Home DestinationsXinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Kanas Lake in Xinjiang | A fairyland left on earth by the gods

Kanas Lake in Xinjiang | A fairyland left on earth by the gods

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Relic Name: Kanas Lake, Burqin County, Altay Region
Relic Type: Landform landscape category, water body landscape subclass, lake subclass
Geographic location of the relic: 160 kilometers north of Burqin County, Altay Region, at longitude E87°01′22″ and latitude N48°42′46″.
“Kanas” is a Mongolian word, meaning “beautiful, rich, mysterious and unpredictable” or “the lake in the canyon.” Another interpretation is that Kanas means “the water of the king.” Genghis Khan once drank this water on his expedition and hence it got its name. It is located in the northern part of Burqin County, Altay Region, Xinjiang. It is 150 kilometers away from the county seat. It is a high-altitude lake nestled in the deep mountains and dense forests of the Altai Mountains. Different from most of China’s rivers and streams belonging to the Pacific Ocean water system, Kanas belongs to the Arctic Ocean water system. The surrounding area of the lake is densely covered with virgin forests, and the sunny slopes are covered with thick grass. The lake water comes from glacial meltwater from mountains such as Kuytun and Friendship Peak and local precipitation, and flows into Kanas Lake from the surface or underground. The lake surface is 1374 meters above sea level, with an area of 44.78 square kilometers. The deepest part of the lake is about 196 meters. It is the only protected distribution area of flora and fauna of the Siberian region in China. Now, a natural landscape protection area centered on Kanas Lake has been established here. The protection area is vertically distributed from top to bottom as glacier permanent snow belt, mountain frozen snow belt, alpine meadow belt, mountain grassland belt, etc. In 2007, the Kanas scenic area was officially approved as a national 5A-level tourist scenic area by the National Tourism Administration.
Kanas Lake is in the shape of a curved pea pod. There are six platforms protruding towards the center of the lake along the shore, making the lake form six orderly bays. Each bay has a magical legend. The bedrock platform of the first bay has a huge sheep’s back stone, just like a lying sheep looking up at the lake; the observation platform of the third bay is the best place to enjoy the sunset on the lake; when the sun rises or night falls, take a boat or stand on the platform of the fourth bay to explore the secrets of the lake center. If you are lucky, you may see the mysterious “lake monster” that appears and disappears from time to time.
Kanas Lake is not only extremely rich in natural resources and biological species, but also has unique tourism environment and cultural resources. Kanas has the majesty of northern landscapes and also has the delicacy of southern landscapes. In addition, there are also magnificent and unique sceneries such as “sea of clouds and Buddha’s light,” “color-changing lake,” “floating log embankment,” and “lake monster.” How can it not be called a beautiful and fairyland-like scenery in the Western Regions!

With the arrival of May, the ice and snow around Kanas Lake begin to melt, and the lake waters shift to shades of light green or deep blue as the surrounding vegetation flourishes.

🌈 Three Natural Wonders:

The Thousand-Meter Driftwood Dam: Strong valley winds push floating wood upstream, gathering it at the upper end of Kanas Lake to form a unique “driftwood dam.”

  1. The Mysterious “Lake Monster”: Known for its mysterious allure, Kanas Lake is said to be home to a creature that sometimes drags horses drinking from the lake into the water. Some believe this “monster” might actually be a giant Siberian taimen, a large fish native to the area.
  2. Kanas Sea of Clouds & Buddha’s Light: After rain, a mystical sight of clouds and sunlight can create a rare optical illusion known as the “Buddha’s Light,” a spectacle adding to the lake’s ethereal charm.

🌈 Three Bays and One Lake:

  1. Fish Viewing Pavilion: From the Fish Viewing Pavilion, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kanas Lake, capturing the stunning blend of lake and mountain scenery—a sight so magnificent it’s beyond words.
  2. Fairy Bay: Located in the Kanas Scenic Area in Altay, Xinjiang, Fairy Bay forms a shallow shoal where sunlight reflects off the lake surface, sparkling like scattered pearls. Often shrouded in mist, the scenery combines mountains, trees, and shimmering lake waters, giving Fairy Bay its otherworldly atmosphere.
  3. Moon Bay: Winding through the valley, Moon Bay features two shoals shaped like footprints, known as “Footprints of the Gods.” Legend has it these were left by Genghis Khan while chasing enemies.
  4. Wolong Bay: Named for its resemblance to a dragon coiled in the water, this picturesque lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and vibrant flowers, resembling a beautiful painting.
Kanas Lake

Kanas Lake

🚙 Travel Tips:

  • Best Time to Visit: Each season offers something unique, but the best time to visit Kanas is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its finest.
  • Transportation: You can fly directly from Urumqi to Kanas Airport, or opt for self-driving or long-distance buses. However, due to its remote location, the transportation options are limited, so planning your journey in advance is essential.
  • Accommodation Options: There are plenty of hotels, inns, and guesthouses around Kanas Lake. For a unique experience, you can stay in a local wooden house to get a taste of the Tuva people’s lifestyle.

⚠️ Travel Reminders:
Kanas Lake is located at a high altitude, with a variable climate, so be sure to bring both warm and sun-protective clothing. Also, please r

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