Aleitai

Altay brings together some of northern Xinjiang’s most representative natural landscapes: golden birch forests in autumn and pristine snow scenes in winter. The following itinerary and information can serve as a reference when planning a trip to Altay.

Best Time to Visit

• Autumn (mid-September to early October): This is the best time to see the autumn colors, when the birch forests turn golden and the mornings are often misty. As this is the peak season, there are more visitors, so accommodation should be booked in advance.

• Summer (June to August): The grasslands turn green, and the weather is relatively cool, making it suitable for hiking, camping and escaping the summer heat. The days are also longer.

• Winter (December to March of the following year): The snow season is long, making it suitable for skiing and experiencing snow-covered villages. Temperatures are low, so be sure to prepare sufficient warm clothing.

Recommended Classic 5-Day Loop

This route connects some of Altay’s most representative attractions. The schedule is relatively relaxed and suitable for first-time visitors.

• Day 1: After arriving at Altay Snow City Airport, check in to a hotel in the city. You can visit a local market to buy fruit and dry food, and try pilaf with air-dried meat.

• Day 2: Leave downtown Altay and travel to Hemu Village via the Ahe Highway. Along the way, you can see forests, grasslands and snow-capped mountains. After arriving in the evening, visit Hemu Bridge and the birch forest.

• Day 3: Spend the day exploring Hemu Village. Go to Haden Viewing Platform early in the morning to see the mist and smoke rising from chimneys. During the day, you can hike or ride a horse to Meilifeng Village and experience the area’s relatively untouched mountain scenery.

• Day 4: Travel from Hemu to the Kanas Scenic Area. First, go to Guanyu Pavilion for an overhead view of Kanas Lake, then visit the Three Bays in the afternoon: Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay and Wolong Bay.

• Day 5: Travel from Kanas to Baihaba Village, then return to downtown Altay. Baihaba Village lies on the northwestern border, where you can enjoy border scenery before ending the trip.

Key Attractions Not to Miss

• Kanas Lake: The main attraction in the Kanas Scenic Area, whose waters take on different colors depending on the season and weather. Go to Shenxian Bay in the early morning to see the mist, climb Guanyu Pavilion during the day for an overhead view of the lake, or walk along the boardwalk from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay.

• Hemu Village: This is a traditional village inhabited by the Tuva people and is known as “God’s private land.” In autumn, the birch forests turn golden. In the early morning, you can see mist and smoke rising from the chimneys of wooden houses. Staying one night in the village is recommended so you can explore at a slower pace.

• Baihaba Village: Known as the First Village in Northwest China, Baihaba lies on the China–Kazakhstan border and is quieter and more rustic overall than Hemu. Local sights include the Lonely Tree, the S-Bend Viewing Platform and the China–Kazakhstan Grand Canyon, where you can experience the peaceful atmosphere of a border village.
• Colorful Beach: Located in Burqin County, Colorful Beach is crossed by the Irtysh River. The north bank has colorful hills formed by Yardang landforms, while the south bank features poplar forests along the Irtysh River. The scenery and light are best for photography in the evening, close to sunset.

• General’s Mountain Ski Resort: Located in downtown Altay, this is the only ski resort in China connected to a city. In winter, you can ski and watch the sunset over the snow-covered mountains; in summer, you can enjoy the alpine meadows.

Transportation and Getting Around

• Getting there: You can fly directly to Altay Snow City Airport, which saves time but usually costs more. Alternatively, fly to Ürümqi first, then take a train or flight to Altay.
• Local transportation: Hiring a private car or joining a shared car is convenient. The cost is about ¥500–800 per day, and drivers are usually familiar with mountain roads, making it easy to stop and enjoy the views along the way. Self-driving requires considerable driving experience, and you should pay attention to speed limits in mountainous areas.
• Transportation within scenic areas: Private vehicles are not allowed inside the Kanas, Hemu and Baihaba scenic areas. After purchasing an admission ticket, you must take a shuttle bus to enter.

Accommodation and Food Guide

• Where to stay: Wooden guesthouses in Hemu Old Village and Kanas New Village make it convenient to see the morning mist, but prices are high during the peak season and rooms usually need to be booked a month in advance. If you are traveling on a limited budget, consider staying outside the scenic areas in Burqin County or Chonghuer Township, where overall value for money is better.
• Local specialties: In Burqin, try grilled pike and cold-water fish. In Hemu and Kanas, try local hot pot and naan-pit roasted meat. In downtown Altay, look for pilaf and pot noodles. Kazakh salted milk tea and baursak are also worth trying.

Practical Tips

• Border permit: You need a border permit to visit Baihaba Village. It can be obtained online for free through the 12367 mini-program of the National Immigration Administration, and the process takes only a few minutes.
• What to wear: The temperature difference between day and night in Altay is very large and can exceed 15°C. Temperatures may fall below 0°C in the morning and evening. Dressing in layers is recommended. Bring a shell jacket, fleece or lightweight down jacket, and wear non-slip, insulated shoes.
• Pack light: Avoid bringing a large suitcase into the scenic areas, as it is inconvenient on shuttle buses and when entering villages. Use a small bag for one or two days of essentials, and leave larger luggage in the vehicle or store it at the visitor center.
• Signal and internet: Mobile service may be unstable in mountainous areas and scenic spots. Download offline maps before setting out and carry a small amount of cash.
• Self-driving precautions: When driving on the Ahe Highway or traveling in winter, it is recommended to use an SUV with high ground clearance or a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and confirm that snow tires have been fitted. Gas stations are far apart along the way, so refuel promptly whenever you pass one.

Budget Estimate

Excluding the cost of transportation to and from Altay, car rental, accommodation, meals and admission tickets together cost about ¥500–800 per person per day. During peak periods such as the National Day holiday, accommodation prices may double, so the overall budget should be increased accordingly.