$2000 for 4 Days & 3 Nights in Altay! A Must-See for Budget Travelers

In-Depth 4D3N Altay Travel Guide: Discover the Stunning Beauty of Northern Xinjiang Altay, this vast region in northern Xinjiang, boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and unique cultural charm. Whether it's the picturesque Kanas Lake or the pristine tranquility of Hemu Village, every corner is captivating. If you're short on time but want to deeply experience Altay's allure, this guide provides detailed insights. 1. Regional Overview & Itinerary Framework Altay isn't a single city but encompasses a large area in northern Xinjiang. Key attractions are concentrated in Kanas Scenic Area and Hemu Village, with Kanas also including Baihaba Village. The general route is: Departure → Altay Airport/Kanas Airport → Burqin County → Jiadengyu Visitor Center → Kanas Scenic Area Service Center → Kanas Village/Baihaba Village. 2. Transportation Details Airport Options 1. Altay Xuedu Airport: Located in Altay City, farther from the scenic area. The 230km journey to Jiadengyu takes about 4 hours. Private car costs over ¥800, shared rides around ¥150. Most shared rides transfer in Burqin County before heading to Jiadengyu. 2. Kanas Airport: Situated in Burqin, closer to the scenic area. Shared rides to Jiadengyu take ~1.5 hours for ~¥80, offering greater convenience. 3. Accommodation Recommendations Outside Scenic Area Jiadengyu offers budget-friendly stays. Take the 1-hour shuttle to Kanas Service Center each morning, returning before the 8pm last bus. Missing it requires expensive local transport. Inside Scenic Area 1. Kanas Old Village: Lively but pricier. Near the service center with easy access to attractions. 2. Kanas New Village: ~1km from the center with free shuttle buses. Fewer dining options but more affordable than the Old Village. 4. Must-Visit Attractions Kanas Scenic Area is vast, with all shuttles departing from the service center. Key routes include: 1. Kanas Three Bays: Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay. Ideal for sunny-day hikes between Fairy and Moon Bays, featuring stunning forests, lakes, and streams. 2. Kanas Lake: Lakeside boardwalks offer encounters with forests, the lake, and squirrels, with a walk back to Old Village. 3. Fish Watching Platform: 30-minute shuttle + 1000+ steps. Best visited in the morning for panoramic lake and mountain views. 4. Baihaba Village: Requires prior border permit. Don't miss the "Sky Grassland," with a walk back to the village viewpoint. 5. New Attractions 1. Hemu Village: "God's Private Land" with rustic log cabins. Morning mist and evening golden meadows are photogenic. 2. Colorful Beach: 24km NW of Burqin, featuring contrasting cliffs (north) and poplar forests (south). 6. Local Cuisine 1. Hand-Grabbed Lamb: Tender, boiled mutton with salt/chili dips. 2. Baked Buns: Crispy pastry with lamb/onion filling, baked in a tandoor. 3. Kazakh Steamed Noodles: Chewy noodles with lamb/carrots in rich broth. 4. Koumiss: Fermented mare's milk, slightly alcoholic and digestive. 7. Travel Tips 1. Obtain border permits for Baihaba at Kanas Service Center or Burqin. 2. Pack warm layers for significant day-night temperature swings, even in summer. 3. Bring sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat) for strong UV rays. 4. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and carry water/snacks for walks. Follow this guide for an unforgettable 4D3N journey through Altay's majestic landscapes and serenity.