The Sacred Land of the Gods: A Xinjiang Travel Guide to Hemu and Kanas

Hemu and Kanas are located close to each other, with a highway intersection separating them. The natural scenery on both sides is quite similar, but there are distinct differences. Hemu is primarily a snow village, a scenic spot centered around a village, while Kanas features a beautiful lake. The general landscape in both areas consists of a wide river flowing through the center, flanked by layers of mountains. Both destinations boast wooden walkways, observation decks, and wooden suspension bridges.

Main Attractions in Hemu:
Phoenix Observation Deck and Harden Observation Deck: Both offer panoramic views of the entire Hemu village. There’s also a stone inscribed with “Hemu” at one of these spots.
Aid Xinjiang Suspension Bridge: Featured in photos 2, 3, and 4, this bridge offers a great photo opportunity.
Beautiful Peak: This peak requires a horse ride to reach, with a round-trip time of over 2 hours.
Cloud Peak: You can take a cable car to the mountaintop and enjoy a sea of clouds, overlooking the beautiful landscapes of four countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China.
Hongbasi Grassland: Best visited in summer or autumn, as it is covered in snow from winter until May.

The attractions in Hemu are spread out, and walking between them takes at least 30 minutes. The Harden Observation Deck, Sunset Observation Deck, and Aid Xinjiang Suspension Bridge are closer to each other. For other attractions, it’s recommended to use shuttle buses or drive.

Transportation in Hemu/Kanas:
Peak Season (May to October): Private cars are not allowed in the scenic areas. It’s recommended to take the shuttle buses (Hemu: 50 RMB, Kanas: 70 RMB).
Off-Season (Late October to April): You can drive, but there are no shuttle buses during non-holiday periods when the roads are covered in snow. When driving in winter or early spring, take extra precautions against slippery roads to avoid accidents. Be especially cautious in spring, when avalanches and landslides are more common.

Accommodation in Hemu/Kanas: The accommodations are mostly wooden houses with average soundproofing. In winter, there’s underfloor heating, and in summer, the rooms are comfortable and breathable. When checking out, simply leave the key on the door.

Main Attractions in Kanas:
Kanas Lake: A crescent-shaped lake that’s long and narrow. You can take a boat ride or walk along the lakeside boardwalk. The river flows vigorously, with various types of pine trees lining the banks (as seen in the last image).
The Kanas Lake Monster: Most visitors claim to have seen it from the Fish Viewing Platform, which is quite a hike from the lake. You’ll need to drive or take a shuttle bus from the transfer center.
Three Bays: Shenxian Bay, Wolong Bay, and Moon Bay are particularly stunning, especially in autumn when the forests are ablaze with color, resembling a vibrant oil painting. In winter and early spring, the area is covered in snow, with partially melted rivers flowing through.

This area is rich in wildlife, and you might see wild orange foxes walking toward you or playful marmots scurrying about.

Night Sky: Both Hemu and Kanas are great places for stargazing. In Kanas, some homestays have rooftops where you can enjoy the stars. In Hemu, you can stargaze along less crowded roads. However, be mindful of your surroundings, as there are wild dogs, cats, and other small animals in the area. For safety, it’s better to travel in groups and stay alert while enjoying the night sky.