Five Colored Beach
Five-Colored Beach is located on the north bank of the Irtysh River in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang. The Irtysh River is the only river in China that flows into the Arctic Ocean. Located about 24 kilometers away from Burqin County, Five-Colored Beach is also an important stop on the way to the Kanas Scenic Area.
Known for its spectacular Yadan landform, colorful rock formations, and beautiful sunset views, Five-Colored Beach presents a unique contrast between the colorful hills on one side and the green river valley landscape on the other side. With its extraordinary natural scenery, it is an ideal destination for sightseeing and photography lovers.
Click the picture to enjoy the video of stunning colored beach:
Beautiful Scenery of Five Colored Beach
Features:
Chinese Name: 五彩滩 [wǔ cǎi tān]
Location: 24 kilometers away from Burqin County
Popular activities: sightseeing, photography, camping and fishing
Suited to: everyone
Time needed: 2-4 hours
Recommended Xinjiang tours including Five-Colored Beach:
10 Days North Xinjiang Photography Tour
11 Days Northern Xinjiang Tour: Keketuohai, Kanas Lake and Turpan
Best Time to Visit Five-Colored Beach:
The best time to visit Five-Colored Beach is from September to October, when the weather is comfortable and the scenery is especially beautiful. During autumn, the colorful rocks, golden Populus euphratica forests, and clear river create a stunning landscape. Sunset is considered the best viewing time, when the sunlight enhances the colors of the Yadan landform and creates a magical atmosphere.
🍂 September to October — Best Season for Sunset & Photography
Autumn is the most popular season to visit Five-Colored Beach. The rocks on the north bank of the Irtysh River show different colors, including red, yellow, green, purple, and white, while the opposite bank is decorated with golden Populus euphratica forests.
The combination of colorful Yadan landforms, flowing river, and autumn scenery creates excellent conditions for photography, especially during sunset.
Minor downside:
The temperature difference between day and night is large in Xinjiang, and it can become cooler after sunset. Warm clothing is recommended.
☀️ June to August — Comfortable for Sightseeing
Summer offers pleasant weather for exploring Five-Colored Beach. The long daylight hours allow visitors to enjoy the unique geological landscapes and walk along the viewing platforms.
Minor downside:
The sunlight can be strong during the daytime, so sun protection is necessary.
❄️ November to March — Quiet Winter Landscape
Winter brings fewer visitors and a peaceful atmosphere. The colorful rocks, river, and surrounding landscapes create a different visual experience.
Minor downside:
Cold temperatures may affect outdoor activities, and the best sunset experience depends on weather conditions.
How to Get to Five-Colored Beach:
Five-Colored Beach is located about 24 kilometers north of Burqin County. Most travelers visit it as a stop between Burqin and Kanas Lake.
From Urumqi to Five-Colored Beach
a. By Bus
Visitors can take a long-distance bus from Urumqi Nianzigou Bus Station to Burqin County. The journey takes about 11 hours, and the ticket price is around 195 CNY/person.
b. By Car
Driving is the most flexible way to visit Five-Colored Beach. Starting from Urumqi, travelers can pass through northern Xinjiang landscapes and reach Burqin before continuing to the scenic area.
From Burqin County to Five-Colored Beach
Five-Colored Beach is about 24 kilometers away from Burqin County. Visitors can take a taxi or carpool from Burqin, and the round trip usually takes a short time.
What to Explore in Five-Colored Beach:
Five-Colored Beach is a unique natural attraction that combines colorful Yadan landforms, the Irtysh River, and desert river valley scenery. Although it is not a large scenic area, every viewpoint offers a different landscape, making it one of the most special places to explore in northern Xinjiang.
Colorful Yadan Landforms and Geological Wonders
Five-Colored Beach is a famous river beach featuring spectacular Yadan landforms. Over millions of years, the combined effects of river erosion, wind erosion, and weathering have created the unique cliff-like rock formations seen today.
The rocks contain different minerals, and their colors vary under different lighting conditions, showing shades of red, yellow, green, purple, white, and brown. Especially at sunset, the sunlight makes the colorful hills appear even more vivid and creates a dreamlike landscape.
Walking through Five-Colored Beach feels like entering a natural geological museum, where visitors can appreciate the incredible works of nature.
The Contrast Between River Valley and Desert Landscape
One of the most attractive features of Five-Colored Beach is the sharp contrast between the two sides of the Irtysh River. On one side, visitors can see the spectacular colorful Yadan hills and dry desert landscape; on the other side, a dense Populus euphratica forest stretches along the riverbank. The reflection of the golden trees in the clear river creates a beautiful scene, especially in autumn.
