Best Places to Visit in Kanas: Kanas Scenic Area, Hemu Village, etc.

The Kanas Scenic Area is a breathtaking landscape where majestic glaciers reflect in tranquil lakes and vast grasslands embrace deep, pristine forests. The mysterious lake monster, the ancient Tuvan people, the changing colors of the lake, and the stunning scenery captivate visitors. Generally, people visiting Kanas will primarily explore the Kanas Lake Scenic Area, Hemu Village, and Baihaba Village. However, other attractions within Burqin County are also best places to visit.

Kanas

Kanas, meaning "beautiful, rich, and mysterious" in Mongolian, is an apt name for this region. The Kanas Lake Scenic Area is renowned for its picturesque landscapes composed of Kanas Lake, surrounding snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and birch forests, that is often referred to as the "Oriental Switzerland" and a "paradise for photographers".

The area around Kanas Lake features a primeval forest of spruce, fir, and Siberian larch, with lush grass covering the sunny slopes. The diverse plant communities are distinctly layered, creating a vibrant display, especially in autumn when the forest blazes with colors: golden, crimson, and dark green.

The beauty of Kanas Lake lies not only in its natural scenery but also in the changing colors of its landscape through the seasons. In spring, the melting ice and snow bring new life; in summer, the lake turns emerald green, surrounded by blooming flowers; in autumn, the leaves transform into a vivid tapestry of colors; in winter, the area is blanketed in pristine snow. Here, one can truly appreciate the splendor of nature and the enchanting cycle of the seasons.

Hemu

Hemu Scenic Area is located about 30 kilometers east of Kanas Lake and is a small village inhabited by Kazakh and Tuva people. Visitors to northern Xinjiang often explore Hemu Village and Kanas Lake Scenic Area together.

In Hemu Village, all the houses are simple log cabins scattered throughout the mountain valleys. The local ethnic minority residents work in their courtyards, creating a rustic and tranquil atmosphere. The Hemu River flows beside the village, its waters a clear, shallow blue. Surrounding the village are grasslands and birch forests, adding to the scenic beauty. In winter, the snow-capped mountain tops transform the area into a fairy-tale-like snowy wonderland.

Hemu Village is small, with the main road stretching only about two to three kilometers, making it easy to explore the village on foot. The surrounding areas offer beautiful grasslands and birch forests that captivate visitors. The observation deck, located on a hillside across the Hemu River, provides a panoramic view of the village, that is a perfect spot for photographers to capture stunning images.

Baihaba

Baihaba Village, located in Tërëkti Township, Habahe County, is known as the "First Village in the Northwest". It is a village where the original natural ecology and ancient traditional culture coexist, predominantly inhabited by the Tuvas.

The village is situated in a valley, built on a narrow terrace between two small streams. All the buildings in the village are constructed from logs, with rustic wooden houses that resemble European-style villages. During sunset and misty mornings, the smoke from the chimneys, grazing cattle, and sheep on the hillsides create a picturesque scene of harmony between humans and nature.

Moreover, the Baihaba Scenic Area is a national forest park, where the forest coverage rate here is as high as 70%, with a variety of tree species. Visitors can enjoy shrub meadows, alpine vegetation, and rocky mountain vegetation. The sunny slopes and intermountain basins boast lush grass and blooming wildflowers, making it the most plant-rich area in China's cold temperate grassland region.

Burqin

Burqin, part of Altay Prefecture, is renowned as the "Fairytale Border Town". With numerous rivers, the Irtysh River flows beside Burqin Town, filling the river valleys with lakes and marshes, lush vegetation, and shaded greenery.

The picturesque scenery of Burqin seems detached from the rest of the world. In the often-overlooked residential areas, the serene and leisurely life of the local people can be observed. Residents live by the water, and the town is dotted with Russian-style buildings in candy-colored hues, making it appear like a scene from a storybook.

The Wucai Beach features rocks in red, yellow, green, blue, purple, and white, interwoven in the sunset glow, presenting a thousand variations. The Burqin West Bridge, situated beside the Irtysh River, is adjacent to the famous riverside night market, where visitors can taste the authentic cold-water fish. Baisha Lake, standing alone in the desert, offers a unique landscape, filled with reeds and rushes, earning it the nickname "Jiangnan in the Northern Frontier".

Customize Your Unique Kanas Scenic Area Tour

If you are interested in one of the Kanas itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Kanas Tour, please visit our Kanas Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Kanas Trip

Kanas Lake

• Travel Guide: attractions, hotels, food, itineraries, etc.
• Travel itineraries: best itineraries for your reference
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Kanas
• Top attractions: recommended things to do in Kanas
• Unique perspective: top different things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Kanas
• Luxury hotels: where to stay in Kanas