I first learned about Kanas from my junior high school geography textbook. Its mysterious legends and breathtaking scenery fascinated me, a native of Xinjiang, and made me dream of visiting this magical place. To me, Kanas is a true "wonderland on earth" that I have always longed to explore.

Kanas Nature Reserve is located in northern Xinjiang, near the borders of China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. Situated in the Altai Mountains, the reserve is known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, forests, alpine lakes, rivers, and grasslands. With elevations ranging from deep valleys to mountain areas above 3,000 meters, Kanas features rich ecosystems and unique vertical vegetation zones.

The Kanas Scenic Area covers a wide range of natural and cultural landscapes, with 55 major and minor attractions belonging to 33 different landscape types. Famous highlights include Kanas Lake, Kanas River Valley, Hemu Village, Baihaba Village, and the surrounding grasslands and forests.

Combining pristine wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and rich ethnic culture, Kanas offers visitors breathtaking mountain scenery and unforgettable experiences, making it one of the most famous nature destinations in Xinjiang.

Amreica and Taiwan Group in Kanas

Features

Chinese Name: 喀纳斯自然保护区

Location: In the north of Burqin County, Altay, Xinjiang. China

Area: 10030 square kilometers

Opening Time: 09:00-19:00 (Mon-Fri); 10:00-15:00(Sat, Sun)

Best Time to Visit: May to September

Kanas

How to Get There

By air: Travelers can take a direct flight from Urumqi to Kanas Airport, which takes about 50 minutes.

By train: Travelers can take a train from Urumqi to Beitun City, then transfer to a coach or private vehicle to Kanas (about 230 km, approximately 4.5 hours by road).

By coach: Take a sleeping coach to Burqin, and then transfer a bus to Kanas Lake.

Malaysia Group in Kanas

Entrance Fees and Shuttle Bus Information

Kanas entrance fee + shuttle bus charge (08:30-20:00): CNY 230/pp (first-time entry) CNY 270/pp (second-time entry)

Hemu entrance fee + shuttle bus charge (08:30-21:00): CNY 102/pp

Shuttle bus charge of fish viewing pavilion (09:00-18:30): CNY 60/pp

Visitors must use the scenic area's shuttle bus system to reach the visitor center and main attractions. 

Top Things To Do

Experience a Misty Morning in Hemu Village

Hemu Village, surrounded by morning mist and stunning natural scenery, is one of the most famous attractions in Kanas. It is also one of the three major settlements of the Tuvan people in China. The village is known for its traditional wooden log houses, which provide warmth and shelter during the cold winters.

With its unique culture, traditional festivals, and peaceful rural atmosphere, Hemu offers visitors a chance to experience the authentic lifestyle of the local people. Surrounded by forests, grasslands, and mountains, the breathtaking scenery makes Hemu a place where many travelers dream of returning.

Misty Morning in Hemu Village

Experience Tuva culture in Tuva Village

Tuva Village, located about 2–3 km south of Kanas Lake on the southern bank of the Kanas River, is a popular stopover on the way from Burqin County to Kanas Lake. Surrounded by magnificent natural scenery, the village is home to more than 100 Tuvan families.

Visitors can explore the unique traditions, history, and rich culture of the Tuvan people while experiencing the peaceful lifestyle of this charming mountain village.

Explore the Kanas Lake

Kanas Lake, shaped like a crescent moon, is the essence of Kanas National Geopark. Located at an altitude of 1,375 meters, the lake has an average depth of 90 meters and a maximum depth of 188.4 meters, with a water storage capacity of about 4 billion cubic meters.

As a deep alpine lake surrounded by mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests, Kanas Lake blends perfectly with the vast mountain grasslands, creating one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Xinjiang.

Kanas Lake

Three-Bay Scenic Spot

Wolong Bay

Wolong Bay is located on the route from Burqin County to Kanas, about 140 km from Burqin County and 10 km from Kanas Lake. A wooden bridge crosses the outlet of the lake, offering a perfect viewpoint to admire the scenery. Looking north from the bridge, visitors can see the calm, mirror-like waters of Wolong Bay, while the Kanas River flows south through the valley.

Walking about 1 km north along the Kanas River from Wolong Bay, visitors will reach another iconic landscape of Kanas — the beautiful crescent-shaped Moon Bay.

Wolong Bay

Moon Bay

Moon Bay, one of the most famous attractions in Kanas, is located about 1 km upstream from Wolong Bay. Known for its stunning scenery throughout the year, it features blooming wildflowers in summer and a golden landscape in autumn.

