Altay in winter fulfills all my imaginations of a fairy tale world～

The surface of Kanas Lake freezes into crystal amber
Smoke curls up from the wooden houses in Hemu Village
The sound of horse hooves is crisp in the snow-covered forest
This winter, I finally found a real-life fairy tale world in Altay

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❄️ Must-visit attractions recommended
1️⃣ Hemu Village
· Recommended to go to the viewing platform early in the morning; morning mist + sunrise + smoke make it a photographer’s paradise
· Visit the local Tuva wooden houses and enjoy a warm cup of milk tea
· Cost: 50 RMB per person for the entrance ticket

2️⃣ Kanas Lake
· The lake surface is completely frozen in winter, you can walk to the center of the lake and feel the awe of being surrounded by snowy mountains
· The Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) have a unique charm in winter
· Cost: 120 RMB per person for entrance ticket + shuttle bus

3️⃣ Baihaba Village
· A peaceful village on the China-Kazakhstan border, more pristine and tranquil than Hemu
· Remember to apply for a border pass in advance

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🎿 Unique experiences list
1️⃣ Horseback riding through the snowy forest
· Local horse teams offer routes of different durations; the 2-hour short trip is recommended
· Price: 150-300 RMB per person, remember to bargain

2️⃣ Throwing water to freeze
· Prepare a pot of hot water early in the morning and experience the magical moment at -20℃
· Best time: half an hour before and after sunrise

3️⃣ Visiting Tuva families
· Listen to the Chuer (a reed instrument) performance and feel the cultural charm of the ancient ethnic group
· Taste local specialties: Boersak, dried meat, dairy products

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📝 Practical itinerary
1️⃣ 3-day classic route
Day 1: Arrive in Altay → Burqin → Hemu Village (stay in Hemu)
Day 2: Hemu sunrise → Kanas Lake → Baihaba (stay in Kanas)
Day 3: Kanas Three Bays → Return to Altay

2️⃣ 5-day in-depth tour
Add to the first 3 days:
Day 4: General Mountain Ski Resort (Asia’s powder snow paradise)
Day 5: Koktokay National Geopark

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🧥 Pre-trip packing list
1️⃣ Clothing
· Thick down jacket, waterproof snow boots, wool socks
· Thermal underwear, fleece jacket, ski pants
· Knit hat, scarf, waterproof gloves

2️⃣ Gear
· Thermos (to drink hot water anytime)
· Hand warmers (for phone and camera too)
· Sunscreen (strong UV rays on snow)
· Sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness)

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📍 Tips
1. Altay winter temperatures range from -15℃ to -25℃, dress warmly
2. Book accommodation in advance; Hemu’s popular guesthouses are in high demand
3. Choose a 4WD off-road vehicle for car hire, safety first
4. Phones tend to shut down in the cold, keep them close and have backups

This winter, come to Altay and live a fairy tale dream!
Snow-covered forests, warm lights in wooden houses, the sound of horse hooves on snow…
Everything here is worth experiencing in person～