Altay has returned—December is not recommended because it’s too beautiful

Altay winter is back! A zero-complaint guide full of valuable tips✨ Finally fulfilled the dream of Altay in winter❄️ The snow quality is so amazing it brings tears, and the experience is top-notch! Here’s a super detailed guide, perfect for beginners to follow without any mistakes👇 💰 Budget reference (5 days 4 nights per person) • Transportation: Urumqi → Altay flight 600-1200 RMB (cheaper if booked 1 month in advance) + local taxi/carpool 300 RMB (starting fare 10 RMB in the city, carpool to scenic spots about 50 RMB per person per trip) • Accommodation: City homestays 200-400 RMB/night (very warm, with private bathrooms), wooden cabins near scenic spots 350-600 RMB/night (window views of snowy ridges, perfect for photos) • Tickets: Around 500 RMB for all major scenic spots (Hemu ticket + shuttle 102 RMB, Kanas 160 RMB, General Mountain ski ticket 200+ RMB/day including gear) • Food & Drink: 80-120 RMB per day (meat at every meal, very cost-effective) • Total budget: 3000-4500 RMB per person (flexible, enough without buying luxury goods)✅ 📍 Must-visit recommended spots (no regrets list) 1. Kanas Scenic Area — A fairy tale snow world❄️ • Highlights: Morning mist at Fairy Bay (go before 9 AM! Mist surrounds like a fairyland, and sunlight reveals a Buddha’s light✨), Moon Bay’s curved snowy scenery (great for photos, walking on the wooden boardwalk close-up is stunning), Wolong Bay’s frozen lake surface (walk on snow, knee-deep snow is very healing) • Tips: Take the shuttle bus inside the park, distances between spots are far, wear anti-slip snow boots! Big temperature difference between morning and night, keep hat, scarf, and gloves on🧤 2. Hemu Village — China’s most beautiful snow village🏡 • Highlights: Sunset at Hemu Bridge (around 4 PM, the sun shines golden on snowy rooftops, full of atmosphere), Harden Viewing Platform overlooking the whole village (10-minute climb on the boardwalk, panoramic snowy Hemu looks like a cartoon), night starry sky (low light pollution, Milky Way very clear, phone can capture stunning star photos🌌) • Tips: Stay one night to fully enjoy! At night, go to the village’s small bar to warm by the fire and chat, super cozy~ 3. General Mountain Ski Resort — A paradise for ski lovers🎿 • Highlights: Beginner slopes very friendly (don’t worry if new, coaches available for 150 RMB/hour until you learn), intermediate slopes with amazing views (skiing with a panoramic view of Altay city), night skiing is super romantic (all lights on, fewer people, no queues, double the fun) • Tips: Ski gear can be rented at the resort, no need to bring your own! Remember to wear waterproof ski clothes or you’ll get wet and cold if you fall in the snow~ 4. Baisha Lake — A hidden gem💎 • Highlights: Half snow, half lake (lake freezes in winter, snow piles on the shore like small hills, few people, peaceful, no need to fight for photo spots), reed marsh snow scenery (yellow reeds with white snow, very classy, every shot looks like a masterpiece) • Tips: Quite off the beaten path, recommend carpooling there, the scenery on the way is also beautiful, can stop anytime for photos📸 🗺️ Classic 5 days 4 nights itinerary (no backtracking) Day 1: Urumqi → Altay city • Morning: Fly to Altay, taxi to homestay to drop luggage and rest • Afternoon: Explore Altay city, visit Wubaitan Park for snow scenery (free! Lakeside snow is very healing, good for walking and photos) • Evening: Eat local specialty hand-pulled meat, drink milk tea to warm up, rest early to recharge🌙 Day 2: Altay city → Kanas Scenic Area • Morning: Carpool to Kanas (3.5-hour drive, passing snowy roads with beautiful scenery, sit by the window) • Afternoon: Visit Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay, shoot sunset snow scenes • Evening: Stay in wooden cabins near Kanas, eat iron pot stewed goose, warm by the fire🔥 Day 3: Kanas → Hemu Village • Morning: Early to see Kanas morning mist, visit remaining spots, then carpool to Hemu (1.5-hour drive) • Afternoon: Climb Harden Viewing Platform to overlook Hemu, visit Hemu Bridge, shoot sunset • Evening: Watch Hemu starry sky, eat grilled lamb skewers, experience slow village life✨ Day 4: Deep tour of Hemu Village → Altay city • Morning: Leisurely stroll in Hemu, shoot wooden cabin snow scenes, ride snowmobiles (150 RMB/hour per person, very exciting) • Afternoon: Carpool back to Altay city, buy local specialties on the way (milk skin, beef jerky are delicious) • Evening: Visit city night market, eat grilled buns, fried rice noodles, feel the local vibe🍢 Day 5: General Mountain Ski Resort → Return • Morning: Ski at General Mountain, beginners practice on beginner slopes, pros hit intermediate slopes, have fun🎿 • Afternoon: Return to homestay to pack, buy souvenirs, taxi to airport for departure 🍜 Food recommendations (locals’ secret list) 1. Must-try staples • Hand-pulled meat: Tender and juicy, tastes great with a bit of salt, eat with pita bread to cut the grease, about 50 RMB per person to eat until full🐑 • Grilled buns: Crispy outside, lamb filling inside, juicy bite, 3 for 10 RMB, very cost-effective • Jiupianzi (hand-pulled noodles): Lamb soup with hand-pulled noodles, fresh and tasty broth, a bowl warms you up in winter, about 25 RMB per person 2. Specialty snacks • Grilled lamb skewers: Freshly grilled, mix of fat and lean, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, finger-licking good, 5 RMB per skewer • Milk skin milk tea: Salty milk tea topped with thick milk skin, rich and fragrant, if you don’t like salty, ask for sweet version🥛 • Horse sausage: Smoked horse sausage, sliced for chewy bites, perfect with naan bread, vacuum-packed to take home as souvenirs 3. Hidden gem restaurants • Local favorite halal restaurants, authentic taste with no risk, affordable prices, no need to hunt for trendy spots, old roadside shops are delicious • Tips: Xinjiang dishes are large portions, 2-3 people can share 2 dishes, don’t order too much to avoid waste~ 💡 Avoid pitfalls tips 1. Clothing: Down jacket, fleece sweatshirt, thermal underwear, snow boots, full set of hat, scarf, gloves, add a heat pack inside clothes if you’re cold❄️ 2. Transportation: Local carpooling is convenient, tell your homestay host in advance, they’ll help contact reliable drivers, cheaper than taxis 3. Photos: Wear bright colors (red, yellow) for snow photos that pop, put a heat pack on your phone in advance or it may freeze and shut down📱 4. Food: Xinjiang food is salty and oily, bring stomach medicine if you have a sensitive stomach, drink plenty of water Altay’s winter is truly breathtaking, the experience is perfect💯 Once you go, you’ll never forget it. Highly recommend everyone to feel this fairy tale snow world!