Moon Bay is a favorite destination for photographers, who come to capture its changing beauty at different times of the day and in different seasons. Surrounded by virgin forests and colorful autumn foliage, the bay creates a breathtaking natural landscape that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.

Moon Bay

Fairy Bay

Fairy Bay is a beautiful wetland landscape where the Kanas River winds through forests and grasslands, creating small islands and shallow wetlands. Formed by the river in the low mountain area, this peaceful bay features crystal-clear turquoise water and stunning reflections of the surrounding forests and mountains, creating a fairy-tale-like scenery.

Climb to Fish Viewing Pavilion to have a whole view of Kanas Lake

Built in 1987, Fish Viewing Pavilion is one of the must-visit attractions in Kanas. Located on the top of Camelback Mountain, it is one of the best viewpoints to admire the magnificent scenery of Kanas Lake.

The pavilion is also famous for the legendary Kanas Lake Monster, and local legends say that this is the best place to look out over the lake and search for signs of the mysterious creature.

From the pavilion, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Kanas Lake, the snow-covered Friendship Peak (4,374 meters), the highest peak of the Altai Mountains, and the colorful forests surrounding the lake in autumn.

Fish Viewing Pavilion

Take pictures of golden Birch Forest in autumn

Walking through the birch forests and taking photos are among the most enjoyable things to do in Kanas. At the end of September, thousands of birch trees turn golden, creating a breathtaking autumn landscape with colorful forests, mountains, and lakes.

Other Activities:

Travle on a Cruise: CNY 120/pp   (09:00-18:00)

Cross Line from Kanas to Black Lake: CNY 260/pp

Climate and Weather of Kanas

Kanas National Geopark has a cold temperate climate. Located deep in the Eurasian continent and far from the ocean, the region features a unique climate influenced by its high latitude, significant elevation differences, and complex mountain terrain.

The annual average temperature in Kanas is around -0.2°C, with the lowest temperature reaching about -37°C. Winter lasts for nearly seven months, and the average monthly temperature remains below 0°C for about six months. With annual precipitation of around 1,000 mm, Kanas receives abundant snowfall and is covered by a beautiful winter landscape for much of the year.

The park also has rich water resources and relatively high humidity. The relative humidity generally ranges from 59% to 90%, increasing with altitude, and the humidity inside the forests can exceed 90%, creating a lush and vibrant natural environment.

Kanas

Meet the Golden Autumn Feast in Kanas

The best time to enjoy the autumn scenery of Kanas Lake is from late September to early October, when the forests and grasslands around the lake are transformed into shades of red, golden yellow, and orange, creating one of the most spectacular autumn landscapes in Xinjiang.

During this season, Kanas becomes a true paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Traditional wooden houses with red roofs, white yurts, crystal-clear lakes, and colorful forests create a breathtaking autumn fairy tale.

The scenic shuttle buses take visitors through the golden autumn landscape, where the ground is covered with fallen leaves and the surrounding forests glow like a world covered in gold.

Kanas Golden Autumn

Lost in the Snow World of Kanas

In winter, Kanas becomes a magical world of ice and snow. The crystal rime-covered birch forests along the Kanas Valley, the vast snow-covered landscapes, the frozen Kanas Lake, and the snow-covered Hemu Village create a breathtaking scene that feels like stepping into a traditional Chinese ink painting.

A winter trip to Kanas offers a variety of unforgettable experiences. Visitors can discover the ancient traditions of the Tuvan people and enjoy exciting winter activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, snow tubing, and snow surfing. The magical winter scenery and unique cultural experiences will leave travelers with memories to last a lifetime.

Our clients in Kanas in winter

Travel Services in Kanas

From the Kanas and Hemu shuttle buses to overnight RV camps on Agonggeti Grassland, the Kanas Folk Culture Park, and various accommodation options, Kanas offers convenient facilities and services for travelers.

Hotels such as Hemu Hotel (+86 906-6515555) and Burqin Tourist Hotel (+86 906-6532068), as well as local food courts, are ready to welcome visitors and provide a comfortable travel experience.

Whether you are looking to enjoy the golden autumn scenery, experience Tuvan culture, or explore the natural beauty of Kanas, an unforgettable journey awaits.

Grassland Night Star Camp Consultation (Kanas-Agonggeti Grassland)

Tel: 0906-6323777

Kanas Folk Custom Park (Kanas-Jiadengyu)

Tel: 0906-6326333

Kanas Food Court (Kanas-Transfer Center)

Tel: 0906-6326133

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