Tucked away in the remote Altai Mountains of northern Xinjiang, Kanas National Geopark is a breathtaking destination often dubbed the “Switzerland of China.” This pristine nature reserve, centered around the stunning Kanas Lake, boasts turquoise waters, dense forests, snow-capped peaks, and vibrant Tuva and Kazakh cultures. With its fairy-tale landscapes, including misty bays, colorful autumn foliage, and mysterious legends of a lake monster, Kanas is a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to this remote wonderland.
A Travel Guide to Kanas National Geopark
Why Visit Kanas National Geopark?
Kanas National Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark and China’s AAAAA scenic area, spans 10,030 square kilometers and offers a diverse ecosystem of lakes, rivers, glaciers, forests, and grasslands. The highlight, Kanas Lake, is a crescent-shaped alpine lake at 1,374 meters above sea level, famed for its ever-changing turquoise hues and surrounding birch and spruce forests. The geopark also includes iconic bays (Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay), authentic Tuva villages like Hemu and Baihaba, and panoramic viewpoints like the Fish Viewing Pavilion. Its proximity to the borders of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia adds a unique cultural and geographical allure, making it a paradise for hiking, photography, and cultural immersion.
How to Get There
Kanas is located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, about 150 km from Burqin town and 800 km from Xinjiang’s capital, Urumqi. Its remote location requires planning, but the journey through Xinjiang’s dramatic landscapes is part of the adventure.
By Air: Fly to Burqin Kanas Airport (KJI), 50 km from the geopark, from Urumqi (1.5 hours, ¥1,200 one-way) or other Xinjiang cities like Altay. From the airport, take a shuttle bus or taxi (1 hour, ¥50–100) to Jiadengyu, the main entrance to Kanas. Alternatively, fly to Altay Airport (AAT) (230 km from Kanas) and take a bus or private car (4–5 hours, ¥100–200).
By Train and Bus: Take an overnight train from Urumqi to Beitun (8 hours, ¥100–200 for a sleeper). From Beitun, board a bus to Jiadengyu (5 hours, ~¥80). Bring snacks and water, as stops are limited and police checkpoints are common. No direct trains serve Burqin or Kanas, so Beitun or Altay are the closest rail hubs.
By Private Car or Tour: Hire a private driver from Urumqi or Burqin (~12–14 hours from Urumqi, ¥1,200/day for a 4-person car). This is ideal for non-Chinese speakers or those seeking flexibility. Join a Northern Xinjiang tour (e.g., via CTC Singapore or China Discovery) covering Kanas, Hemu, and other sites like Keketuohai. Tours simplify logistics but may be pricier.
Note: A Frontier Permit (¥50) is required due to Kanas’s border proximity. Arrange it through your hotel or tour operator in Burqin or Urumqi.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August): Ideal for trekking and outdoor activities, with temperatures of 20–24°C and lush greenery. Expect more crowds and higher prices.
Autumn (September–early October): The best time for photography, with golden birch forests and vibrant foliage. Late September to early October is peak season for autumn colors, but book early as accommodations sell out.
Winter (December–February): A frozen wonderland for skiing (e.g., at Jikepulin Ski Resort near Hemu) and serene landscapes, but temperatures drop to -37°C, and some areas may be inaccessible.
Avoid: Mid-October to May, as heavy snow and cold weather can limit access and reduce visibility of autumn leaves.
Weather Tip: Kanas has a cold temperate climate with high humidity (59–90%). Pack layers, waterproof gear, and warm clothing, even in summer, as nights are chilly.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM daily (may vary slightly by season). Scenic shuttle buses operate within these hours.
Ticket Prices: General admission: ¥160 (valid for 48 hours, includes Kanas Lake and main scenic areas). Round-trip shuttle bus: ¥70 (covers Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay, and Kanas Lake). Double-entry ticket: ¥160 + ¥110 for shuttle (one entry per day, ideal for multi-day visits). Fish Viewing Pavilion: ¥60 (optional, highly recommended). Hemu Village: ¥60 (separate ticket). Baihaba Village: ¥30 (separate ticket).
Booking: Purchase tickets at Jiadengyu or online via Trip.com or Ctrip. Book in advance during peak seasons (September–October).
Note: Prices may fluctuate; check with official sources like China Discovery or Trip.com.
What to See and Do
Kanas National Geopark offers a mix of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Plan for at least 1–2 days to explore fully.
