Attractions · Altay Prefecture

A glacial lake deep in the Altai Mountains whose water changes colour with the seasons, surrounded by Tuvan villages and birch forest. Highlights include Kanas Lake, the Fish-Viewing Terrace and Tuvan village. Tip: The scenic area is large — stay one night to see the morning mist; the autumn colour is best at the end of September. Practical info: located at Kanas, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang; ticket ¥160 (sightseeing bus extra); opening hours 08:00–18:00. Best season: June–September for grassland and lakes; mid-September to early October for Kanas autumn colour. Winter brings snow scenery but access is limited. It can be combined with Hemu Village, Baihaba and the Fish-Viewing Terrace in Altay Prefecture for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking.

• Address: Kanas, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Ticket: ¥160 (sightseeing bus extra)
• Opening: 08:00–18:00

A Tuvan village where log houses, cooking smoke and birch forest look like a fairy tale in the morning mist — Kanas's most popular sunrise spot. Highlights include the Hemu viewing platform and the log-house village. Tip: Stay in the village to see the sunrise and go up to the viewing platform early; in autumn rooms are hard to find. Practical info: located at Hemu, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang; ticket ¥60 (shuttle bus extra); opening hours 08:00–18:00. Best season: June–September for grassland and lakes; mid-September to early October for Kanas autumn colour. Winter brings snow scenery but access is limited. It can be combined with Kanas Lake, Baihaba and the Fish-Viewing Terrace in Altay Prefecture for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking.

• Address: Hemu, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Ticket: ¥60 (shuttle bus extra)
• Opening: 08:00–18:00

A Tuvan village on the China–Kazakhstan border, known as the “First Village of the Northwest”; a border permit is required. Highlights include the border line, log houses and birch forest. Tip: Obtain the border permit in advance; hire a car for the same day as Kanas. Practical info: located at Baihaba, Habahe County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang; ticket ¥30 (border permit arranged separately); opening hours 08:00–18:00. Best season: June–September for grassland and lakes; mid-September to early October for Kanas autumn colour. Winter brings snow scenery but access is limited. It can be combined with Kanas Lake, Hemu Village and the Fish-Viewing Terrace in Altay Prefecture for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Baihaba, Habahe County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Ticket: ¥30 (border permit arranged separately)
• Opening: 08:00–18:00

A high platform overlooking the whole of Kanas Lake, reached by climbing 1,068 steps — the best place to photograph the lake bend and morning mist. Tip: The climb takes about 40 minutes, so bring water; the light is best in the early morning. Practical info: located at Kanas, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang; ticket ¥20 (shuttle bus extra); opening hours 08:00–18:00. Best season: June–September for grassland and lakes; mid-September to early October for Kanas autumn colour. Winter brings snow scenery but access is limited. It can be combined with Kanas Lake, Hemu Village and Baihaba in Altay Prefecture for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Kanas, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
• Ticket: ¥20 (shuttle bus extra)
• Opening: 08:00–18:00