How to remove trash from Xinjiang scenic areas: From the Kanas boardwalk to Sayram Lake shore

In scenic areas like Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake, trash bins are spaced kilometers apart. It may take 1 hours of walking along the Hemu riverside trail before you encounter one. The rule is simple: pack 2 foldable bags in your backpack's side pocket before entering the park, and carry them out to the designated sorting bins at the gate. You're responsible for this stretch of the journey.

Xinjiang scenic areas are vast; waste collection trucks make only one or two trips daily. During peak season, thousands of visitors generate trash that must be carried down the mountains by horses or on foot. In 8 afternoons, strong winds can blow lightweight packaging into grasslands where it becomes impossible to retrieve.

01Unpack items in the car before entering the scenic area.#

Leaving cardboard, plastic film, and courier bags on the vehicle cuts waste in half. Store 2 foldable bags in the side pocket: one for dry waste, another for wet waste like fruit peels. Replace plastic bags with cloth ones; even if they blow away, they're easy to retrieve.

Stores at the scenic area entrance sell collapsible bags, but they're more expensive than buying one at a county supermarket before you leave. Shell casings from sunflower seeds, used tissues, and energy gel wrappers are the easiest items to drop—tuck them back in your bag right after finishing. If you're traveling with children, agree beforehand who is responsible for collecting their trash. In windy passes, place lightweight packaging inside inner pockets to prevent it from blowing away.

02You won't find a single bucket on the road all day.#

The boardwalks by Lake Kanas, the uphill path from Hemu to the viewpoint, and the passes on Duku Highway all lack trash bins. Carry your own waste to the next visitor center. Do not stuff it into bus seat gaps or bury it under rocks.

The viewing boardwalk at Bayinbuluke's Nine Bends covers approximately 2 km round-trip. There are no trash bins along the way, so bring your own water and packaged snacks. The Sayram Lake loop is 90 km long; while there are many parking areas, trash bins are scarce—prepare garbage bags for the day before you start. At the scenic area entrance, use the sorted bins for recyclables and other waste; follow the labels and avoid stuffing everything into a single bin.

03Restroom: Please dispose of toilet paper in the trash bin.#

Restrooms in grasslands and mountainous areas are typically dry toilets with no flushing. Please dispose of toilet paper in the nearby bins, not in the toilet. Portable facilities are limited; avoid blocking sinks while waiting. Some sites above 2000 meters elevation close during winter—confirm availability before you depart.

Bring your own small pack of tissues and hand sanitizer; conserve water on the bus. Some restrooms charge 1 to 2 yuan, so keep some change handy. At high altitudes, queues can be long—avoid meal times. When running out of water for handwashing, hand sanitizer is more convenient than wet wipes.

04Disposable items: Replace them whenever possible.#

Disposable raincoats, plastic tablecloths, and foam containers can blow away in windy conditions and are difficult to retrieve once they end up in grasslands or lakes. Switch to reusable rain ponchos, food containers, and cloth bags—they weigh about the same and are much easier to pack up.

When the wind blows across Nalati's meadows, lightweight plastic bags skitter through the grass—chasing them down is harder than carrying them out. Use wet wipes sparingly; opt for a towel or tissue instead. Choose sunscreen that resists washing off and apply it 30 minutes before entering the water. Carry a thick trash bag to avoid tears mid-hike. Minimize use of disposable hotel toiletries and bring your own toothbrush.

05Forests and grasslands: the boundary between fire and purification#

Open flames, including charcoal fires, alcohol stoves, and cigarette butts, are prohibited in forest and grassland areas. See the notice at the entrance for specific boundaries. Use gas canisters for camping stoves. When leaving, pack out all ash and debris—soak them thoroughly, seal in a bag, and do not bury them on-site.

Cabins in the Kanas Forest use wood-burning stoves. Do not stack firewood or kindling near the forest edge, and always clear out ash before leaving. Avoid using detergents by rivers or lakes; pour wash water into soil far from the water's edge. Driving on meadows creates ruts—stay on designated routes. Penalties for violations are determined by local notices; do not risk fines.

06Animals and flowers: do not reach out from a distance.#

Do not feed wildlife such as marmots, foxes, or wild birds. Feeding can make them dependent on humans and may spread disease. Do not pick wildflowers, mushrooms, or herbs; many are protected species, and misidentification can lead to poisoning. When driving, slow down and yield to animals crossing the road; do not honk your horn.

Use a telephoto lens for wildlife; stay in the vehicle. If you spot someone feeding animals, offer a polite reminder. Don't step into flower beds or trample grass just to get a shot—recovery takes time. Drone use is restricted near protected areas and borders; check local regulations before flying.Hemu VillageandSayram LakeThe regulations differ.

073 Things to Do Before Leaving the Scenic Area#

Spend 1 minutes doing 3 things before you leave—this will leave virtually no trace:

• Check pockets and seats; remove tissues and packaging.
• Check campsites or picnic areas and take away any trash bags you may have left behind.
• Seal uneaten food and do not leave it behind to feed animals.

Keep a small lidded bucket in the car to collect trash on the way; dispose of it at the county town. Tie garbage bags securely before discarding, or loose items may blow back into the vehicle. Before leaving, take one last look—your campsite should be cleaner than when you arrived. If you find broken glass or used batteries, do not pick them up by hand; hand them over to the visitor center instead.