2026Xinjiang Hot Snow Festival12 starts in Altay on 9. How to plan a 5-day itinerary?

01From 12/9 to 13, the main venue has moved to Altay.#

The 2026 Xinjiang Hot Snow Festival runs from 12 to 13, with Altay City as the main venue. The theme is "Hot Snow Silk Road, Ice and Snow Xinjiang." Over five days, activities are spread across three zones: Altay City features all-encompassing snow sculptures, bonfires, and ice fishing; Burqin offers permanent wooden hut markets and horse-drawn sleigh rides; Fuhai hosts winter fishing on Ulan Lake. For the best experience, plan your trip for the second week of 12.

There are only two options: fly into Altay Airport, or fly into Urumqi and take the S21 Desert Expressway northbound. The first option saves time, with a 30-minute drive from the airport to downtown. The second route allows a stop at Ulungur Lake; it covers about 520 kilometers and takes roughly 7 hours. In winter conditions, plan for a full day, and have lunch in Fuhai County instead of searching for a restaurant after reaching the lakeside while hungry.

Book rooms for Festival Week in advance. Around 12/9, accommodation in Altay City and Hemu will be scarce; last-minute searches often leave only expensive options or require staying in Burqin. Once dates are confirmed, secure two nights in the city and one night in Hemu first, then plan activities.

02The event is at the ski resort, not in the city center. Don't book your accommodation by mistake.#

The FWT World Snow Tour features over 150 domestic and international athletes, along with freestyle powder masterclasses, ski gear exhibitions, backcountry skiing camps, and ice-and-snow trend dialogues. General Mountain is on the edge of Altay city center—a 15-minute taxi ride away. Jikepulin lies toward Hemu, about 2 hours' drive from General Mountain. Jikepulin sits at a higher elevation; upon arrival, start easy by skiing at lower elevations before taking the lift to adjust your body. Stay in Altay city for convenient access to General Mountain, but allow extra time for early departures to reach Jikepulin.

If you're only watching the races, one day is enough. For a multi-day skiing trip (three days or more), consider splitting your accommodation: two nights in the city and one night in Hemu. The drive from Hemu to Gikeqin is short, so you can skip the early morning darkness and avoid the snow-clearing operations on S21.

03Here's how to split it over five days.#

• Day 1: Arrive in Altay. Explore city snow sculptures and gather around a warm bonfire to acclimate to the sub-zero chill.
• Day 2: Watch the event and take the sunset cable car at General Mountain, then return to the city in the evening.
• Day 3: Morning transfer to Hemu, afternoon at the Wooden Market and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
• Day 4: Ski at Jikepulin or watch the training camp; return to Hemu for an overnight stay in the evening.
• Day 5: Return after Hemu's morning glow, or stay one more night to visit Fuhai for the winter fishing event.

This line corresponds toAltay Winter Film 5 DayIt's the same rhythm, just swapping resort hours for event times. If your group includes non-skiers, split Day 4 into morning at the ski area and afternoon exploring Hemu Village—the time difference is minimal. On transfer day, pack luggage in two bags: leave ski gear in the car and bring only change of clothes to the village. Temperatures in Hemu drop to -20°C at night; before sleeping, place electronic devices next to your sleeping bag for easier startup in the morning.

04Enjoy winter season benefits without following the games.#

The ski season runs from 2026 year, 11 month through 2027 year, 3 month. Across the region, 4 cultural, sports, and tourism events are planned. Even if you visit outside of 12 month, you can still enjoy mass activities like winter ice fishing,雪地 goat grabbing, and ice dragon boat racing. During festival week, crowds are heavy and hotel rates surge; visiting a week later offers more comfort with only minor differences in snow conditions.

This ski season, 1327 million yuan in vouchers will be distributed in batches to cover ski resorts, accommodations, and dining. Voucher rules are adjusted annually; check eligible merchants on official channels before entering the scenic area to avoid issues at the ticket window. Evening performances during festival week leave daytime for skiing—save your evenings for bonfires and markets.

Snow in Hemu and Kanas stabilizes from late 11. Mid-12 to 1 marks the period of increasing snow depth. For misty morning shots, head out before 8; for blue hour photography, wrap up within 20 minutes after sunset. In the -20°C morning, let your camera acclimate indoors for 30 minutes in a bag upon entry; otherwise, the lens will fog up.

05Two judgments: transportation and equipment#

Winter travel from Altay to Hemu involves mountain roads best suited for snow tires and four-wheel drive; hiring a car with a driver or joining a tour is more convenient than self-driving. If driving yourself, ensure you have anti-skid chains, defrosters, and working heaters before departure, and fill your tank to at least half full before entering the mountains. The roads are full of sharp turns, so drive during daylight hours and avoid being on the road after 6 PM.

Prepare for temperatures down to 20°C: wear a down jacket with at least 200g of fill, a fleece layer, and thick-soled snow boots with warm socks. Bring gloves that allow you to operate your phone. Carry two camera batteries—cold weather drains them quickly. Refer to the itinerary details for specifics.Altay Lejing 7 DaysReview your daily schedule first, then decide whether to add an extra day. If time only allows for one additional day, dedicate it to the Fuhai Winter Fishing event: depart at dawn and return by noon. This offers a more enriching experience than staying an extra night in the city.