Tucked away in the heart of the Altai Mountains in northern Xinjiang, Hemu Village is a hidden gem often hailed as one of China’s most beautiful villages. Located within the Kanas Nature Reserve, this remote settlement is home to the Tuva and Kazakh ethnic groups, who maintain a traditional lifestyle amidst breathtaking landscapes. Known for its rustic wooden houses, golden birch forests, and serene rivers, Hemu is a paradise for photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking an authentic cultural experience. This guide will help you plan a memorable visit to this enchanting fairyland.
A Travel Guide to Hemu Village
Why Visit Hemu Village?
Hemu Village offers a rare blend of pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Its picturesque setting, with snow-capped peaks, lush grasslands, and the shimmering Hemu River, transforms with the seasons—lush green in summer, golden in autumn, and a snowy wonderland in winter. The village’s Tuva wooden houses, built to withstand harsh winters, add a rustic charm, while the local lifestyle of herding and hunting provides a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Often called a “photographer’s paradise,” Hemu’s sunrises, sunsets, and starry skies are unforgettable. Its proximity to Kanas Lake makes it a perfect stop on a northern Xinjiang adventure.
How to Get There
Hemu Village is located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, about 30 km east of Kanas Lake. Its remote location requires planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. Here are the main ways to reach Hemu:
By Air: Fly from Urumqi (Xinjiang’s capital) to Burqin Kanas Airport (1.5 hours, ~¥1200). From the airport, it’s a 1.5-hour drive (48 km) to Jiadengyu, the gateway to Kanas National Geopark. Then, take a shuttle bus or chartered car to Hemu Village (1–2 hours, ~¥50). Flights also operate from other cities like Turpan, Yining, or Zhengzhou, but Urumqi is the most common hub.
By Bus: From Urumqi, take a long-distance bus to Burqin County (6–8 hours, ¥140–185). Buses depart from Urumqi Nianzigou Bus Station (day bus at 13:00 or night bus at 21:00). From Burqin, catch a shuttle bus to Hemu (3–4 hours, ¥50, departures at 7:00 and 13:00). Alternatively, from Jiadengyu (near Kanas), shuttle buses run to Hemu Village’s ticket station, followed by a free sightseeing bus to the village center.
By Car or Tour: Renting a car or joining a guided tour from Urumqi or Burqin is highly recommended for flexibility. The drive from Burqin to Hemu (182 km) takes about 4 hours, while Jiadengyu to Hemu (66 km) is ~1.5–2 hours. Note that private cars are not allowed inside the scenic area, so you’ll switch to shuttle buses at Jiadengyu. A road trip from Urumqi via Karamay and Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan) offers stunning scenery.
Tip: Book flights and buses in advance, especially during peak seasons (June–September). A professional travel agency can simplify logistics, as tourist facilities in Hemu are limited.
Best Time to Visit
Hemu Village is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique charm:
Spring (April–May): Snow lingers, but the landscape softens with early greenery and returning birds. Ideal for fewer crowds and a tranquil vibe. Summer (June–August): Lush grasslands, wildflowers, and mild temperatures (15–25°C) make it perfect for hiking and horseback riding. Bring long sleeves for cool nights. Autumn (September–Early October): The golden birch forests and misty mountains create an oil-painting-like scene, especially in September. This is peak season for photographers, so book early. Winter (November–March): A snowy fairytale with skiing, bonfire parties, and horse-drawn sledges. Temperatures can drop to -20°C, so pack heavy winter gear. Access may be challenging during heavy snow.
Weather Tip: Hemu has significant day-night temperature swings. Layered clothing is essential year-round, and winter visits require booking guides or sledges in advance for snowy conditions.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: The Hemu Scenic Area is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though times may vary slightly in winter. Check with your tour operator or ticket station.
Ticket Prices: Entrance to Hemu Village: ¥50 per person. Kanas National Geopark (if visiting both): ~¥185 (combo tickets available). Free public sightseeing buses operate within the village from Hemu Transfer Center.
Booking: Purchase tickets at the Hemu Ticket Station or through platforms like Trip.com. During autumn and holidays, book in advance to secure shuttle bus seats.
