Live Your Best Lives
The Keketuohai Birch Forest is a serene location for nature lovers and photographers. The most recommended activities include hiking through the forest trails, enjoying the stunning views of the birch trees, and taking photos of the golden autumn foliage. You can also visit the nearby rivers and lakes, or simply relax in the peaceful environment.
The Keketuohai Birch Forest, located in Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, lies within the Keketuohai Scenic Area, offering a glimpse into Xinjiang's renowned autumn scenery. Walking along the wooden plank path, one arrives at a vast expanse of birch forest lining the hillside. Sunlight shimmers on the golden birch trees, creating a serene and beautiful scene, a breathtaking golden canvas. The birch forest's vibrant backdrop of trees, dead wood, rocks, the river, and the sun creates a stunning backdrop, making it a must-see for photography enthusiasts and a popular draw for tourists.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Irtysh Grand Canyon, Keketuohai, 1 hour
Keketuohai Birch Forest is known for its beautiful natural scenery and ecological importance. The forest is famous for its vast expanse of birch trees, which provide a habitat for diverse wildlife and support the local ecosystem. The forest also holds cultural significance to the region, especially in the context of the local Uyghur and Kazakh communities.
The Keketuohai Birch Forest is located in the Altay Mountains of Xinjiang, China. To reach the forest, travelers can take a bus or taxi from the city of Altay, which is approximately 150 kilometers away. There are no metro services in this region, so private transport or guided tours are the most convenient options.
The forest is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the autumn months (September to October) when the birch trees are covered in golden leaves. Summer also offers pleasant weather, but winter can be harsh with heavy snowfall, making some trails inaccessible.
The entrance fee for the Keketuohai Birch Forest is approximately 50-70 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and there may be limited options for online bookings through local tour operators.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, except during peak travel seasons. If you are planning a visit during national holidays or autumn, it’s advisable to book tickets or a tour at least a few days in advance.
It typically takes about 3-4 hours to explore the Keketuohai Birch Forest. A full day might be required if you plan to hike deeper into the forest or visit nearby attractions.
The must-see highlights include the vast birch tree forests, scenic rivers, and the nearby Kanas Lake. The view of the golden birch trees during autumn is especially breathtaking. Several viewpoints offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forest.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, with some English-speaking guides available in peak tourist seasons. Audio guides are not commonly provided, but local guides offer detailed explanations about the history and ecology of the forest.
The best photography spots are along the hiking trails, where you can capture the majestic birch trees with the backdrop of mountains. The golden autumn foliage provides excellent lighting for landscape photography. There are several elevated viewpoints throughout the forest for panoramic shots.
The recommended route includes starting from the entrance, exploring the main forest area, and following the trails to the nearby rivers. For those who want more adventure, consider hiking to higher ground for expansive views of the entire forest. A scenic loop trail is ideal for a complete experience.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no light shows. However, the forest provides a peaceful environment for an evening walk to catch the sunset. Special tours can be arranged through local operators, especially during the peak autumn season.
The Keketuohai Birch Forest can be crowded during weekends and holidays, especially in autumn when the foliage is at its peak. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon, particularly in spring and early summer.
The forest has basic facilities, including public toilets and water stations near the entrance. There are limited food options inside, but visitors can bring their own food and water. No major shopping areas exist within the forest.
The forest is somewhat accessible to elderly and children, but the terrain can be uneven and rugged, especially along the hiking trails. Disabled visitors may find it challenging to navigate the forest due to the lack of paved paths and the steep nature of some areas.
Cash is commonly used in the Keketuohai Birch Forest area. While mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay might be accepted at some nearby shops or restaurants, it’s always good to carry some cash for small purchases inside the forest.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly inside the Keketuohai Birch Forest, but there are small eateries in the nearby Altay city where visitors can enjoy local cuisine, especially Uyghur and Kazakh dishes.
Halal food options are widely available in Altay city due to the local Uyghur and Kazakh communities. Vegetarian and vegan options are also offered in most restaurants, especially in the urban areas near the forest.
There are various accommodations available in Altay city, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. For a more rustic experience, visitors can consider staying in guesthouses near the forest or camping in designated areas.
Nearby attractions include the Irtysh River, the Altay Mountains, and Kanas Lake. These sites are all within a few hours’ drive from the Keketuohai Birch Forest, making them ideal for a day trip or extended stay in the region.
Souvenir shops are not located within the forest, but in Altay city, visitors can find handicrafts such as Uyghur rugs, local jewelry, and traditional Kazakh clothing. Spices and dried fruits are also popular local items to take home.
The best transportation options after visiting the Keketuohai Birch Forest are by car or taxi to nearby attractions like Kanas Lake or Altay city. Public transportation is available to major towns, but private transport offers greater flexibility.
