【In-Depth Travel Guide to Kanas, Xinjiang】Encounter a Nordic-Style Secret Realm

"Kanas, the Backyard of the Gods," is only stunning for 25 days a year! Golden forests, clear waters, snowy mountain cabins—autumn here is truly legendary. This guide helps you perfectly unlock this earthly paradise!

⏰ Best Travel Time
▪ Peak Autumn Colors: September 20 - October 10 (peak yellow leaves are brief, plan ahead)
▪ Early Winter Scenery: Late October - February (forest sea snowfield + ice lake wonders)

📌 Classic 5-Day Loop Itinerary
𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟏: Urumqi → Ulungur Lake → Burqin (Russian-style town)
𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐: Burqin → Kanas Lake → Fish Viewing Platform overlook → Stay in scenic area cabin
𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟑: Morning mist at Fairy Bay → Moon Bay hiking → Hemu Village → Birch forest photo shoot
𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟒: Hemu sunrise → Free exploration → Return to Burqin
𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟓: Burqin → Devil City Yardang → Return to Urumqi

🌟 Core Attractions & Activities
1️⃣ The Three Bays of Kanas
▪ Fairy Bay: Like a fairyland when shrouded in morning mist (arrive before 8 AM recommended)
▪ Moon Bay: S-shaped emerald water winding through forest, a must-shoot classic spot
▪ Wolong Bay: River island resembles a giant dragon lurking, walking boardwalk is super soothing

2️⃣ Fish Viewing Platform
▪ Climb 1,068 steps to overlook the entire lake; if lucky, glimpse the "lake monster"
▪ Flow control notice: advance reservation for the shuttle bus is required

3️⃣ Hemu Village (God’s Private Reserve)
▪ Stay in cabins, drink milk tea, horseback ride to explore Beautiful Peak
▪ Must-do: Early morning climb to Harden Platform for sunrise and morning mist, night star photography

4️⃣ Baihaba Village
▪ Northwest’s top village, requires border pass, quiet and few people in autumn

5️⃣ Urho Devil City
▪ Stop by on the way back, Yardang landforms glow golden at sunset

🏡 Accommodation Guide
► Hemu/Kanas area: prioritize scenic area cabins (window views but pricey, book early!)
► Burqin: cost-effective choice, concentrated food options and convenient transport
► Luxury option: Kanas Lake View Hotel (lakefront rooms)

🍢 Must-Try Foods
✔ Burqin grilled dogfish: Kanas’ unique cold-water fish, crispy and tender
✔ Hand-pulled lamb: perfect with piyazi (onion) and brick tea
✔ Kazakh milk tea: salty and rich + baursak (fried dough)
✔ Hemu local hotpot: lamb broth with wild mushrooms, heartwarming and delicious

📢 Important Practical Information

1. Large temperature difference! Sweater + jacket during the day, down jacket needed at night
2. Scenic area flow control requires advance ticket booking on “Kanas Original Travel Network”
3. Private cars usually cannot enter the core area; shuttle buses are mandatory
4. Border pass: apply at your registered residence or on-site at Burqin Government Service Center (ID card required)

💡 Deep Experience Recommendations
→ Horseback ride from Hemu to Beautiful Peak (about 2 hours, stunning autumn corridor)
→ Boat tour on Kanas Lake (close-up of emerald waters)
→ Use mobile apps at night to identify stars and constellations

🚐 【Trip.com Exclusive Worry-Free Package】
Open Trip.com APP and search “Kanas Autumn Colors”
► Limited-time offer: ¥200 off 5-day small group round trip from Urumqi to Kanas
► Exclusive resources: guaranteed cabin availability inside Hemu scenic area
► Thoughtful service: includes border pass handling + scenic area reservation assistance

🌟 Golden autumn is fleeting, plan early!