What to See and Do
Hemu Village offers a mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities:
Scenic Highlights: Hemu Viewing Platform: A short hike from the village across the Hemu Bridge offers panoramic views of wooden houses, birch forests, and snow-capped peaks. Sunrise and sunset here are spectacular. Hemu River and Bridges: The river, fed by snowmelt, reflects the surrounding mountains. Cross the wooden Hemu Bridges for iconic photo ops. Birch Forest: In autumn, the golden forest feels like a fairytale. Spring and summer offer lush greenery, while winter blankets it in snow.
Cultural Experiences: Tuva Wooden Houses: Stay in a traditional log cabin to experience Tuva life. Many guesthouses offer cozy rooms with views of the scenery. Learn about the Tuva’s nomadic heritage, linked to Genghis Khan’s soldiers. Local Lifestyle: Visit Tuva and Kazakh families to see herding, hunting, and traditional crafts. Some homes display portraits of Genghis Khan, reflecting their cultural pride. Festivals: Winter visitors may enjoy ski parties, bonfires, or Tuva celebrations like Chinese New Year with Buddhist traditions.
Outdoor Activities: Photography: Hemu is a haven for shutterbugs, with stunning landscapes at every turn. The starry night sky is perfect for astrophotography. Hiking: Trek to the viewing platform (1–2 hours) or explore the Hemu Grassland with a local guide to avoid wild boars. Horseback Riding: Ride through meadows or forests for a nomadic experience (~¥100–200/hour). Skiing (Winter): Hemu’s slopes attract skiers, with local rentals and weekly winter events. Stargazing: The clear, unpolluted skies make Hemu ideal for stargazing. Bring a blanket and lie on the grasslands.
Where to Eat
On-Site Dining: Hemu has limited dining options, primarily at guesthouses or small restaurants like Hemu Resort Restaurant or Hemu Simple Homestay Restaurant. Expect Chinese cuisine (noodles, stir-fries) and local dishes like lamb skewers or cold-water fish. Meals cost ¥20–50. Fresh vegetables are scarce, as supplies come from Burqin.
Nearby: In Burqin County, try restaurants like Xiangbali Muslim Big Plate Chicken or Hou San Fish Village for Xinjiang specialties.
Tip: Bring snacks or instant meals, as food variety is limited, especially in winter. Guesthouses often include breakfast.
Where to Stay
Staying overnight in Hemu is highly recommended to catch the sunrise and experience the village’s tranquility:
Tuva Wooden Houses: Guesthouses like Hemu Simple Homestay or Hemu Mountain Villa offer clean rooms with wooden interiors and scenic views (~¥200–500/night). Some have private bathrooms, but facilities may be basic. Book early for autumn or winter.
Hotels: Only a few hotels in Hemu accept foreigners, such as Hemu Resort. Use Trip.com for reliable bookings, as options are limited compared to Booking.com.
Jiadengyu or Burqin: If staying outside Hemu, Jiadengyu has basic hotels (¥150–300/night), while Burqin offers more options like Burqin County Family Hotels (¥200–400/night).
Tip: Bring cash, as power supply and Wi-Fi can be unstable, and not all places accept digital payments. Always carry your passport, as police checks are common.
Tips for a Great Visit
Pack Wisely: Bring layered clothing, sturdy shoes for hiking, and a power bank due to unstable electricity. A VPN is needed for internet access outside China’s firewall.
Respect Local Culture: Be courteous to Tuva and Kazakh residents. Ask permission before photographing people or entering homes.
Photography Gear: Standard cameras struggle with low-light shots, so bring a tripod for sunrise or astrophotography.
Combine Your Trip: Pair Hemu with Kanas Lake (30 km away) or Rainbow Beach in Burqin for a comprehensive northern Xinjiang tour.
Travel Agency: For ease, book with agencies like China Discovery or Xinjiang Travel for inclusive packages with guides, transfers, and accommodations.
Safety: Winter visitors should check road conditions, as heavy snow can block access. Horse-drawn sledges may be needed.
Final Thoughts
Hemu Village is a magical retreat where time seems to stand still. Its golden forests, rustic wooden houses, and warm Tuva hospitality create an unforgettable experience, whether you’re chasing autumn hues, skiing in winter, or hiking under summer skies. Plan ahead, embrace the remoteness, and let Hemu’s serene beauty and cultural richness captivate your senses. A visit here is a journey to one of China’s last untouched paradises.
Happy travels!
