Baihaba Village
白哈巴村
A Tuvan log-cabin village right beside the China–Kazakhstan border, called the 'First Village of Northwest China'. In autumn the birch trees turn gold and it is relatively quiet.
Baihaba Village lies in Tiereketi Township of Habahe County, only about 1.5 kilometres from the China–Kazakhstan border. It is known as the 'First Village of Northwest China' and the 'First Border Post of Northwest China'. The village is smaller than Hemu. Tuvan and Kazakh log houses with pointed roofs are scattered among birch and pine forests. In autumn, the golden birch woods and distant snowy peaks make a classic scene. A viewing platform on the east side of the village offers panoramic photos, and the border marker 'No. 5' and the border guard post by the village entrance are popular photo spots. To get there, take a shuttle from the Kanas transfer centre (about 1 hour, around 120 yuan round trip). The shuttle stops along the China–Kazakhstan border road for photos. Because this is a border control area, you must obtain a border travel permit in advance from Burqin, Habahe or Kanas, using your ID card. The permit is free or costs a few yuan. The entrance ticket is about 50 yuan. It is recommended to stay one night to see the morning and evening light. Guesthouses in the village are mostly log cabins with simpler facilities than in Hemu. Far fewer tourists visit than Hemu, making it ideal for travellers who want to avoid the crowds. The road is closed and the village is not open in winter.
Opening hours
Open all day (shuttle bus 09:00–18:00)
Nearby sights
- Kanas Fish-Watching Pavilion
- Yaze Lake
- Kanas Village & Tuvan Home Visit
- Shenxian (Fairy) Bay
- Kanas Lake
- Moon Bay
- Wolong (Sleeping Dragon) Bay
- Tuojing (Camel Neck) Bay