*Altay: A Wonderland, Not a Desert*

Here's a travel guide for Altay: Best Time to Visit • Summer (June-August): Pleasant climate with an average temperature of around 20°C, ideal for escaping the heat. Hike through flower meadows and participate in folk activities like the Altay Horse Racing Festival and the "Girls' Chase." • Autumn (September-October): A photographer's paradise. The autumn scenery along the Kanas, Hemu, and Keketuohai scenic routes is stunning, with colorful foliage. A perfect self-driving experience. • Winter (November-March): Enchanting snow scenery. General Mountain Ski Resort and Hemu Jikepulin Ski Resort are havens for ski enthusiasts. Experience horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiles, and other snow activities. Recommended Attractions • Kanas Scenic Area: Known as "God's Palette." Take a boat trip on Kanas Lake, admire the beauty of Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. Ascend the Fish Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of the lake, visit a Tuvan family, and experience the unique ethnic culture. • Hemu Village: Known as the "Most Beautiful Village in China." The sunrise viewing platform offers a view of the village shrouded in morning mist. The birch forest turns golden in autumn, and in winter, it transforms into a fairy-tale world of snow mushrooms. Participate in bonfire parties. • Keketuohai National Geopark: Home to the No. 3 vein of the "Meritorious Mine," which once repaid 40% of the Soviet Union's foreign debt. Explore the underground mine and witness the breathtaking autumn scenery of the Irtysh Grand Canyon. The "Husband and Wife Trees" are covered in rime in winter. • Five-Colored Beach: Yadan landforms alongside the Irtysh River. At sunset, the rocks display a gradient of red, purple, and yellow under the light, creating a unique landscape. • Ulungur Lake (Fuhai): Offers a golden beach for seaside vacations in summer. In winter, experience the Winter Fishing Festival, watch net fishing, and enjoy fresh fish soup. • Baihaba Village: The "First Village in the Northwest," located on the China-Kazakhstan border. A border defense permit is required. Less commercialized, ideal for relaxation. Transportation • Main Transportation: Fly to Urumqi and transfer to Altay or Kanas Airport. Alternatively, drive from Urumqi via the S21 Desert Highway (approximately 6 hours to Altay City). • Local Transportation: Chartering a car is recommended for travel between scenic areas (5-seater car around CNY 800-1000/day). Scenic shuttle buses are also available. Accommodation • Kanas/Hemu: Wooden guesthouses within the scenic area offer basic conditions. Book at least one month in advance during peak season, as prices tend to double. • Burqin: Offers cost-effective options. Hotels near the Russian Style Street are recommended. • High-end Experience: Consider Kanas Lakeview Hotel or Hemu Century-old House Resort. Food • Cold Water Fish Feast: Enjoy pike, "Wudaohei" (black fish), and other fish at the Burqin Riverside Night Market. • Kazakh Cuisine: Try "Naren" (mutton noodles), "Baursaki" with jam, and milk tea. • Altay Mutton: Enjoy clear-broth boiled lamb, free of any膻(mutton) odor. Tips • Ticket Reservations: Kanas and Hemu have limited capacity during peak season. Book tickets three days in advance on the "Kanas Original Travel Network." • Drone Registration: Register drones at the police station for border areas like Baihaba and Baisha Lake. • Changeable Weather: Mountain weather can change drastically throughout the day. Pack windbreakers and sun protection. • Cautious Shopping: Ethnic handicrafts are overpriced within the scenic areas. Consider purchasing them at the Altay City Market. Recommended Itinerary (5 Days) • D1: Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Burqin (Five-Colored Beach sunset). • D2: Burqin → Kanas Lake → Fish Viewing Platform → Stay in Kanas. • D3: Hike around the three bays of Kanas → Hemu Village → Stay in Hemu. • D4: Hemu morning mist → Altay City → Birch Forest Park. • D5: Altay → Keketuohai → Return.