A Journey Through the Fairyland of Northern Xinjiang~The Breathtaking Wolong Lake in Kanas & the Impression of the Eastern Return in Bayinbuluke

By / Provided by HowToTrip Photos / shutterstock.com, provided by Xihong Holidays

If there is a fairyland on earth, then you must search for it in northern Xinjiang~

In northern Xinjiang, emerald cypresses and pines fill the landscape with golden hues, while crystal-clear waters and vast grasslands dotted with cattle and sheep make it a place you won’t want to leave. Scenic spots such as Heaven Lake on Mount Tianshan, Kanas Lake, Devil’s City in Urho, and Bayinbuluke Grassland... are indescribably beautiful and unforgettable. Missing out on northern Xinjiang would be a regret.

The UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Heaven Lake National Geopark on Mount Tianshan in northern Xinjiang, is also a world-famous alpine lake. Visitors can see modern glaciers, U-shaped valleys, ancient glacial terraces, stone forest landscapes, and geological strata profiles. Especially the anciently named “Jade Pool,” Heaven Lake has crystal-clear blue waters surrounded by dense spruce forests, with the snow-capped Bogda Peak behind it. The lake and mountain scenery form a captivating fairyland, which is said to be the dwelling place of the Queen Mother of the West.

The ultra-popular blue river bend of Keketuohai is a forest canyon dominated by fir, pine, birch, and poplar trees. It is also China’s first national geopark featuring typical ore deposits and mining site landscapes as its main attractions. The unique granite landforms of the Altai Mountains and the remnants of the Fuyun earthquake are what make Keketuohai truly distinctive.

Explore Kekesuili Marsh Wetland, Yilimu Lake, the Erqis River Grand Canyon, and Divine Bell Mountain. Beautiful scenery abounds, and within the national geopark, landmarks such as Dashimen, Xiaoshimen, hot springs, divine springs, immortal caves, and peculiar mountains and rocks are treasures for those seeking hidden wonders.

“Kanas,” which means “beautiful and mysterious” in Mongolian, is the most beautiful alpine lake on the Altai Mountains. Kanas Lake boasts attractions such as Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Fairy Bay, and Duck Lake, with its composite glacial meltwater landscapes being truly breathtaking.

Among them, Wolong Bay, formed by the long-term erosion of the riverbanks by water flow, resembles a winged dragon lying quietly in the water when viewed from above. The island is lush with trees and dense grass, teeming with birds. Looking westward, you’ll see the proudly standing Bolabadai Mountain, its summit covered with perennial snow, creating a spectacular scene.

Near Kanas lies Hemu Village, known as the “Number One Village in China.” Log cabins built from raw timber are scattered throughout the village, set on open land embraced by mountains, resembling an ideal utopia isolated from the rest of the world. The local Tuwa people, an ancient ethnic group living in the village, make a living through nomadic herding and hunting. They are brave and strong, skilled in horseback riding and skiing, and are adept at singing and dancing, living a traditional tribal life. If you have the chance to visit Kanas, be sure to befriend the Tuwa people and experience their most genuine and simple way of life.

Also known as Urho Wind City, “Devil’s City” features a unique landscape that was ranked first among China’s three most beautiful Yardang landforms by Chinese National Geography. The bizarrely shaped rocks and reddish hues create a mysterious atmosphere. Due to its special terrain, many movies have used Devil’s City as a filming location. Those who have seen the Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon will surely recognize it.

Do you love vast grasslands? The Bayinbuluke Grassland, covering an area of over 20,000 square kilometers, will leave an unforgettable impression. “Bayinbuluke” means “rich spring” in Mongolian. This expansive land boasts lush water and grass, with endless green meadows that serve as the most fertile summer pastures at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains.

The incredible “Donggui Impression Show” turns the entire Bayinbuluke Grassland into a moving stage, blending natural scenery with unpolished singing and traditional dance to recreate the arduous journey of the Mongolian Torghut leader Ubashi leading his people back to the motherland in 1771. You definitely shouldn’t miss it.

More related information
Recommended itinerary: Perfect Northern Xinjiang 0* Tianshan Heaven Lake, Keketuohai, Hemu Village, Nalati, Bayinbuluke. In-depth 11-day tour, first to feature VIP third-row vehicles, includes two shows

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