Xinjiang Kanas
- Chinese name: Kanas Scenic Area
- Location: North of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, 150 kilometers away from the county seat
- Opening hours: May 1st-October 15th 08:30-20:30 (last admission 20:00); October 16th-April 30th 09:00-19:30 (last admission Admission 19:00)
- Attraction level: AAAAA level
- Ticket price: 160 yuan/person for 2 days in peak season, 80 yuan/person for 2 days in off-season
- Land area: 10030 km²
- Famous scenic spots: Kanas Lake, Moon Bay, Kanas Fish Watching Platform, Wolong Bay
- Country: Altay, Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China
- Suggested play time: 2-4 days
- Suitable season to visit: June and September
Xinjiang Kanas
Discover the Mystical Beauty of Kanas: Xinjiang’s Hidden Gem
A Hidden Gem in Northern Xinjiang
Nestled in the remote Altai Mountains of northern Xinjiang, the Kanas Scenic Area is one of China’s most breathtaking natural destinations. Famous for its crystal-clear lake, colorful forests, and mysterious legends, Kanas offers an unforgettable escape into untouched wilderness. For travelers seeking pure nature, rich culture, and dramatic landscapes, this region is an absolute must-see.
A Lake of Changing Colors
At the heart of the region lies Kanas Lake, a ribbon-shaped alpine lake fed by melting glaciers from the surrounding mountains. Its most incredible feature is its ever-changing colors: emerald green in spring, sapphire blue in summer, golden brown in autumn, and silvery white in winter. The lake’s beauty shifts with the sunlight and seasons, making every visit unique. Along the lakeside trails, visitors can enjoy peaceful hikes, fresh mountain air, and panoramic viewpoints.
A Photographer’s Paradise
The journey around Kanas reveals dense birch forests, rolling meadows, and snow-capped peaks. Each autumn, the mountains become a kaleidoscope of gold, red, and green, attracting photographers from all over the world. The famous Guanyu Pavilion, perched on a hilltop, offers the best views of the entire valley and Kanas Lake.
Home to the Tuva People
Kanas is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural treasure. The area is home to the Tuva ethnic group, known for their wooden cabins, traditional horseback lifestyle, and warm hospitality. Visitors can walk through villages such as Hemu and Baihaba to experience authentic local customs and admire their charming architecture.
Adventure Awaits
Whether you prefer hiking, horseback riding, river rafting, or simply relaxing in a peaceful landscape, Kanas offers activities for every type of traveler. Each season brings a different charm—from wildflowers in summer to snow-covered fairy-tale scenery in winter.
A Journey Worth Taking
Remote yet rewarding, the Kanas Scenic Area promises a travel experience unlike any other. Its pristine landscapes, rich culture, and legendary beauty make it one of the most magical destinations in China. For foreign visitors searching for a place where nature and culture meet in harmony, Kanas is the perfect escape.
Why Visit Kanas?
Kanas is a hidden gem that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling adventures. Its unique landscape and serene environment make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Whether you’re a nature lover, a cultural explorer, or an adventure enthusiast, Kanas promises a journey filled with wonder and discovery.
Embark on a journey to Kanas and uncover the magic of this extraordinary destination. Let the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of Kanas leave you spellbound and inspire a deeper connection with the natural world.
Kanas Scenic Area is located in the middle of the Altai Mountains in Xinjiang, on the borders of China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia, with an area of 10,030 square kilometers.
The core essence of the Kanas National Scenic Area is that the glaciers are strongly planed and eroded, and the ice and rocks cover the valleys, forming the final ridges and lakes. The lake is 1375 meters above sea level. The lake is shaped like a crescent moon, 24.5 kilometers long, 1.9 kilometers wide on average, 90 meters deep on average, and 188.4 meters deep at its maximum, with an area of 69,000 mu and a water storage capacity of 4 billion cubic meters.
There are 55 large and small scenic spots in Kanas Scenic Area, belonging to 33 basic types, mainly including Hanas National Nature Reserve, Kanas National Geological Park, Baihaba National Forest Park, Jiadengyu National Forest Park, Kanas Nasi River Valley, Hemu River Valley, Naren Grassland, Hemu Grassland and Hemu Village, Baihaba Village, Kanas Village and other eight famous natural landscape areas and three major cultural landscape areas at home and abroad
Xinjiang Kanas Photo
Xinjiang Kanas Tourist Map
