Golden Autumn in Altay: Kanas & Hemu

A spectacular autumn journey through Koktokay, Ulungur Lake, Hemu, Kanas, and Baihaba, ending with the Ahe Highway

Designed around the autumn colors of Altay, this route heads north from Urumqi, traverses east to west along the Irtysh River, spends two extra nights inside the Kanas scenic area, and exits via the Ahe Highway to Altay. It involves less rushing than a full loop, but the autumn window is short and accommodation is tight. Perfect for photography enthusiasts who can avoid the National Day holiday. The Ili region is not included.

Best from mid-to-late September to early October. After this, mountain roads may be subject to snow controls.

Day by day

Day 1 · North to Kokosuli

Ürümqi → Koktokay（Kekesuli Lake）

Drive from Urumqi via G216 through the Gobi Desert to Fuyun, then head up to Koktokay. Total distance is about 480 km, taking around 6 hours.

Stay: Koktokay Town

Day 2 · Autumn Colors of the Irtysh Grand Canyon

Koktokay（Koktokay、Koktokay No. 3 Pit、Yilemu Lake）

The town is very close to the scenic area entrance. Take the shuttle bus inside the park to explore the canyon. In the afternoon, visit the No. 3 Mine Pit and Lake Iremu.

Stay: Koktokay Town

Day 3 · Ulungur Lake to Wucaitan

Fuhai & Ulungur Lake（Golden Coast (Ulungur Lake)） → Burqin & Wucaitan（Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan)、Burqin Riverside Night Market）

Drive from Koktokay via Fuhai and Beitun to Burqin (about 340 km, taking around 5 hours). Arrive at Wucaitan (Five-Colored Hills) by evening.

Stay: Burqin County Riverbank

Day 4 · Enter the Mountains & Stay in Hemu

Kanas & Hemu（Hemu Village）

Drive from Burqin via S232 to Jiadengyu (about 180 km), then transfer to the shuttle bus to enter Hemu. Total travel time is about 3.5 hours.

Book your all-inclusive tickets and shuttle bus passes in advance on the official platform.

Stay: Hemu Village

Day 5 · Hemu Morning Mist & Kanas Three Bays

Kanas & Hemu（Hemu Viewing Platform、Wolong (Sleeping Dragon) Bay、Moon Bay、Shenxian (Fairy) Bay）

Walk up to the viewing platform in the early morning. Afterward, take the shuttle bus via Jiadengyu to Kanas, stopping to walk along the boardwalks of the Three Bays.

Stay: Kanas Village

Day 6 · Guanyutai Overlooking Kanas Lake

Kanas & Hemu（Kanas Fish-Watching Pavilion、Kanas Lake、Kanas Village & Tuvan Home Visit）

Take the shuttle bus up to Guanyutai in the early morning. Spend the afternoon walking along the lakeshore or taking a boat cruise. Spend the entire day inside the scenic area.

Stay: Kanas Village

Day 7 · Border Village of Baihaba

Kanas & Hemu（Baihaba Village）

Take the shuttle bus from Kanas to Baihaba (about 1 hour one way). Head out of the mountains to Jiadengyu in the evening to spend the night.

A Border Permit is required for Baihaba. Apply online before departure or confirm on-site.

Stay: Jiadengyu

Day 8 · Ahe Highway to Altay

Altay City（Altay–Hemu Highway (G681)、Birch Forest Park (Shalifuhan Park)）

Drive from Jiadengyu around to Hemu, then take the Ahe Highway to Altay. Total distance is about 260 km, taking around 4 hours.

The Ahe Highway may be closed due to snow. Check road conditions on the day and book a late flight.