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Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark
喀纳斯景区
based on 173 reviews
2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing AttractionsOpen Opening hours of Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark
Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark Highlights: Must-See Features and Attractions
Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark is located in the dense forests of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, approximately 800 km from the regional capital Urumqi.One of Xinjiang's most renowned scenic areas.
Visitors must first go to the Jiadengyu Kanas Visitor Service Center to check their admission tickets and take the shuttle bus to the Kanas Ticket Station. Then transfer to the Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark shuttle bus to visit the attraction. Visitors can get off at designated stops and transfer to the next shuttle bus.
In winter, there is no shuttle service available, and visitors must drive their own vehicles to enter the park. Vehicle requirements: 4WD off-road vehicles with snow tires.
By this beautiful, fertile, and mysterious lake (the meaning of "Kanasi" in Mongolian), you can see the clear and tranquil waters that often change color with the seasons and weather. Surrounding the lake is a pristine forest blending spruce, fir, and Siberian larch trees, while the sunny slopes are covered in lush grass. The distinct layers of different plant communities create a stunning display, especially in fall when the landscape bursts into vibrant hues of gold, crimson, and deep green.
While exploring the attraction, you can also climb the 600-meter-high Fish Watching Platform (accessible by sightseeing bus at the mountain base for an additional fee). From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake, the misty green mountains in the distance, and the snow-capped peaks. Alternatively, take a 2-hour cruise to experience the scenery from the water.
This place is also home to many ancient legends, the most famous being the "lake monster." Over the past few decades, numerous visitors and scientists have reported sightings of "giant strange fish"—some claim it's a massive taimen (a type of fish), while others believe it to be a prehistoric creature.
Stay
To protect the natural environment here, the attraction has closed many lakeside hotels, but there are still some mountain lodges inside, though at higher prices. Some visitors choose to stay either inside the attraction or near the Jiadengyu admission ticket station outside, continuing their exploration the next day. Additionally, there are local Tuvan homestays and tents available for accommodation within the attraction. Staying inside is a great option if you want to catch the early morning mist at Shenxian Bay.
Food and Beverage
The attraction is located in a remote border area with sparse population and high logistics costs, so food prices within the attraction are very expensive, and the taste of meals is not very satisfying. It's highly recommended to bring your own snacks and drinking water. The cuisine in the attraction is mainly halal, featuring mostly beef and lamb with limited vegetables, which some visitors from inland regions may find unaccustomed to.
Other visitors' reviews of Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark
Show More ReviewsThe scenery is beautiful, but seeing it all requires a lot of effort. First, there's accommodation. You either have to stay in Jiadengyu or within the scenic area itself, but prices are extremely high, especially in late September and early October – prices are practically exorbitant, with most hotels costing around 1000 RMB per night. If your budget is tight, don't come! Then there's the transportation problem. First, you have to take a bus from the visitor center, which takes about an hour to get in. Then you have to transfer to other scenic area buses to reach different attractions, especially the Fish Viewing Platform. After an hour-long bus ride, you have to transfer to a smaller vehicle for another half hour to reach the starting point of the hike, and then climb over 1000 steps. Basically, you'll spend several hours on the road. However, the scenery at the Fish Viewing Platform is irreplaceable; it's incredibly beautiful, with emerald green lake water that ripples gently – every shot is a masterpiece. The downside is the lack of toilets in the scenic area. With so many people, you'll have to queue for the restrooms. Hopefully, this problem can be addressed. Transportation within the scenic area is also a major issue. With various shuttle buses, it's impossible to distinguish between them without prior planning. If you return late, they only take you to the visitor center, not the direct shuttle bus center, requiring you to transfer to another bus, which is quite inconvenient. However, the scenery will heal all wounds.