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Northern Xinjiang Self-Driving Travel Guide

Kanas + Hemu + Baihaba in 5 Days Just finished my self-driving trip in Northern Xinjiang, but my soul is still floating in the morning mist of Kanas! Here's a pure guide with real experiences and tips to avoid pitfalls—save it for your trip! 🚗 My itinerary: Day 1: Urumqi -> Burqin (Approx. 8 hours) Mostly driving! Stock up on snacks as the scenery gradually becomes stunning. At Burqin Riverbank Night Market, try cold-water fish (like pike) and enjoy the atmosphere. Accommodation: Stay in Burqin County; there are plenty of options, just pick a clean place. Day 2: Burqin -> Kanas Scenic Area (Approx. 3 hours) -> Stay inside the scenic area. Be sure to wake up early! The mountain roads have many curves. Highly recommend staying inside the scenic area (Old Village/New Village)! It saves on tickets and makes it super convenient to see the morning mist. Activities: After dropping off your luggage, take the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Wolong Bay). In the afternoon, climb Fish Viewing Platform (1068 steps, worth it for the panoramic view of Kanas Lake!). Tip: Book accommodations inside the scenic area in advance! Don’t trust people soliciting at the entrance. Day 3: Kanas Morning Mist -> Baihaba -> Stay in Hemu. Divine morning mist: Arrive at Fairy Bay’s wooden walkway before 6 AM! The mist rising from the water is like a fairyland—dress warmly! Baihaba: At Kanas Transfer Center, use your ID to get a free border pass. Known as the "First Village in Northwest China," it’s primitive and tranquil. Day 4: Full day in Hemu (relaxing/hiking/stargazing). Hemu Sunrise: Climb the walkway to Harden Platform to see the morning mist and smoke from chimneys. It gets crowded, so go early! Leisure: Stroll through the birch forest, relax by the river, and in the afternoon, watch people feeding eagles by the river (spectacular). Light hiking/horse riding: Walk along small paths by the river or around the village; horse riding is available to Beautiful Peak. Stargazing: Avoid lights at midnight to see the Milky Way—it’s breathtaking! Tip: Prices in Hemu are relatively high. Wooden cabins have poor soundproofing, so bring earplugs. Day 5: Hemu -> Burqin -> Return to Urumqi. Take one last look at Hemu’s morning mist before heading back. On the way, you can choose to visit Ulungur Lake (feels like a desert sea) or Devil’s City (Yadan landform) for photos. - 📌 Car: Preferably an SUV! Some roads are under construction or have potholes. The mountain roads from Burqin to Kanas are steep—new drivers beware. Refueling: Fill up in Burqin! Navigation: Download offline maps! Signal in the mountains can be unstable. Accommodation: Stay inside Kanas and Hemu scenic areas! It’s pricey but worth it for the morning mist and stargazing experience. Food: Limited and expensive options inside the scenic areas. Stock up on fruits, snacks, and self-heating meals in Burqin before heading to the mountains. Specialties: Cold-water fish (try it), lamb skewers, naan. Clothing: Pack for all seasons! The temperature difference between day and night is huge—bring a windbreaker/thin down jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential! Comfortable hiking shoes are a must. - Tickets & Transportation: Tickets and shuttle buses are the main expenses. Cars can only park outside the scenic area. Weather is unpredictable! Scenery after rain might be even more stunning. The beauty of the journey lies in the road itself! Stop safely to admire grasslands, cattle, sheep, and snow-capped mountains. The freedom of self-driving lets you pause at unnamed meadows, gaze at cows and horses, and listen to the wind rustling through birch forests... This is the soul of Northern Xinjiang! - Finally: Protect the environment! Take your trash with you! Respect local customs! Bring enough memory cards and power banks. Wishing you good weather and a memory card full of stunning photos!✨
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Posted: Jul 2, 2025
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