepulin Ski Resort).?
Koktokay: Admire geological wonders such as the God’s Bell Mountain and the Irtysh Grand Canyon, and experience skiing in winter (Koktokay International Ski Resort).?
Colorful Beach: The best viewing time is at sunset, when you can admire the Yadan landform and the Irtysh River reflecting each other.?
Ulungur Lake: Xinjiang’s largest inland cold-water lake, where you can go fishing in summer and witness spectacular winter fishing in winter.?
Recommended Attractions in Altay City:?
Altay Museum: Learn about the cultural atmosphere of Altay, from ancient stone people to the origin of skiing, all in one visit.?
Birch Forest Park: Experience the changing seasons of the birch forest, go horseback riding or take a horse-drawn carriage, and enjoy the authentic northern Xinjiang flavor.?
Jinshan Market: The best place to buy dried fruits, cheese, ethnic clothing, carpets, and other souvenirs.?
Transportation Guide:?
Major Transportation: You can choose to fly directly from Urumqi to Altay City or Kanas Airport (open during peak seasons), or take a train from Urumqi to Beitun City Station and then transfer to a bus to the scenic area. Self-driving or renting a car is also a good choice, with stops at the Karamay Devil’s City along the way.?
Internal Transportation: There are buses from Altay City or Beitun City to Kanas and Hemu, or you can choose to rent a car/carpool for flexibility.?
Suggested Itinerary:?
You can refer to the following route arrangement: Starting from Altay, explore the Colorful Beach and stay overnight in Burqin; from Burqin, visit Kanas, explore Baihaba Village, and return to Kanas; from Kanas, hike to Hemu, visit the Birch Forest Scenic Area, and stay overnight in Hemu; from Hemu, challenge the Devil’s City and stay overnight in Burqin; from Burqin, enjoy Ulungur Lake and return to Altay.?
When traveling in Altay, you can also taste local delicacies such as hand-grabbed meat, mutton kebabs, and nang, and experience the unique northern Xinjiang flavor. Remember to plan your itinerary in advance and book accommodation and transportation to ensure a pleasant journey.?