The combination of desert, river, colorful rocks, and forests makes Five-Colored Beach a unique destination in Xinjiang.
Things to Do in Five-Colored Beach:
Enjoy the Sunset Views
Watching the sunset is the most popular activity at Five-Colored Beach. When the sun goes down, the rocks on the north bank of the Irtysh River gradually change colors, showing different shades of red, yellow, green, purple, and white.
The warm sunlight highlights the texture of the Yadan landforms, creating one of the most spectacular moments of the day. The best time to enjoy the sunset is usually between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm, especially during summer and autumn when Xinjiang has longer daylight hours.
If you visit Burqin in the afternoon, Five-Colored Beach is an excellent place to wait for sunset and enjoy the changing colors of nature.
Photography
Five-Colored Beach is one of the best photography destinations around Burqin. The combination of colorful rocks, the winding Irtysh River, golden Populus euphratica forests, and sunset light provides countless photo opportunities.
Autumn is especially recommended for photographers. During this season, the golden leaves of Populus euphratica trees contrast beautifully with the colorful Yadan landscape.
If you enjoy landscape photography, don't miss the chance to capture the colorful rock formations under sunlight, the stunning sunset over the Irtysh River, the reflections of forests in the river, and the unique contrast between the desert landscape and green river valley scenery.
Camping and Fishing
Near Five-Colored Beach, there is a suspension bridge crossing the Irtysh River. Although the bridge is simple in structure, the surrounding scenery is peaceful and beautiful, with green trees, flowing water, and open landscapes.
Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities around the river, such as camping and fishing (according to local regulations). The peaceful river environment offers a different experience from the dramatic Yadan scenery.
Standing by the river, visitors can admire the magnificent contrast between the green riverside landscape and the colorful desert landforms.
Travel Tips:
Best Viewing Time
The best viewing time for Five-Colored Beach is late afternoon to sunset, when sunlight creates the strongest color contrast on the rocks.
Autumn mornings and evenings are especially beautiful, as the colorful hills, golden Populus euphratica forests, and clear sky create excellent photography conditions.
Suggested Visiting Time
Most visitors spend around 2–4 hours exploring Five-Colored Beach. It is usually visited together with Burqin County, Kanas Lake, or Hemu Village as part of a northern Xinjiang itinerary.
What to Prepare
1. Warm Clothing
The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang can be large, especially after sunset. Visitors are recommended to bring a light jacket or warm clothing.
2. Sun Protection
The sunlight in the scenic area can be strong, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended, especially during daytime visits.
3. Comfortable Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as visitors need to walk between different viewing platforms and explore the scenic area on foot.
Travel Information
Opening Time: Year-round 09:00–19:30
Customer Service Phone: 0906-6325170
Admission Fee: 45 CNY/person
Nearby Attractions:
Kanas Lake
Kanas Lake is one of the most famous natural attractions in northern Xinjiang. Located deep in the mountains and forests of Burqin County, Kanas is known for its changing lake colors, snow-capped mountains, forests, and mysterious legends about the lake.
Many travelers combine Five-Colored Beach with Kanas Lake when exploring the Altay region. The route offers a variety of landscapes, from colorful Yadan landforms to alpine lakes and forests.
Kanas Lake
Hemu Village
Hemu Scenic Area is located in Burqin, about 30 kilometers east of Kanas Lake. It is a small village inhabited by Kazakhs and Tuva people. Generally, tourists will visit Hemu Village and Kanas Lake Scenic Area together when they visit the northern Xinjiang. All the houses in Hemu Village are simple log cabins scattered in the valleys between the mountains. And the local ethnic minority compatriots work in the courtyard, which looks simple and quiet. The Hemu River flows by the village, and the water is light blue and very clear. There are grasslands and birch forests around the village, with beautiful scenery. In winter, snow begins to accumulate on the top of the mountain and becomes a small snow-capped mountain, like a fairy tale world.
Sino-Russian Old Wharf Style Street
The Sino-Russian Old Wharf Style Street in Burqin is a unique cultural attraction featuring Russian-style architecture, restaurants, and local food.
Located near the former Sino-Soviet shipping wharf, the area combines border-town culture with local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy Xinjiang specialties and experience the distinctive atmosphere of Burqin.
