Craving a winter journey that breaks the mold? Embark on the ultimate Altay self‑driving loop. It leads you across multiple frontiers, through snowy fairytales, and places you at the center of your own winter wilderness story.

Route overview

Altay City → Ahe Highway (G681) → Hemu Scenic Area → Kanas Scenic Area → Baihaba Scenic Area → Burqin County → Return Journey

Your journey begins in Altay, a modern frontier city and the recognized birthplace of human skiing, where ancient fur-ski traditions meet modern winter sports.

The Dundebulake Rock Art, dated to roughly 12,000 years ago, contains some of the world's earliest known depictions of skiing. This discovery contributed to Altay's designation as the "Origin of Human Skiing," a title now widely acknowledged internationally.

Stroll along the 500-Mile Folk Culture Block, noted for its vibrant colors, and admire architecture rich in ethnic character.

Next, head onto the Ahe Highway (G681). Celebrated as the "Most Beautiful Secret Path," this scenic road transforms in winter into a veritable boundary between reality and a frozen fairyland.

En route, you'll pass Little East Valley and the Wuqxilike National Wetland Park, where picturesque vistas will captivate you, before finally arriving at the Hemu Scenic Area.

Catching the sunrise from the Haden Viewing Platform is a quintessential Hemu Village experience. Reach the summit by trekking through snow or by horse‑drawn sled. The true highlight comes as the first rays of sunlight bathe the wooden-cabin rooftops and mist swirls poetically through the air.

At Shenxian Bay (Fairy Bay), morning mist drapes the forest like a delicate veil. The S-shaped curve of Yueliang Bay (Moon Bay) freezes into a perfect, graceful arc in winter. At Wolong Bay (Crouching Dragon Bay), you might almost hear the whisper of flowing water beneath the solidly frozen surface.

Kanas Lake in winter becomes a vast white mirror. Frost-covered trees along its shores glisten exquisitely. Walking by the lake, you can clearly see the boundary between liquid and solid water.

The Kanas Nature Museum's collection of plant and animal specimens helps decode the ecology of this remarkable landscape.

On a quiet afternoon in Kanas, a little fox may peek from the woods. Such encounters remind us that this place is not only a scenic frontier but also a meeting point between the wild world and our own.

Baihaba offers a pastoral, idyllic tranquility. Spend an afternoon at a local lodge—read or simply gaze at the snow‑capped mountains—and savor the luxury of being "isolated from the vulgar world."

The Burqin Sino‑USSR Shipping Memorial Hall stands as a boundary in time; its red‑brick walls still bear marks from more than half a century ago.

The China-Russia Old Pier Folk Street is particularly enchanting on winter nights, where neon lights blur through ice crystals to create a dreamy halo.

A warm, hearty meal at Burqin's Night Market becomes a ritual marking your return to reality—the warmest boundary between the hidden winter realm and everyday life.

Winter travel tips

Weather: Closely monitor conditions. Prioritize protection against the cold, guard against frostbite, and take precautions on slippery surfaces.

Clothing: Outermost layers should be windproof. Wear a hat, a scarf, and non-slip boots. Carry frostbite ointment, any necessary medications, and a thermos.

Vehicle requirements: Use a 4WD vehicle equipped with snow tires for scenic-area access. Entry into Hemu village by private car requires prior reservation due to limited parking.

Driving & travel: Wear sunglasses to reduce snow glare. Reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and stay alert to changing mountainous conditions.

Location of fuel stations:

One station on the route from Burqin county to Kanas Scenic Area (at the 72km Ticket Office Station).

One station in Jiadengyu.

One station on the route from Habahe county to Baihaba village (in Tiereketi village, Tiereketi township, Habahe county).

Plan ahead for fuel, as stations are limited. Ensure sufficient fuel to avoid disruptions.