Altay Travel Guide: The Golden Mountains and the Mystery of Kanas

1.Introduction: The Golden Mountains of the North Altay Prefecture is located in the northernmost tip of Xinjiang, China, nestled at the southern foot of the Altai Mountains and on the northern edge of the Junggar Basin. The name "Altay" is derived from a Turkic-Mongolic language family word meaning "gold," hinting at the region's rich mineral history where "gold is panned from the river". Geographically, it is a frontier land sharing borders with Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, making it a unique geopolitical and cultural crossroads. Unlike the arid deserts often associated with Xinjiang, Altay is a realm of lush greenery, alpine meadows, and dense taiga forests, often compared to the landscapes of Switzerland or Norway. It is the only region in China where the Siberian taiga ecosystem extends, creating a distinct "European" ecological environment characterized by diverse flora and fauna, including the red deer, brown bear, and the rare cold-water fish of the Irtysh River.

2.Kanas: The Private Garden of God The crown jewel of Altay tourism is the Kanas Nature Reserve. Kanas Lake is a crescent-shaped alpine lake formed by glacial erosion, famous for its changing colors—shifting from crystal blue to emerald green and deep grey depending on the weather and season. It is renowned for the legend of the "Kanas Lake Monster," a massive creature (likely giant Hucho taimen fish) said to dwell in its depths, adding a layer of mystery to the scenic beauty. The Kanas River, flowing out of the lake, creates a spectacular valley. As the river winds through the forest, it forms bays like the "Moon Bay," "Dragon Bay," and "Immortal Bay," where the water turns a milky turquoise due to glacial flour. In autumn (specifically mid-to-late September), Kanas transforms into a riot of colors. The Siberian Larch and Birch trees turn brilliant gold, contrasting with the dark green spruce and the intense blue of the water, creating a "palette of the gods" that attracts photographers from around the world.

3.The Last Pure Land: Hemu and Baihaba Hidden within the Kanas area are the villages of Hemu and Baihaba, inhabited by the Tuva people, a branch of the Mongolian ethnic group with a unique history and language. These villages are famous for their traditional wooden log cabins (Mukeleng), built using pine logs with pointed roofs to shed the heavy winter snow.

• 4.Hemu Village: Often called the "Photography Paradise," Hemu is situated in a valley surrounded by birch forests. The sight of morning mist drifting over the wooden houses while smoke rises from chimneys is one of the most iconic images of Xinjiang. The Tuva people here have preserved their ancient customs, herding cattle and sheep in the lush meadows.
• 5.Baihaba: Located on the border with Kazakhstan, it is known as the "First Village of the Northwest." It offers a quieter, more primitive experience compared to Hemu, with stunning views of the border canyon and the golden birch forests in autumn.

6.Koktokay: A Geological Wonder To the southeast of Altay city lies Koktokay (Keketuohai), a UNESCO Global Geopark. Historically, this was a secret mining site (No. 3 Mine) that contributed rare metals critical to China's aerospace and defense industries. Today, it is famous for the Irtysh Grand Canyon, where the Irtysh River (the only river in China flowing north into the Arctic Ocean) carves through massive granite peaks. The most famous landmark is the Divine Bell Mountain (Amir Sara), a giant bell-shaped granite dome rising vertically from the riverbank. The scenery here is rugged and dramatic, featuring huge rock formations, deep canyons, and pristine birch forests that turn fiery red and gold in autumn.

7.The Snow Capital and Origins of Skiing: Altay is officially recognized as the "Paleolithic Origin of Skiing." Ancient rock paintings discovered in the region depict humans skiing while hunting, dating back over 10,000 years. The region has an incredibly long winter with high-quality "powder snow," making it a paradise for winter sports. Modern resorts like the Jiangjunshan Ski Resort allow skiers to enjoy world-class slopes right on the edge of Altay city, watching the sunset over the city while skiing down the mountain.

8.Nomadic Culture and the Great Migration: Altay is one of the few places where the traditional "Grand Migration" (Zhuan Chang) is still practiced on a massive scale. Every year, millions of livestock (sheep, cattle, camels, and horses) are moved by Kazakh herdsmen between seasonal pastures—from the valley lowlands in winter to the high alpine meadows in summer. Witnessing the dust rising from thousands of animals moving through ancient cattle paths in the mountains is a breathtaking spectacle of human and animal endurance. The Kazakh culture of eagle hunting is also preserved here, where hunters train golden eagles to catch foxes and rabbits in the snow.

Conclusion Altay is a destination of extremes and enchantment. It holds the serenity of Kanas Lake and the ruggedness of the Irtysh Canyon. It is a place where you can sleep in a wooden cabin under the Milky Way, watch golden eagles soar over snow-capped peaks, and trace the history of human survival in the "Golden Mountains." Whether you seek the golden fairytale of autumn or the white adrenaline of winter skiing, Altay offers a travel experience that is raw, wild, and utterly unforgettable.