Five-Colored Beach is located on the north bank of the Irtysh River in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang. The Irtysh River is the only river in China that flows into the Arctic Ocean. Located about 24 kilometers away from Burqin County, Five-Colored Beach is also an important stop on the way to the Kanas Scenic Area.
Known for its spectacular Yadan landform, colorful rock formations, and beautiful sunset views, Five-Colored Beach presents a unique contrast between the colorful hills on one side and the green river valley landscape on the other side. With its extraordinary natural scenery, it is an ideal destination for sightseeing and photography lovers.
Click the picture to enjoy the video of stunning colored beach:
Beautiful Scenery of Five Colored Beach
Features:
Chinese Name: 五彩滩 [wǔ cǎi tān]
Location: 24 kilometers away from Burqin County
Popular activities: sightseeing, photography, camping and fishing
Suited to: everyone
Time needed: 2-4 hours
Recommended Xinjiang tours including Five-Colored Beach:
10 Days North Xinjiang Photography Tour
11 Days Northern Xinjiang Tour: Keketuohai, Kanas Lake and Turpan
Best Time to Visit Five-Colored Beach:
The best time to visit Five-Colored Beach is from September to October, when the weather is comfortable and the scenery is especially beautiful. During autumn, the colorful rocks, golden Populus euphratica forests, and clear river create a stunning landscape. Sunset is considered the best viewing time, when the sunlight enhances the colors of the Yadan landform and creates a magical atmosphere.
🍂 September to October — Best Season for Sunset & Photography
Autumn is the most popular season to visit Five-Colored Beach. The rocks on the north bank of the Irtysh River show different colors, including red, yellow, green, purple, and white, while the opposite bank is decorated with golden Populus euphratica forests.
The combination of colorful Yadan landforms, flowing river, and autumn scenery creates excellent conditions for photography, especially during sunset.
Minor downside:
The temperature difference between day and night is large in Xinjiang, and it can become cooler after sunset. Warm clothing is recommended.
☀️ June to August — Comfortable for Sightseeing
Summer offers pleasant weather for exploring Five-Colored Beach. The long daylight hours allow visitors to enjoy the unique geological landscapes and walk along the viewing platforms.
Minor downside:
The sunlight can be strong during the daytime, so sun protection is necessary.
❄️ November to March — Quiet Winter Landscape
Winter brings fewer visitors and a peaceful atmosphere. The colorful rocks, river, and surrounding landscapes create a different visual experience.
Minor downside:
Cold temperatures may affect outdoor activities, and the best sunset experience depends on weather conditions.
How to Get to Five-Colored Beach:
Five-Colored Beach is located about 24 kilometers north of Burqin County. Most travelers visit it as a stop between Burqin and Kanas Lake.
From Urumqi to Five-Colored Beach
a. By Bus
Visitors can take a long-distance bus from Urumqi Nianzigou Bus Station to Burqin County. The journey takes about 11 hours, and the ticket price is around 195 CNY/person.
b. By Car
Driving is the most flexible way to visit Five-Colored Beach. Starting from Urumqi, travelers can pass through northern Xinjiang landscapes and reach Burqin before continuing to the scenic area.
From Burqin County to Five-Colored Beach
Five-Colored Beach is about 24 kilometers away from Burqin County. Visitors can take a taxi or carpool from Burqin, and the round trip usually takes a short time.
What to Explore in Five-Colored Beach:
Five-Colored Beach is a unique natural attraction that combines colorful Yadan landforms, the Irtysh River, and desert river valley scenery. Although it is not a large scenic area, every viewpoint offers a different landscape, making it one of the most special places to explore in northern Xinjiang.
Colorful Yadan Landforms and Geological Wonders
Five-Colored Beach is a famous river beach featuring spectacular Yadan landforms. Over millions of years, the combined effects of river erosion, wind erosion, and weathering have created the unique cliff-like rock formations seen today.
The rocks contain different minerals, and their colors vary under different lighting conditions, showing shades of red, yellow, green, purple, white, and brown. Especially at sunset, the sunlight makes the colorful hills appear even more vivid and creates a dreamlike landscape.
Walking through Five-Colored Beach feels like entering a natural geological museum, where visitors can appreciate the incredible works of nature.
The Contrast Between River Valley and Desert Landscape
One of the most attractive features of Five-Colored Beach is the sharp contrast between the two sides of the Irtysh River. On one side, visitors can see the spectacular colorful Yadan hills and dry desert landscape; on the other side, a dense Populus euphratica forest stretches along the riverbank. The reflection of the golden trees in the clear river creates a beautiful scene, especially in autumn.
