Xinjiang: Kanas, Sep 2025

After a few transfers on different shuttle buses, we made our way from Baihaba Village to Kanas scenic area.  Apparently it is much faster to cross within the scenic areas using the shuttle buses than making a big detour on the roads outside.  Kanas 喀纳斯, with its golden birch forest and emerald green lake, was rated as the most beautiful autumn by National Geographic.  Nestled in the deep forests of the Altay Mountains, Kanas Lake means “beautiful, rich, and mysterious” in Mongolian.  The long bean-shaped lake takes on different hues and reflects the surrounding snowcapped mountains and marvelous foliage.  It is the deepest freshwater lake in China.  Kanas is known as “Switzerland of the East” and is a favorite of photographers especially in the fall.  The variety of trees here from birch to red pines to spruces and firs ensures a wide range of colors during the autumn months.

Kanas 喀纳斯

Butterfly Lodge in Kanas 蝴蝶山庄

Early in the morning, we went up the hill opposite of Shenxian Bay 神仙湾, known for its morning mists.  One should arrive around 8am to capture the fantastical scenery here.

Shenxian Bay 神仙湾

From Shenxian Bay, we moved on to Moon Bay 月亮湾, so named because of its crescent moon shape.  The S-shaped river is most picturesque in the fall when the forests on both shores turn into vibrant colors.

Moon Bay 月亮湾

Moon Bay 月亮湾

After a short stop at Moon Bay which is usually super crowded, we decided to go directly to Wolong Bay 卧龙湾 instead of walking there along the banks of the river which would take at least a couple of hours.  With the light already becoming a bit strong, we took the shuttle bus directly to Wolong Bay 卧龙湾, so named because it looks like a long dragon lying in the water.  It is another favorite spot for photographers for the ever-changing light and shadow here surrounded by the dreamy autumn colors.  The water here is only still in the morning so do try to come early.

 

Wolong Bay 卧龙湾

 

 

Wolong Bay 卧龙湾

 

Wolong Bay 卧龙湾

Wolong Bay 卧龙湾

Located atop the Camel Peak is the Kanas Lake Fish-Watching Pavilion 观鱼台 offering panoramic views of Kanas Lake.  So named because legend has it that there is a water monster living in the Kanas Lake that will catch the horses and animals drinking by the lake.  Some believe that the so-called water monster is actually the shadow of a kind of giant fish.  I decided not to go up to the pavilion as it is a good 1,000 steps up and I wanted to conserve energy for the rest of my trip.

Kanas Lake

 

Kanas Lake