Altay, where "a thousand kinds of romance of snow" are given to the world

Starting from southern China, head west all the way to Altay. This land, fiercely kissed by snow, is not distant and aloof but offers tangible joy you can touch, delicious food you can savor, and wild fun you can enjoy—here, the snow is a "living snowy scene" that crunches underfoot, can be piled into snowmen, and carries the warmth of everyday life. Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave! Hemu: Snow-covered wooden houses, warmth more comforting than fairy tales The moment you step into Hemu, you realize that "snow country" is not just an adjective but a real everyday experience. Log cabins are scattered about, thick snow blankets the roofs like fluffy quilts, and strings of corn and red chili peppers hanging under the eaves shine bright red against the white snow, creating a vivid, down-to-earth rural snowy scene! On the wooden boardwalk in the early morning, the snow crunches underfoot, smoke curls early from villagers’ chimneys, and the fresh scent of pine firewood mingles with the aroma of freshly baked naan, drifting into your nose with the breeze. Opening the door of a wooden guesthouse, the stove is blazing hot, and the hostess smiles as she serves freshly brewed milk tea with a thick cream layer you can scoop up. Paired with freshly baked rye bread and salty cheese curds, one bite instantly drives away the chill. In the afternoon, you can rent a horse-drawn sleigh. Villagers slowly guide the horses through the snow, with fir trees on both sides adorned with frost. Sunlight filters down, and snowflakes sparkle like tiny diamonds. Or you can build a crooked snowman in the yard and have a snowball fight with visitors from all over the world. Snowflakes sprinkle coolly on your face, and laughter carries far. Note: Hemu is in Burqin County, Altay. It’s recommended to stay overnight in a wooden guesthouse! At night, lie on a warm kang bed and listen to the soft sound of snow hitting the roof; in the morning, open the window to see frost hanging on branches and smoke curling around the wooden houses—every snapshot is a perfect, unedited masterpiece. During peak season, book in advance. Most guesthouse owners can help arrange horse-drawn sleighs and snowmobiles, making snow play super convenient! Mountains: Snow-covered peaks, wilder fun beats just sightseeing Altay’s mountains turn into a "natural playground" as soon as it snows. Whether you want to quietly enjoy the view or wildly play, it’s all possible! General Mountain Ski Resort is right on the city’s edge, with slopes winding from the summit to the base. The snow is soft like cotton. Beginners can learn from an instructor in half an hour and then slowly slide down, the wind whooshing in your ears and snowflakes splashing your face—so exhilarating you want to shout out loud. Experts can challenge advanced slopes with sharp turns and steep descents for a full thrill! If skiing isn’t your thing, head into the Koktokay mountain valley, where the snow is wilder and purer. Pine forests are thickly coated with frost, looking like rows of Christmas trees. Grab a branch as a hiking stick and walk through ankle-deep snow. You might spot squirrels hopping in the snow or wild rabbits darting into the woods. With luck, you’ll see horses grazing in the snow—a truly healing scene. When tired, lie down on the snow, surrounded by a vast white world. The sunlight is so bright it makes you squint, and your mind clears completely. Note: General Mountain Ski Resort offers great value, with affordable tickets and ski equipment rental. Beginners should choose the beginner slopes for safety and experience. Koktokay is perfect for those who love hiking and pristine snowy landscapes. Remember to wear anti-slip snow boots and bring heat packs, as mountain temperatures are lower. Whether skiing or hiking, be sure to apply sunscreen—the snow’s reflection is strong and can cause sunburn! Streets and alleys: Snow blankets the long streets, life here is more real than poetry Altay city’s streets hide the most authentic snowy-day joys. After a stroll, you’ll feel full, warm, and immersed in everyday life. In the old alley by the Kuran River, snow piles on top of street lamps like round little white hats. The ice window decorations of street shops are varied and beautiful. The stove for baked buns sizzles with oil. Freshly baked buns have crispy crusts and juicy fillings; the aroma of lamb mixed with the sweetness of onions warms your heart. At a Kazakh auntie’s stall, there are sugar-coated cheese curds, sweet and sour raisins, and freshly made horse sausage. Cut a piece of horse sausage and eat it with naan—salty and flavorful, the more you chew, the tastier it gets. Spend five yuan on a cup of steaming pu’er tea, holding it as you walk and sip. Snow melts into droplets on the cup’s rim, cooling then warming you—so comforting. The market at the foot of General Mountain is livelier, with candied hawthorn, roasted chestnuts, and hand-pulled rice. When tired, find a small restaurant and order a big plate of chicken. The chicken is tender, the potatoes fluffy, and mixed with hand-pulled noodles, a hot bowl warms you through and through. Note: For city strolls and eats, the old alley by the Kuran River and the market at General Mountain’s foot are recommended. Don’t miss baked buns, horse sausage, big plate chicken, and cheese curds—great value and authentic. The winter market gets busy after 10 a.m., so no need to go too early. Most small restaurants are halal; ask before ordering. Dress warmly when walking around. Although the streets are lively, outdoor temperatures are low, so don’t forget heat packs, thick scarves, and gloves! After traveling all the way from the south to Altay, you’ll find the snow here is never just a distant scenic view—it’s a joyful home where you can stay, eat, and play freely. The snow is pure and clean, the everyday life warm and real, and the fun wild and fulfilling. Whether you want to escape city noise or find a place to play in the snow, Altay can satisfy you. Once here, you’ll realize the most touching snowy scenes are never cold and aloof but filled with laughter in the snow, warm food, and friendly faces. This Altay is worth crossing mountains and seas for—come quickly and let Altay’s snow give you the most genuine and unforgettable winter journey!