Kanas Lake: Planning a Visit to Xinjiang’s Altai Landscape

Kanas sits in the Altai Mountains of northern Xinjiang, in the border region where China meets Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia. The scenic area, a national 5A-rated attraction, is known for Kanas Lake, Wolong Bay and the taiga corridor.^[1] Dark forest, glacial water and snowy peaks come together here, so a visit works best when you choose a few places to focus on.

Kanas National Nature Reserve is part of the China Altay area on China’s tentative list for World Heritage, which is not the same as inscription. The Kanas region holds 210 glaciers, the largest concentration in the Altai Mountains, and a string of glacial lakes including Kanas, White, Black and Double Lakes. Kanas Lake is famous for its changing colours: morning mists, changing skies and evening shadows keep the water shifting.^[2]

Choose a lake-focused visit

With limited time, make Kanas Lake your anchor. Wolong Bay and the winding Dragon, Moon and Fairy valleys along the Kanas river are the next places to add.^[2] The forest along the banks mirrors itself in the river, which is the landscape most visitors come for. Pick a few stops and give each one time rather than racing through the whole area.

Plan the journey separately from the scenery

The scenic-area management committee publishes the prices. The Kanas ticket is 160 yuan per person for 2 days in the peak season from 1 May to 15 October, and 80 yuan in the off-season from 16 October to 30 April. A 3-day pass covering Kanas, Baihaba and Hemu costs 195 yuan in the peak season and 100 yuan off-season. Children up to 1.3 m tall and visitors aged 65 and over enter free, and full-time students and young people up to 18 pay half.^[3]

Inside the area you travel by shuttle. A return trip from the Jiadengyu transfer centre to the Kanas transfer centre costs 50 yuan, and a convenience pass covering Jiadengyu, Kanas Lake car park, Kanas New Village, the Dongxi Lieke flower garden and the First Bend costs 70 yuan. A return trip from the Kanas transfer centre to the Baihaba transfer centre costs 45 yuan. The committee’s information line is 0906-6327808.^[3]

Compare the landscape through the seasons

In spring the taiga stands against snow-capped mountains and the meadows turn green with flowers. In summer the forest is reflected in the water in shades of green. In autumn yellow and red leaves interweave, and in the winter mists the branches shine like silver jewellery along the icy water.^[2] Pick your dates by the scenery you want.

Read the cultural landscape with care

The Kanas area is also home to Kazakh and Tuwa herders, who migrate between wetlands and grasslands and keep customs such as Arken singing, horse racing, falconry and wrestling. Stone men, rock pictograms and ancient graves recall an older nomadic culture.^[2] If your route passes inhabited places, follow local guidance and ask before photographing people.

For more ideas as you plan a wider China itinerary, see the China travel guide.