Has it snowed where you are? The first snow of 2025 in Hemu, belonging to Altay

❄️ A winter wonderland in Northern Xinjiang! The first snow in Hemu Village is breathtakingly beautiful! 🌨️

Finally, the first snow of 2025 in Hemu has arrived❄️
Overnight, the entire village turns into a fairy tale world
Wooden houses, snowy mountains, rime frost… every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy!

📍Location: Hemu Hanas Mongolian Ethnic Township, Burqin County, Xinjiang
⏰Opening hours: October 16 - April 30, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (winter time)

🌟Must-visit spots:
1️⃣ Hemu Viewing Platform
A 20-minute hike to the top
Overlooking the Tuva wooden house village covered in snow
Most magical at sunrise when morning mist lingers!

2️⃣ Hemu Bridge
An old wooden bridge covered with rime frost
Under the bridge flows the unfrozen Hemu River
The blue ice water and snow-covered pines make a stunning photo📸

🚗Transportation tips:
▪️About 3 hours by chartered car from Burqin
▪️Four-wheel drive and snow tires recommended in winter
▪️Horse-drawn sleds available for rent inside the scenic area

🏡Accommodation recommendation:
Fairy tale wooden houses with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the snowy mountains
You can even see the Milky Way at night! (See photo 7 for the guesthouse we stayed at)

☃️Activities to try:
- Water throwing to freeze (best in the early morning when temperatures are lowest)
- Snow hiking (wear waterproof boots!)
- Horseback riding through the white birch forest

🍲Warm and delicious food:
Local hot pot! Tender lamb with no gamey taste
Milk tea paired with Baursak is amazing

⚠️Notes:
1. Temperatures are usually below -20°C
Cover your body with heat patches!
2. Bring extra camera batteries
Cold drains batteries very fast
3. Don’t forget sunscreen!
UV rays are very strong on the snow

📅Best viewing period:
December to February (when snow is thickest)