China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is never short of unspoiled, magnificent natural beauty. The Kanas scenic area is one of the must-visit sites if you travel to northern Xinjiang.

Located in Altay Prefecture, Kanas features a multifaceted scenic area with glaciers, lakes, forests, grasslands and pastures. It offers tourists totally different views as the seasons change. 

Turquoise is the main color of spring in Kanas, as meadows and trees start to sprout, while the water can turn to aquamarine blue and dark green in summer. Autumn is considered by many to be the most beautiful season in Kanas, as the changing hues of the birch trees mingle with the greens of the spruce to create a multi-layered, colorful world. In winter, the whole area is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and wooden houses.

Kanas Lake is the deepest freshwater lake in China, covering 45 square kilometers and with an average depth of 120 meters. Visitors can take a long walk along the lake and enjoy different views from Fairy Bay to Moon Bay to Wolong Bay.

A trip to Kanas takes two or three days.

Transport

Flights from Urumqi to Kanas Airport take about an hour and a half. Then you need an hour's drive along the mountainous highway to arrive at the Kanas scenic area. Remember, in winter, which usually starts in late October, only small vehicles with less than six seats are allowed to drive into the area.

Meanwhile, there are shuttle buses to and from the scenic spots at the vast Kanas scenic area. Normally, the buses are available from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Don't miss the last bus if you are taking a walk along the lake.

Accommodation

Hotels at the foot of the Kanas scenic area are usually available for half a year – from May to October – but remain closed in the cold winter, while the wooden houses inside of the scenic area remain open to visitors year-round. Please book early if you plan to visit the area during a peak season.

Clothes/food options

Bring water and some energy-boosting foods as you may walk a very long time along the lake. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes and bring enough clothes as temperatures vary greatly at different sites.

(Cover photo taken by Chen Bo, redesigned by Liu Shaozhen)