Top 10 Famous Tourist Kanas Attractions

Kanas is a major tourist route in the Altay region of northern Xinjiang, a wonderland hidden in the middle of Xinjiang's Altai Mountains, with magnificent natural landscapes and unique ethnic cultures. Here are the top 10 attractions to visit in Kanas.

Top 1: Kanas Lake

"Kanas" is a Mongolian term meaning "beautiful and mysterious lake", renowned for its stunning natural scenery and enigmatic legends, often referred to as a "paradise on earth". Kanas Lake sits at an altitude of 1374 meters with a depth of 188.5 meters, making it the deepest moraine-dammed lake in China, that is an alpine and inland freshwater lake nestled within the dense forests of the Altai Mountains.

Kanas Lake’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant blue hue are truly captivating. Standing by the lake, nestled in a valley, you can see the shimmering surface of the water, resembling a jade embedded in the blue sky and white clouds. The lake is surrounded by pristine forests, creating a perfect harmony, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of nature's craftsmanship.

Kanas Lake boasts several remarkable phenomena. First, the kilometer-long dam of deadwood, formed by accumulated floating logs in the lake that are blown upstream by strong valley winds. Second, the mysterious giant "water monster" in the lake, which is said to drag horses drinking by the shore into the water, adding a touch of mystery to Kanas. Third, the spectacular scene of the cloud sea and Buddha light of Kanas, visible only after the rain when the sun shines through the clouds.

• Address: Northern of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Open Hours: 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM
• Tour Length: 3-4 hours

Top 2: Moon Bay

Moon Bay is located about 1 kilometer upstream from Wolong Bay along the Kanas River, forming an extension of the Wolong Bay river bend. The beautiful and tranquil Moon Bay changes with the water level of Kanas Lake, making it a true gem embedded in the Kanas River. Here, the riverbed forms several crescent-shaped bends resembling an inverted "S", giving rise to the name "Moon Bay".

The serene and picturesque Moon Bay is a signature attraction of Kanas, where Kanas Lake carves a graceful arc here, resembling a crescent moon nestled in the lush valley, enchanting countless visitors. This spot is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. From spring to autumn, and from dawn to dusk, the ever-changing light and weather conditions transform the water and landscape, offering endless captivating scenes for photographers to capture.

• Address: 1 km upstream of Wolong Bay, Kanas, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Open Hours: 08:30 AM – 07:30 PM
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 3: Guanyu Pavilion

The Guanyu Pavilion is situated at an altitude of 2,030 meters on a mountaintop, with a vertical drop of over 600 meters to the surface of Kanas Lake. The pavilion stands 19 meters high, weighs 777 tons, and features a structure comprising two platforms and a pavilion, accommodating over a hundred people at once. The top is hemispherical with four symmetrical wing-like shapes, symbolizing the tail of the lake monster and the wings of an eagle.

This is the only platform where you can fully appreciate the stunning beauty of Kanas. From here, you can gaze down at Kanas Lake, with three-quarters of the lake's surface visible. Meanwhile, you can admire the picturesque mountain scenery surrounding the lake, with overlapping peaks, verdant reflections, and waves of clouds.

• Address: Camel Summit on the west coast of Kanas Lake, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Open Hours: 09:00 AM – 07:30 PM
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 4: Wolong Bay

Wolong Bay, formed by the long-term lateral erosion of the Kanas River, consists of a series of meandering river bends with intricate shorelines. Here, the river's flow slows down, creating gentle ripples on the surface, which is a clear, sparkling, and pristine blue. On either side of the Ω-shaped river bend, there are two peninsula-like platforms. Surrounding the lake are dense forests, vibrant flowers, and lush green grass. The small islands in the lake are particularly picturesque, resembling pearls embedded in the water.

Climbing to the lateral moraine platform at an altitude of 1,500 meters by the roadside on the east side, you can overlook the entire Ω-shaped river bend, which looks like a dragon lying in the water, hence the name Wolong Bay, meaning "Crouching Dragon".

• Address: 10 km from Kanas Scenic area, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Open Hours: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 5: Hemu Village

Hemu Village is one of Xinjiang's most famous ancient villages, known as "China's First Village", boasting a rich history and unique folk customs. Surrounded by mountains, Hemu Village is like an emerald gem set among the peaks. All the houses in Hemu Village are simple wooden cabins, scattered across the valley amidst the mountains. The Hemu River flows past the village, its waters a light blue and very clear. Surrounding the village are beautiful landscapes of grasslands and birch forests, adding to the picturesque scenery.

