Some destinations appear not real in pictures and then miraculously even more stunning in reality. One of such places is the Kanas Lake Scenic Area located in the north of Xinjiang.
Mongolia, located far into the Altai Mountains bordering China and Russia, Kazakhstan, is remote, and very quiet, and marvelously untouched. It has glassy turquoise waters, bushy forests, rolling grasslands, and old wooden villages that present a totally different face of China to many people.
Where Is Kanas Lake Scenic Area?
The Kanas Lake Scenic Area is a tourist attraction in the Altay region of Xinjiang -north China, just off Burqin County.
The lake is approximately 1,374 meters high and it has been eroded by the glaciers in the past. Those glaciers melted in thousands of years and made us the valley in which we now have this great deep water lake. The landscape is pretty in drama, and at the same time very quiet, and ranges of mountains, birch woods and broad alpine meads cover it.
Kanas is generally thought to be a lake in the valley. As far as you see the lake meandering on forested hills, you understand what the term means. Its smooth waters are naturally bending around the mountains thereby making it a very peaceful place that is so distant from the hustle and bustle of the urban areas.
The natural beauty of the Kanas Lake Scenic Area has been preserved well due to the fact that the area is located far away, thus the need to conserve a lot of its natural beauty. The air is clean and cool, the water is unbelievably clear and the landscape is endless through mountains and grasslands. It is this feeling of openness, purity, which makes Kanas a great holiday spot of people who want to experience nature and peace.
What Makes Kanas Lake Scenic Area So Special?
The Colors of the Lake Changing.
The Kanas Lake Scenic Area has one of the most important features which visitors can notice the first time they visit it and it is the constantly varying color of the water.
On a sunny bright day the lake is shown in vivid turquoise. As the lighting becomes softer, it slowly turns to the color of emerald or deep blue. Such color changes are due to glacial minerals of water and reflection of trees and mountains around the water body.
The Lake Monster Mystery.
Similar to most profound lakes all over the world, Kanas possesses its legend. The locals have since been recounting the tales of an elusive monster that resides in the water and can easily be compared to the Loch Ness Monster.
Researchers believe giant fish might be the cause of big fish sightings but the myth has remained interesting. True or not, the tales render Kanas Lake Scenic Area more interesting to visit.
Sights You Can't afford to Miss in the Kanas Lake Scenic Area.
The lake is just but a start.
The picturesque side is with several perspectives, and villages, which are worth visiting.
Wolong Bay (Crouching Dragon Bay)
The river bend resembling a dragon lying in the valley gave that name to Wolong Bay. The shape of the dragon can be clearly seen above.
Board walks take visitors through surrounded sceneries that are forested so they can take a break and have a glimpse of the scenery. In the fall, the winding river is enclosed by golden leaves making it one of the most photographed places in the area.
Moon Bay
Moon bay is probably the most famous vantage point of the Kanas Lake Scenic Area. In this case, the river creates a crescent and resembles a shining moon on the forest floor.
The photographers are keen on working on this, especially when there is sunset and sunrise, where the soft light is seen on the difference between the trees and the water.
Fairy Bay
Fairy bay is serene and almost unworldly in the early morning. The reflection of the river is through the spraying of the water surface and the trees around. This is where to go in case you want to have time in the wild, relax and have fun with nature.
Tuva Villages: Hemu, Baihaba & Kanas Village
On top of the landscapes, the cultural experience makes the Kanas Lake Scenic Area even deeper. Tuva people have been residing for generations here. Their houses made of wood, open grasslands and pastoral lifestyle provide visitors with an idea of a more simple lifestyle. The combination of wood-cabin and broad meadow is particularly popular in Hemu Village.
Fish Viewing Platform
To have the best panorama, you should climb to the Fish Viewing Platform. The perspective is a full picture of the lake with the help of the mountains that are surrounding the lake. The ascension might be difficult but the view on the top is rewarding. On bright days, the picture is stretched infinitely.
The Best Time to Visit Kanas
As soon as winter arrives, all things have transformed into a white fairy-tale as snow falls on mountains, forests and villages. The landscape is cold and enchanted, ideal to those who are searching the peaceful atmosphere and lesser tourists.
The majority of people go there at the end of the summer or the beginning of the fall when the weather is better, and the landscape seems even more colder at the time.
Getting Around
The majority of the park prohibits personal vehicles. Tourists arrive in environmentally-friendly shuttles to see the major attractions, and the boardwalks and walking paths allow them to stroll over and enjoy a leisurely time.
visiting Kanas Lake Scenic Area, you should have at least 2 to 3 days to explore the place not in a hurry.
Visit Kanas Lake Scenic Area with CatherineLuTours
The area is remote, and therefore, logistics organization may seem daunting, so traveling with CatherineLuTours makes the process easier and more enjoyable.
Tourists can:
- Commute between picturesque places with ease.
- Have the right timing and place of shooting.
- Study the local history and culture of Tuva.
- Select the season that is the most appropriate to you.
- Have a completely stress free trip.
Your planning of sightseeing enables you to enjoy the beauty of Kanas Lake Scenic Area instead of spending time on transport and planning.
Conclusion
Kanas Lake Scenic Area is not merely a destination, but it is an experience to be remembered. The changing colors of the lake, the silence of the mountains around it, the warmth of life in the village, and the enigma of its legends are all combined to leave memorable impressions.
In case you want to see what is a pretty and richer cultural China, but on a quieter and more untouched side, you can visit Kanas and have a journey that is not only beautiful but significant.
FAQs:
1. How many days would I spend in the Kanas Lake Scenic Area?
The day-time travelers tend to spend 1 to 3 days in the major attractions, towns, and destinations.
2. Will Kanas Lake Scenic Area be a good place to have family vacation?
Totally family‑friendly. It is convenient to navigate, having shuttle buses, and paved walkways with convenient spots.
3. Should I have somebody to give me company to Kanas Lake Scenic Area?
Guiding you is unnecessary, although there might be a convenience in hiring someone familiar with the place to help out by telling you some intercultural trifles and arranging transportation.
