Top attractions to visit in Altay
Located in northern Xinjiang, Altay boasts breathtaking natural scenery. The region features diverse landscapes including snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and forests, making it a top destination for travelers from home and abroad. Below is a detailed guide to the must-visit attractions in Altay.
Kanas Scenic Area
Kanas is Altay's most famous destination, known as a "paradise on earth." Kanas Lake is China's deepest glacial moraine dammed lake. Its water color shifts with the seasons and weather, ranging from blue to green and white. In autumn, the forest turns vibrant shades of gold; the golden birch groves reflect beautifully against the emerald waters, creating a breathtaking scene.
Main attractions within Kanas Scenic Area include:
- Fish Observation DeckAltitude: 2030 meters. Offers panoramic views of Lake Kanas and is an ideal spot for capturing sunrise and sunset.
- Shenxian BayA misty morning wonderland, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
- Moon BayA crescent-shaped river bend with crystal-clear water and dense forests lining both banks.
- Wolong BayNamed after the sandbar in the river that resembles a sleeping dragon, it features beautiful and tranquil scenery.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days. Ticket price is approximately 160 CNY (includes shuttle bus). Advance reservation required during peak season.
Hemu Village
Hemu Village is one of China's six most representative ancient villages, known as "God's Private Reserve." It preserves a complete traditional Tuva wooden house complex, with log cabins scattered along both banks of the river valley. At dawn, smoke rises from chimneys across the village, shrouded in morning mist like a true paradise on earth.
Best experiences in Hemu:
- Heimu River RaftingFeel nature's cool refreshment in the clear river water
- Riding a horse across the grasslandCycle along the river valley and enjoy the scenic views.
- Sunrise at the overlookHarden Platform is the ideal spot for viewing the morning mist over Hemu.
- Experience Tuva CultureVisit Tuva families to experience unique ethnic traditions.
Suggested duration: 1-2 days. Autumn (mid-9 to early 10) is the most enchanting season in Hemu.
Keketuohai National Geological Park
Keketuohai is renowned for its spectacular canyon landscapes and abundant mineral resources. The Ertix Grand Canyon spans over 70 kilometers, featuring continuous granite peaks on both sides. Unique formations such as Divine Bell Mountain and the Flying Rock are truly awe-inspiring. This area is also a key source of rare metals in China; Mine No. 3 once played a vital role in helping the nation repay significant foreign debts.
Key Attractions of Keketuohai:
- Erqisi Grand CanyonSpectacular granite landforms, deep and majestic canyons
- Divine Bell MountainGranite peaks shaped like giant bells, approximately 365 meters tall.
- No. 3 MineA world-renowned rare metal deposit with significant historical value.
- Birch GroveAutumn's golden splendor is perfect for photography.
Suggested visit duration: half a day to 1 days. Ticket price: approximately 45 USD (includes shuttle bus).
Wucaitan
Wucaitan, located in Burqin County, is a classic landform of yardang. The Irtysh River flows through the scenic area; on its northern bank lie colorful yardang formations, while the southern bank features lush poplar forests. At sunset, the setting sun paints the yardangs in vibrant shades of red, yellow, green, and white, creating a spectacular sight.
Visitor Tip: The best time to visit Wucai Beach is around sunset in the late afternoon. We recommend arriving after 6 PM. Admission is approximately 45 CNY, and the tour takes about 1-2 hours.
Baihaba Village
Baihaba Village, located on the border between China and Kazakhstan, is known as a "Northwest Border Village." It preserves its pristine natural landscape and simple local customs, making it an ideal destination for experiencing border culture. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the village lies alongside a boundary river, with Kazakhstan's territory directly across the water.
A border pass is required to visit Baihaba. It can be obtained at the Kanas Scenic Area Transfer Center. Recommended visit duration: half a day to 1 days.
Altay Food Recommendations
Altay's cuisine blends culinary traditions from the Kazakh, Mongol, and other ethnic groups, featuring rich and hearty flavors centered on beef, mutton, and dairy products.
Kazakh National Cuisine
- Hand-pulled meatSelect locally free-range sheep, boil in clear water, and serve with salt. The meat is tender and has no gamey taste.
- NaranThe Kazakh people's highest honor for guests is serving mutton or horse meat with wide noodles, known for its delicious flavor.
- Smoked horse sausageMade by stuffing horse meat into horse intestines, this smoked delicacy offers a unique flavor and is a winter essential.
- BorsakFried dough pastry: crispy outside, tender inside; commonly enjoyed with milk tea.
Local specialty snacks
- Grilled Cold-Water FishThe cold-water fish from the Irtysh River have tender flesh that becomes crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside when grilled.
- milk teaBrick tea boiled with fresh milk and salt is a daily staple beverage for locals.
- Yogurt cubesCheese made from concentrated yogurt, tangy and sweet, rich in nutrients.
- NaanXinjiang traditional noodles: diverse varieties, including sesame naan and wawa naan, each with unique characteristics.
- Dapan ChickenChicken with potatoes and wide noodles—spicy, aromatic, and generously portioned.
Recommended Dining Spots
Bujing County Hedong Night Market is a great spot for local cuisine, offering grilled fish, kvass, and roasted meat. In Kanas and Hemu villages, several Kazakh restaurants serve authentic hand-grabbed mutton and milk tea. We recommend choosing eateries recommended by locals to avoid the trap of high prices and poor quality in tourist areas.
Practical Itinerary Planning
3-Day Express Tour
- Day 1: Arrive in Burqin, visit the Five-Color Beach at sunset, and spend the night in Burqin.
- Day 2Head to Kanas: Visit the Three Bends (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay), ascend Yule Peak, and stay overnight in Kanas.
- Day 3: Head to Hemu Village to explore the Hemu River and observation deck. In the afternoon, return to Burqin or proceed to the airport.
5-Day Deep Dive
- Day 1Arrive in Altay or Burqin; rest and acclimate.
- Day 2: Visit Keketuohai National Geopark; overnight in Fuyun County
- Day 3: Head to Kanas, explore the Three Bays and Guanyu Terrace, then spend the night in Kanas.
- Day 4Head to Hemu Village for a full-day tour of Hemu and experience Tuwa culture.
- Day 5: Sunrise at Hemu, return trip in the morning with a stop at Five Color Beach to watch the sunset.
7-Day Panoramic Tour
- Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, rest
- Day 2: Fly to Altay or take a bus to Burqin
- Day 3: Tour Keketuohai, overnight in Fuyun
- Day 4: Head to Kanas, exploring the lake area and the Three Bends.
- Day 5: Head to Baihaba to experience border culture
- Day 6: Head to Hemu for a full-day in-depth tour
- Day 7Return after sunrise in Hemu, passing through the Five-Color Beach.
Travel Tips
- Best time to visitFrom 6 to 10, with particularly stunning autumn colors in the second half of 9.
- TransportationWe recommend driving or hiring a private car; public transportation is infrequent.
- Book AccommodationPeak season (months 7-8 and late month 9): book 3-4 weeks in advance.
- Sun protection and warmthUV radiation is strong and day-night temperature differences are significant; bring sunscreen and a warm jacket.
- Prepare DocumentsTo visit Baihaba, a border pass is required. Please carry your ID card with you.
- Cash ReserveSignal may be weak in remote areas; please carry some cash.
Prices shown are estimates only; actual pricing is subject to the confirmed quote at the time.
