Altay Introduction

Explore Altay with this comprehensive travel guide. Altay is located in the northernmost part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, sharing borders with Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. It is home to many famous attractions, to give an example, Kanas Lake, and unique ethnic customs of the Kazak, Mongolian and other ethnic groups. The combination of natural landscapes and ethnic cultures creates Altay's unique charm. With world-class ice and snow resources, it is recognized as the "birthplace of human skiing" and a paradise for ski lovers. All in all, Altay is the perfect destination for nature and culture lovers, photographers, and adventurers seeking an unforgettable experience.

Why Visit Altay

• Heaven in Front of Your Eyes

Altay is famous for its heavenly natural scenery. It has many well-known spots like Kanas Lake, known as "Heavenly Garden", Hemu Village, Baihaba Village, Wucai Beach (Colorful Beach), and Keketuohai National Geopark. Altay has snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, grasslands, rivers, and deserts—almost every type of landscape except the ocean.

• Shooting Spots of To the Wonder

To the Wonder or Wo de Altay is a Chinese TV mini series（IMDB rating 8.2）came out in May 2024, adapted from the novel My Altay by Lijuan. It went viral soon after its release and made Altay a hotter tourist destination. The healing drama gives you an effortless and entertaining way to see the beautiful natural scenery of Altay and the culture of the Kazakh nomads. With this basic information, you'll feel excited about visiting Altay and won't feel completely unfamiliar when you come.

• Rich Multi-ethnic Culture

Mongolians and Kazakhs living in Altay still preserve traditions of nomadic and hunting culture. Ethnic groups such as Han and Uyghur living in the region bring elements of farming culture. Over a long period of living together, all ethnic groups have formed a harmonious relationship, creating the phenomenon of ethnic unity. Here, you can see Kazakh yurts and Mongol horse-head fiddle and taste special ethnic foods, such as whole roasted lamb, hand-grabbed rice, milk tea and more.

• Skiing Paradise

Winter in Altay is a long farewell to spring. Time seems to stop here. Flying snow falls on trees, on your nose, on the land and becomes a majestic white cover everywhere. To outdoor enthusiasts, Altay is the place you should go for skiing. Dashing on snow slopes faster than Tatar's arrows while listening to the heavy snow-step sound is going to be pleasant. 

Altay is recognized as the "birthplace of human skiing" by UNESCO, with a skiing history of 10,000 to 30,000 years. It enjoys exceptional natural conditions, world-class snow quality and terrain, well-developed skiing facilities, and a rich cultural heritage. The average annual snow cover lasts more than 180 days, from October to May of the next year, making it one of the regions with the longest ski seasons in China. It boasts natural champagne powder snow with very low moisture content (around 20%). Soft as flour, it gives skiers a floating feeling like "surfing on snow". Keketuohai International Ski Resort is home to natural half-pipes, wide open slopes, wooded areas and moguls, and is known as "the ski resort with the most diverse terrain in China". Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort is the only urban alpine ski resort in China. It enjoys convenient transportation and complete facilities, with a daily reception of over 3,000 people. Even in late March, the slopes remain in great condition, making it a perfect place to enjoy skiing.

Top Altay Attractions

• Kanas Natural Reserve 

In Mongolian, Kanas means a beautiful, rich and mysterious lake in the canyon. Kanas Natural Reserve includes Kanas Lake and its three bays -Shenxian Bay (Fairy Bay), Moon Bay, Wolong Bay (Dragon Crouching Bay), and Guanyu Pavilion (Fish Viewing Pavilion). You can imagine how beautiful Kanas is by these names. Every morning, fog hovers over the bay, and the trees around are also shrouded by the mist as if it is the bay flying through the clouds just like a fairyland. On the Guanyu Pavilion, you can  get a panoramic view of the three bays and the three-fourths of the Kanas Lake, and a combined scene of the green lake water, layered forests and snow-capped mountains.

• Hemu Village

It is located in the extraordinary Kanas Lake bank, known for its integrating natural wonders with Tuva culture. After thousands of years, Tuvans are still living in traditional wooden houses, which look very special and inviting. You can take pictures of Hemu Village in golden Autumn with layered golden leaves on the trees, and in white Winter with snow-capped mountains and trees. Tuvans keep a traditional life style, for example, when it is wolf-hunting season, Tuvan men hold ceremonies to show respect for all living creatures. A unique singing technique of the Tuvan people is called humai (throat singing), named on the first National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. 

• Wucai Beach (Colorful Beach)

The Wucai Beach is split into north and south banks by the Irtysh (Ertix) River, the only river in China that flows into the Arctic Ocean. The south bank features oases and deserts, while the north bank is covered with rocks. On the south bank of Wucai Beach, oases and deserts merge with the blue sky, offering a sweeping panoramic view. At sunset, the rocks on the north bank glow mainly in red, mixed with green, purple, yellow, white, black and transitional shades. Composed of red, reddish brown, light yellow and light green stones, the huge rocks look like colorful castles or monsters, forming a typical Yardang landform.

• Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort

It is the only urban alpine ski resort in China, offering convenient transportation. It is just 1.6 km from the city center of Altay and a 30-minute drive from Altay Xuedu Airport. After skiing, you can reach downtown restaurants on foot in just 10 minutes to enjoy hand-grabbed lamb and salty milk tea. A wide range of accommodations is available in the city, from boutique hotels to homestays. The resort boasts a comprehensive range of ski trails, with 72 trails in total and a combined length of 70 kilometers. It has abundant slopes ranging from 12°to 50°, catering to everyone from beginners to experts. The ski season is long, lasting from late October to early April. Additionally, there is a Sunset Party, held every evening from 7:00 to 8:00 PM approximately, where you can dance to music while enjoying the beautiful sunset or the blue hour. This has become an iconic event at the resort.

• Keketuohai (Koktokay) National Geopark 

It is located in the Fuyun County, abundant in rare mineral resources. More than 80 types of minerals coexist here, which makes it an ideal location for a geopark. In fact, the geopark consists of four parts: the Irtysh Grand Canyon, Kekesuli Lake, Iremut Lake, and the Kalashinger Earthquake Fault Zone. This is where diverse landforms integrate. The magnificent valleys and rivers, mountain rocks, forested lands, alpine lakes, and unique earthquake fault zones are all well worth exploring.

• Wulungu Lake (Ulungur Lake)

It is the largest permanent freshwater lake in northern Xinjiang. The scenic area is located in Fuhai County, Altay Prefecture, and lies on the only route to Kanas Scenic Area and Keketohai Scenic Area. It is characterized by its marine-like features and diverse landforms. A variety of recreational activities are available here, including cruise ships, jet skis, and flyboarding. In winter, there are winter fishing activities, along with ice amusements such as ice biking and horse-drawn sleds.

• Baihaba Village

It is a primitive village home to an aerial grassland—the largest grassland in Baihaba, where you can hike or ride horses. There stands a solitary tree on the border, known as “the end of the world”. The China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon offers a panoramic view of Hemu Village with wide-open vision. You can watch morning mist at dawn and enjoy sunset in the evening. Naren Ranch is the filming location of the famous running scene of the female lead Li Wenxiu from the TV series To the Wonder. From May to June every year, the mountain basin is covered with blooming flowers, accompanied by vast herds. The Baihaba Observation Deck sits on a mountain top, overlooking the entire village. It is an ideal spot to watch the sunset and take photos.

Note: Remember to apply for a border pass in advance before visiting Baihaba. It can be applied at your household registration location, or in Burqin County, Habahe County, and Kanas Village in Altay Prefecture. In addition, drones are strictly prohibited in this border area.

Best Time to Altay

Altay has a temperate continental climate with distinct four seasons. It is cool and pleasant in summer and cold in winter. Due to its diverse terrain, climatic conditions vary across different regions; mountainous areas are relatively cold, whereas plains are milder. The best time to visit Altay is from September to October, especially late September to early October, when the autumn scenery is at its peak. Altay in Summer is also popular for its cool and pleasant climate, ideal for escaping the heat; in winter, it is a paradise for ice and snow lovers.

• Best Time to Visit (September–October)

During this period, the mountains and forests turn from green to yellow, and then to golden red. Places such as Kanas Lake, Hemu Village and Baihaba Village are decorated with vivid autumn colors. The golden birch forests, the deep-blue lake and snow-capped mountains, form a picturesque scene like an oil painting, making it a paradise for photography lovers.

In September, the average daily temperature is about 8°C to 21°C (46°F to 70°F) with a large temperature difference between day and night. It is comfortable during the day but cool at night.

In October, the average daily temperature is around 1°C to 12°C (34°F to 54°F) and it gets cold in the morning and evening, so warm clothing like a jacket is necessary. In mid-to-late October, frost or snowfall in mountainous areas may occur.‌

The peak season with the richest and most brilliant colors usually lasts from late September to around the National Day holiday, roughly from September 20 to October 8, when the weather is stable with a high rate of sunny days.

• Summer Resort (June–August)

In summer, the grasslands are green and thriving, wildflowers are in full bloom, and the lakes are crystal clear. With an average temperature ranging from 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F), it is an excellent summer resort. In June, the grasslands turn vibrant green, and wildflowers begin to blossom. July and August mark the most beautiful season of the grasslands, also the peak period for summer tourism. The season is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, sightseeing, and horseback riding.

• Snowy Fairyland (November–March)

In winter, Altay is covered in snow and boasts stunning winter scenery. Known as the “birthplace of human skiing”, it is home to world-class ski resorts including Jiangjunshan and Keketohai, with excellent snow quality and a snow season lasting up to 240 days. Besides skiing, visitors can enjoy unique landscapes such as the snow-covered villages of Hemu, the frozen lake surface of Kanas, rime, and blue ice. From December to January, there are events including the Hot Snow Festival and the Freeride World Tour (FWT).