Kanas Lake: The heart of the geopark, this crescent-shaped lake dazzles with turquoise waters that shift colors throughout the day. Walk the wooden boardwalks along the shore or take a boat cruise (¥120, 40 minutes) for stunning views of surrounding forests and peaks. Look out for legends of the “Kanas Lake Monster,” a mysterious creature said to inhabit the depths.
Iconic Bays: Moon Bay: The most photogenic spot, with a crescent-shaped bend in the Kanas River framed by forests and mountains. Autumn foliage here is spectacular. Wolong Bay (Crouching Dragon Bay): Features a dragon-shaped sandbar and jade-like waters. Shenxian Bay (Fairy Bay): A misty, swampy area with small islands and ethereal scenery, best seen at sunrise. Shuttle buses stop at each bay for ~10 minutes, but consider hiking between them (2–3 km) for a deeper experience.
Fish Viewing Pavilion (Guanyu Pavilion): Climb 1,111 steps (or take a shuttle to the halfway point) to this hilltop pavilion at 2,000 meters. Enjoy panoramic views of Kanas Lake, Friendship Peak (4,374 meters), and the tripoint of China, Russia10 Russia, and Mongolia borders. The steep eastern ascent (3,000 steps) offers stunning vistas and is highly recommended.
Tuva Villages: Hemu Village: A picturesque Tuva and Kazakh settlement 70 km from Kanas Lake, known for wooden houses half-buried to withstand harsh winters. Stay with a local family (¥100–200/night) for an authentic experience and explore the Hemu Grassland, home to red deer and marmots. Baihaba Village: A quieter Tuva village near the Kazakhstan border, offering serene landscapes and traditional festivals. Kanas Village: Smaller but closer to the lake, with cultural performances and homestays.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities: Trek along the Taiga Forest Corridor or Kanas River for 2–5 km trails through dense spruce forests. The Fish Viewing Pavilion hike (east side, 3,000 steps) is challenging but rewarding. Other activities include horseback riding (¥100/hour), rafting, and rock climbing, often arranged through Tuva guides in Hemu or Kanas Village.
Note: Independent trekking is possible, but a guide is recommended for remote trails due to wildlife (e.g., bears) and border restrictions.
Where to Eat
Inside the Geopark: Limited options include small restaurants at Jiadengyu and Kanas Village, serving Xinjiang lamb skewers (¥5–10 each), nang bread (¥5), and noodle dishes like laghman (¥20–30). Bring snacks for hiking, as food stalls are scarce.
Hemu and Baihaba: Homestays often provide home-cooked meals (¥30–50), including Kazakh specialties like beshbarmak (meat and noodle stew).
Burqin: A better dining hub 150 km away, with restaurants offering Uyghur and Kazakh cuisine. Try Burqin Night Market for street food.
Where to Stay
Jiadengyu: Budget hotels and guesthouses (¥100–300/night) near the park entrance, like Kanas Shanzhuang. Convenient but basic.
Hemu Village: Homestays (¥100–200/night) offer cultural immersion and stunning views. Book early in autumn.
Kanas Village: Mid-range hotels (¥200–500/night) and homestays with modern amenities. Ideal for proximity to the lake.
Baihaba Village: Limited homestays (¥80–150/night), quieter but harder to reach.
Burqin: More options, including 3–4-star hotels (¥200–600/night), but it’s a 3-hour drive from Kanas.
Tip: Book accommodations 2–3 months in advance for September–October via Ctrip or China Discovery, as rooms fill quickly.
Tips for a Great Visit
Start Early: Arrive at Jiadengyu by 8:00 AM to maximize your day and avoid tour group crowds.
Pack Smart: Bring warm layers, waterproof boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Insect repellent is useful in summer.
Photography: Autumn (late September) is ideal for vibrant colors. Drones are restricted near border areas—check regulations.
Respect Local Culture: Ask permission before photographing Tuva or Kazakh locals. Avoid littering to preserve the pristine environment.
Combine Your Trip: Pair Kanas with nearby Keketuohai National Geopark (4 hours away) or Urumqi’s Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar for a broader Xinjiang experience.
Language Barrier: English is rarely spoken. Download a translation app (e.g., Pleco) or hire a guide if you don’t speak Chinese.
Final Thoughts
Kanas National Geopark is a hidden gem that rewards adventurous travelers with unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural encounters. From the turquoise waters of Kanas Lake to the golden forests of Hemu Village, every corner feels like a postcard come to life. While reaching Kanas requires effort, the journey through Xinjiang’s rugged landscapes and the chance to immerse yourself in this “pure land on earth” make it unforgettable. Plan ahead, embrace the remoteness, and let Kanas’s magic captivate your soul.
Happy travels!