Visitors can explore various historical relics and folk exhibitions, such as the Hemu River, birch forests, and traditional wooden houses of the Tuva people. In this tranquil setting, tourists can temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, immerse themselves in the fragrant atmosphere of nature, and appreciate the vibrant and magical beauty bestowed by the heavens.

• Address: Kom-Kanas Mongolian Ethnic Township, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Open Hours: 08:30 AM – 08:00 PM
• Tour Length: 1-2 days

Top 6: Hemu Grassland

The Hemu Grassland is at an elevation of 1,124 to 2,300 meters, where the surrounding mountains are broad and thick, with rounded tops and numerous rivers carving deep gorges through the complex terrain. The Hemu River flows from the northeast to the southwest, dividing the grassland into two halves. The sunny slopes of the mountains are covered with dense, lush forests, while on the shady slopes, green grass flourishes, dotted with colorful flowers and filled with enchanting fragrances.

Scattered wooden houses line the riverbanks, with herds of cattle and sheep leisurely grazing on the slopes, while dense primeval forests, set against the blue sky and white clouds. The hillside near the village offers a panoramic view of the Hemu Grassland, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.

• Address: Intermountain basin where Kanas River and Hemu River meet, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Open Hours: 08:30 AM – 08:00 PM
• Tour Length: 2-3 hours

Top 7: Hemu Birch Forest

Hemu Birch Forest, a renowned attraction in the Hemu Village scenic area, is a breathtaking sight with its vast expanses of birch trees. The birch trees cover the hillsides, creating an impressive and extensive forest. The scenery of the birch forest changes with each season, with the sunlight illuminating the trees and making them gleam with a golden hue, reminiscent of a landscape in an oil painting.

In autumn, the birch forest turns entirely golden, with leaves gently drifting down from the trees, creating a picturesque and romantic scene. This season is particularly favored by photographers and tourists, and the nearby Hemu Viewing Platform is the best spot for capturing the stunning beauty of the birch forest.

• Address: Kom-Kanas Mongolian Ethnic Township, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Open Hours: 00:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Tour Length: 1-2 hours

Top 8: Baihaba National Forest Park

Baihaba Forest Park, with its picturesque scenery reminiscent of Switzerland, showcases the colorful landscapes of vertically distributed alpine vegetation. From expansive meadows to coniferous forests and snow-capped mountains, each landscape zone appears as a meticulously crafted masterpiece of nature.

In the forest, the pines and cypresses vary in shape, with ancient pines, twisted pines, solitary pines, and elegant pines each exhibiting unique beauty. All the trees are covered in thick green moss, with countless pine trunks standing like green arms embracing each other. Under the sunlight, the forest and grasslands intermingle, offering expansive views. The dense pasture and low shrubs are adorned with vibrant wildflowers.

• Address: Tërëkti Township, Habahe County, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Open Hours: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
• Tour Length: 2-4 hours

Top 9: Jiadengyu National Forest Park

Jiadengyu Forest Park is primarily composed of the main range of the Altai Mountains and its two southern extensions. The elevation gradually decreases from the mountain ridges to the peaks, displaying a stepped terrain with an average elevation of 1,600 meters.

The mid-mountain belt, above 1,500 meters in elevation, features expansive and open terrain with dense forests and vast grasslands. The landscape is characterized by undulating mountains, blue skies, white clouds, forests, and grasslands blending harmoniously, showcasing the typical natural scenery of Xinjiang. Below 1,500 meters, the low mountain and river valley areas present narrow and steep terrains. Cliffs, deep valleys, rapids, gorges, rivers, and lush trees intertwine to form picturesque corridors.

• Address: Kanas Scenic Area, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Open Hours: 00:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

Top 10: Wucai Beach

Wucai Beach, also known as Colorful Beach, is a must-pass route to Habahe County and Kanas. It is situated alongside the shimmering Irtysh River, contrasting with the lush green river valley on the opposite bank. The varied resistance to weathering of the riverbank rock layers results in an uneven contour, while the presence of different minerals in the rocks creates a dazzling array of colors, hence the name Colorful Beach. Under the setting sun, the rock's hues primarily exhibit shades of red, interspersed with green, purple, yellow, white, black, and transitional colors. When the wind blows, the gullies and rocks produce eerie, varying sounds.

• Address: About 24 kilometers northwest of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Open Hours: 09:00 AM – 08:00 PM
• Tour Length: 2-3 hours

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