Travel Tips: The temperature can be extremely low during this time (average below-15°C or 5°F). It is important to pack warm winter clothing, such as heavy jackets, hats, gloves, and insulated boots, to stay comfortable in the chilly temperatures. Operations of some scenic areas may be affected by snow and ice conditions.‌‌‌

Recommended Routes

Explore the best of Altay and its surrounding areas with our diverse range of travel routes! We offer tailor-made tour packages that cover cultural landmarks, natural scenery, and unique local experiences. Whether you're interested in a short city tour or a longer adventure, we have the perfect itinerary for you. 

For detailed information and booking, please visit our recommended tour itinerary:

How to Get to Altay

• By Flight: 

You can easily get to Altay for travel via its three airports, Altay Xuedu Airport, Burqin Kanas Airport and Fuyun Keketuohai Airport. There are currently no direct international flights to Altay. If you're coming from abroad, you can transfer in cities like Urumqi, Beijing or Shanghai to reach your destination. If you're coming from elsewhere in China, you'll find direct flights from Beijing (about 4 hours) and Shanghai (about 6 hours) and most other major Chinese cities.

Altay Xuedu Airport is only about 9 kilometers from the city center. You can get downtown quickly after landing, making it convenient to either rest first or head straight to nearby attractions without a long drive.

Burqin Kanas Airport is 74 kilometers from downtown Burqin and mainly serves Kanas Lake and its surrounding areas. It is just around 50 kilometers from Kanas Lake. After a short rest, you can easily go to enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain scenery without extra travel.

Fuyun Keketuohai Airport is about 28 kilometers from downtown Fuyun and mainly serves Keketuohai Scenic Area. If you plan to go straight to Keketuohai to explore its unique mountains and rivers or enjoy winter sports, this airport is the most convenient choice.

• By Train: 

If you are already in China, arriving by train offers a unique perspective on the country's vast landscapes. Altay currently has three main railway stations: Altay Railway Station, Fuyun Railway Station and Fuhai Railway Station.

Altay Railway Station is about 15 kilometers from the urban area and serves as the main railway station for the city, making it the top choice for the majority. It has connections to Urumqi, Fuyun, Beitun, Karamay and other cities. After you arrive, you can easily take a taxi, online car-hailing service or double-decker bus to the downtown area or nearby scenic spots.

Fuyun Railway Station and Fuhai Railway Station are relatively far from downtown Altay. If you plan to visit Keketohai, the Irtysh Grand Canyon and other attractions within Fuyun, you can choose Fuyun Railway Station. If you want to explore Ulungur (‌Burultokay‌) Lake or Jili Lake, Fuhai Railway Station will be a more suitable option for you.

Transportation Suggestions

• By Bus: 

Buses are a convenient and budget-friendly option for traveling within the city and to nearby attractions. Basically, travel between any two of the three attractions -Hemu, Baihaba and Kanas - requires a transfer at Jiadenyu. So once you reach Jiadenyu, public transport is available to all of the above destinations.

Note: Buses from Burqin to Kanas, Hemu and other scenic spots are mostly closed in winter, roughly from mid-to-late October to late April or early May the next year.

• By Taxi & Ride-Hailing: 

Taxis are readily available at the scenic spots in Altay and can be hailed on the street or booked via popular ride-hailing apps. They are especially convenient for shorter distances or when traveling with luggage. Most drivers may not speak English, so it helps to have your destination written in Chinese.

• By Rental Car: 

If you prefer greater flexibility, renting a car is an option to explore Altay and the surrounding areas at your own pace. Several international and local car rental companies have offices at the airport and in the city center. If you rent a car in winter, choosing one equipped with snow tires is recommended. Car rental services are also available on our website. For more details, please see Xinjiang Car Rental.

Altay Accommodation

Altay offers a wide range of accommodations to meet diverse needs, from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury hotels.

If you choose to stay in downtown Altay, you will have plenty of choices. There are high-end to budget-friendly hotels such as Jinjiang International Hotel (five-star), Atour Hotel, Jindu Hotel, Ji Hotel, Hanting Hotel, and Vienna Hotel. There are also characteristic homestays, mainly concentrated around Jiangjunshan Ski Resort and Aweitan Town, some featuring industrial style, ethnic style or artistic elements.

If you prefer to stay in Kanas, Hemu or Baihaba, choices are mostly wooden homestays. They are divided into basic types with shared bathrooms, upgraded types with private bathrooms and underfloor heating and high-end types with viewing balconies and glass houses.

If you want to enter the scenic area early, you can choose to stay in Jiadenyu. As the gateway to the Kanas Scenic Area, Jiadenyu has a large number of hotels, with prices and facilities between those in the urban area and the scenic spots.

Altay Maps You Might Need