
阿勒泰
Altay
Altay is a vast northern region of Xinjiang, including the Altai Mountains, the Irtysh River system, the Taiga Forest, grasslands, villages and ice and snow culture. Kanas, Hemu and Keketuohai are long-distance destinations separated from each other and are not suburbs of Altay. Corridor planning should be used, official connections should be used, and pastoral and forest communities should be respected.
At a glance
- Stay
- 5–8 days
- Best seasons
- Summer, Autumn
- Airports
- AAT
- Region
- Northwest China
Last updated: 9/29/2026
First visit
Arrive and settle in Altay
Start with arrival and where to stay, then choose your sights. Recheck transport and accommodation details before booking.
Arriving+
Flights use AAT. Confirm the arrival airport before planning your transfer.
Where to stay+
Choose a central neighbourhood near a metro interchange for a first visit, then trade convenience for character on a return trip.
Why go+
Northern Xinjiang's forests, rivers, lakes and long distances call for a multi-day plan.
Where next?
Save places you like, then use your saved list to build a trip.
Practical travel guides
Places to explore in Altay

Baisha Lake (185th Regiment)
白沙湖(185团)
Baisha Lake of the 185th Regiment lies within Habahe County, surrounded by dunes, woodland belts and reeds. It is not the Baisha Lake along the highway in southern Xinjiang. These reference photographs show the shores and autumn woodland of the northern Xinjiang lake, not every Corps-related cultural site in the scenic area. Observe the lake and dunes from open paths; do not enter border areas without authorization.

Hemu Village
禾木村
Hemu is a still living mountain village in the Kanas region. Its wooden houses, pastures and forest routes are affected by seasonal tourism. The viewing point does not mean that the residence is open to the public, and you need to use official transportation instead of temporary self-driving to enter during the snow season.

Kanas Lake
喀纳斯湖景区
Kanas preserves Altai lakes, taigas, river bays and wildlife habitats in strictly managed protected areas. Official connections and closures protect both visitors and ecology; lake color, fog, and snow cover continue to change.

Keketuohai Geopark
可可托海地质景区
The Cocoto Sea connects the Irtysh Canyon, granite landforms, mining history and cold forests. The geological and industrial stories are distinct but related, and the long interior corridors require far more time than a single photo spot.

Wucaitan and the Irtysh River
五彩滩
The wind-eroded colorful rock hills form a sharp geological contrast with the poplar forests on the other side of the Irtysh River. The landscape is fragile and the sunset is densely populated, so the suitable viewing space is within the boardwalk and fence.

Altay Regional Museum
阿勒泰地区博物馆
The regional museum connects the archeology, pastoral life, rock paintings, ecology and modern history of the vast area, providing people and chronological background before entering the famous natural landscape.
Local snacks
What to eat in Altay
These cards describe dishes, not restaurants.

Representative local flavor, the recipe varies from store to store
Altay Smoked Horse Sausage
阿勒泰熏马肠
Altay Smoked Horse Sausage is a representative local food of Altay. The specific raw materials, seasonings and preparation methods vary among communities, families and stores.
Ask about specific ingredients, allergens, alcohol and shared equipment, and choose freshly made or traceable products.

Representative local flavor, the recipe varies from store to store
Altay Baursak
阿勒泰包尔萨克
Altay Bolsak is a representative local food in Altay. The specific ingredients, seasonings and preparation methods vary among communities, families and stores.
Ask about specific ingredients, allergens, alcohol and shared equipment, and choose freshly made or traceable products.

Representative local flavor, the recipe varies from store to store
Kazakh Salted Milk Tea
哈萨克咸奶茶
Kazakh salty milk tea is a representative local food of Altay. The specific raw materials, seasonings and preparation methods vary among communities, families and stores.
Ask about specific ingredients, allergens, alcohol and shared equipment, and choose freshly made or traceable products.

Representative local flavor, the recipe varies from store to store
Altay Dried Cheese Curd
奶疙瘩
Milk dumplings are a representative local food in Altay. The specific ingredients, seasonings and preparation methods vary among communities, families and stores.
Ask about specific ingredients, allergens, alcohol and shared equipment, and choose freshly made or traceable products.