The combination of desert, river, colorful rocks, and forests makes Five-Colored Beach a unique destination in Xinjiang.
Things to Do in Five-Colored Beach:
Enjoy the Sunset Views
Watching the sunset is the most popular activity at Five-Colored Beach. When the sun goes down, the rocks on the north bank of the Irtysh River gradually change colors, showing different shades of red, yellow, green, purple, and white.
The warm sunlight highlights the texture of the Yadan landforms, creating one of the most spectacular moments of the day. The best time to enjoy the sunset is usually between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm, especially during summer and autumn when Xinjiang has longer daylight hours.
If you visit Burqin in the afternoon, Five-Colored Beach is an excellent place to wait for sunset and enjoy the changing colors of nature.
Photography
Five-Colored Beach is one of the best photography destinations around Burqin. The combination of colorful rocks, the winding Irtysh River, golden Populus euphratica forests, and sunset light provides countless photo opportunities.
Autumn is especially recommended for photographers. During this season, the golden leaves of Populus euphratica trees contrast beautifully with the colorful Yadan landscape.
If you enjoy landscape photography, don't miss the chance to capture the colorful rock formations under sunlight, the stunning sunset over the Irtysh River, the reflections of forests in the river, and the unique contrast between the desert landscape and green river valley scenery.
Camping and Fishing
Near Five-Colored Beach, there is a suspension bridge crossing the Irtysh River. Although the bridge is simple in structure, the surrounding scenery is peaceful and beautiful, with green trees, flowing water, and open landscapes.
Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities around the river, such as camping and fishing (according to local regulations). The peaceful river environment offers a different experience from the dramatic Yadan scenery.
Standing by the river, visitors can admire the magnificent contrast between the green riverside landscape and the colorful desert landforms.
Travel Tips:
Best Viewing Time
The best viewing time for Five-Colored Beach is late afternoon to sunset, when sunlight creates the strongest color contrast on the rocks.
Autumn mornings and evenings are especially beautiful, as the colorful hills, golden Populus euphratica forests, and clear sky create excellent photography conditions.
Suggested Visiting Time
Most visitors spend around 2–4 hours exploring Five-Colored Beach. It is usually visited together with Burqin County, Kanas Lake, or Hemu Village as part of a northern Xinjiang itinerary.
What to Prepare
1. Warm Clothing
The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang can be large, especially after sunset. Visitors are recommended to bring a light jacket or warm clothing.
2. Sun Protection
The sunlight in the scenic area can be strong, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended, especially during daytime visits.
3. Comfortable Shoes
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as visitors need to walk between different viewing platforms and explore the scenic area on foot.
Travel Information
Opening Time: Year-round 09:00–19:30
Customer Service Phone: 0906-6325170
Admission Fee: 45 CNY/person
Nearby Attractions:
Kanas Lake
Kanas Lake is one of the most famous natural attractions in northern Xinjiang. Located deep in the mountains and forests of Burqin County, Kanas is known for its changing lake colors, snow-capped mountains, forests, and mysterious legends about the lake.
Many travelers combine Five-Colored Beach with Kanas Lake when exploring the Altay region. The route offers a variety of landscapes, from colorful Yadan landforms to alpine lakes and forests.
Kanas Lake
Hemu Village
Hemu Scenic Area is located in Burqin, about 30 kilometers east of Kanas Lake. It is a small village inhabited by Kazakhs and Tuva people. Generally, tourists will visit Hemu Village and Kanas Lake Scenic Area together when they visit the northern Xinjiang. All the houses in Hemu Village are simple log cabins scattered in the valleys between the mountains. And the local ethnic minority compatriots work in the courtyard, which looks simple and quiet. The Hemu River flows by the village, and the water is light blue and very clear. There are grasslands and birch forests around the village, with beautiful scenery. In winter, snow begins to accumulate on the top of the mountain and becomes a small snow-capped mountain, like a fairy tale world.
Sino-Russian Old Wharf Style Street
The Sino-Russian Old Wharf Style Street in Burqin is a unique cultural attraction featuring Russian-style architecture, restaurants, and local food.
Located near the former Sino-Soviet shipping wharf, the area combines border-town culture with local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy Xinjiang specialties and experience the distinctive atmosphere of Burqin.
 | Northern Xinjiang Tour: Turpan, Bayinbuluk Grassland and Kanas Lake Urumqi - Turpan - Korla - Kupa - Bayinbuluk - Kuitun - Burqin - Hemu - Kanas 11 Days (over 200+ Booked) |
