Burqin-Baihaba Village

Baihaba Village, known as the “Number One Village of Northwest China”, is located alongside Haba River - the natural border between China and Kazakhstan. It is one of the most touristy towns in Northern Xinjiang. It maintains ancient traditions, modest customs, a primitive natural environment and original features, much the same as in centuries past. Water melted from the ice-capped mountains flows through the village, dividing the greater community into two sides. However, the highlight of the place is the village itself. In autumn, the village is literally covered in yellow and gold, and the setting is so tranquil, just having a picnic in the village surrounds is an enjoyment worth the trip to Xinjiang alone!

 

If Kanas is primitive and simple xanadu, Baihaba is the world of fairy tales in the original natural environment, the natural landscape in Baihaba can match with Kanas, especially in autumn, here become a colorful world, the poplar leaves in the valley is golden, birch leaves in the foot of the mountain are red, the edge of the larch needles is yellow, the hills on the meadow is brown red, snowy peak, white clouds blue sky, the scenery is like a place in a paintings, a picture of breathtaking masterpiece drawing by master of impressionist.
 

🌄 Where Baihaba Fits In

• Location: Inside the Kanas Scenic Area, near the China–Kazakhstan border

• Vibe: Remote, peaceful, authentic

• Often paired with: Kanas Lake + Hemu Village

 

Residents

Baihaba village is a typical figure of the original village, inhabited by the Mongolian residents- tuwa people. The Kazahkstan residents are on one side, and the Tuwa people are on the other. Despite of being separated by the river, the two groups get along well, sharing this fertile and bucolic land and enjoying their peaceful life. Baihaba composed of kazak and Mongolian people which is a primitive natural ecological and ancient traditional culture communion village, everything there is also preserve the original style and features of inherent for hundreds of years. The Tuwa maintain a close cultural connection with, and are influenced by, the Mongolian ethnic group, including with respect to their religious belief and daily way of life. They carry on their own language, Turkic, although they mainly communicate in Mongolian.The village of all buildings is built by the logs, typical of European-style village. Formed between the ceiling and roof ventilation both ends of the spire, here is a good place to storage of feed and dried meat.

 

Things to Do at Baihaba Village

Stop at the China-Kazakhstan Grand Canyon

To get to the Baihaba Village, you will pass the China-Kazakhstan Grand Canyon, which is the border of China and Kazakhstan. The river in the bottom of canyon is the natural boundary of China and Kazakhstan. Standing on the viewing platform, you can have a panoramic view of the river, the forests and the mountain in the distance. You are standing in Xinjiang of China, and Kazakhstan is just on the opposite. The scenery of the China-Kazakhstan Grand Canyon in autumn is really impressive. During this time, the trees on the both sides of the river are green and golden, which can be said one of the most beautiful autumn destinations in Xinjiang and China.
 

Have a Panoramic View of the Village

There is a huge stone tablet standing in the northwest of the Baihaba Village. And the Chinese name of Baihaba and the No. 1 Village in the Northwestern China are written on the stone tablet. This stone tablet is also the best place to have a panoramic view of the Baihaba Village. Here you can enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset of the village.

Standing at the viewing platform near the stone tablet, you can see the wooden houses of Baihaba, forests near the village, mountains and the snow mountain in the distance.

 

Stay Overnight at Baihaba Village

To experience the tranquil atmosphere of Baihaba Village, it is recommended that you stay overnight at the village. Most of the houses at Baihaba Village are made of woods, which are original and unique. Staying overnight at Baihaba will provide you special experience at Baihaba. After staying a night at the Baibaha Village, you can enjoy the sunrise of the village in the morning.
 

Visit the Grassland in the Air

The Grassland in the Air is the largest grassland in Baihaba Village. The Grassland in the Air is surrounded by forests and mountains. At the Grassland in the Air, you can see the cattle and sheep on the grasslands, the forests and the snow mountain in the distance. And the Grassland in the Air provides horse rising experience, you can choose to ride a horse at the Grasslands in the air if you are interested.
 

How to Explore the Baihaba Village

1. Walk Through the Village

The best way to explore Baihaba is simply to walk. The village is small, with wooden houses, dirt paths, grazing livestock, and wide open views in every direction. Walking through the village allows visitors to observe local life, architecture, and natural surroundings at a relaxed pace.

 

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2. Sunrise and Sunset Viewpoints

Baihaba is especially known for its beautiful light in the early morning and late afternoon. Walking uphill behind the village provides excellent panoramic viewpoints. Sunrise often brings mist and soft golden light, while sunset highlights the wooden houses and surrounding hills.

 

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3. Stay Overnight in a Local Guesthouse

Staying overnight in a local guesthouse is essential for a complete Baihaba experience. Most accommodations are family-run homestays offering simple rooms and home-cooked meals. Evenings are extremely quiet, making it possible to enjoy stars and night scenery.

 

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4. Explore the Surrounding Grasslands and Hills

Short walks and light hikes around the village lead to grasslands, hills, and open landscapes. There are no formal trails, but paths used by local residents and animals are easy to follow. These areas offer wide views and a strong sense of isolation.

 

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5. Photography and Artistic Exploration

Baihaba is highly popular among photographers and artists due to its natural light, simple composition, and lack of crowds. Early mornings, late afternoons, and cloudy or post-rain conditions are particularly suitable for photography.

 

Best Time to Visit Baiihaba Village

Baihaba Village is always beautiful in different seasons. And the best time to visit Baihaba Village will depend on the scenery you prefer. In spring, the snow starts to melts at Baihaba and the plants turn green near the village. In summer, you can see the flocks and herds, lush grasslands, blue sky and white clouds at the peaceful Baihaba Village. In autumn, the trees and the mountains turn yellow and golden, making the Baihaba Village a golden world, which is as beautiful as an oil painting. In winter, Baihaba Village and its surrounding landscapes are covered by snow, which makes the village a pure world and more tranquil.
 

Itinerary and Time Planning for Baihaba Village

Baihaba Village is not suitable for a quick visit or a same-day return trip. Due to its remote location deep inside the Kanas Scenic Area and its reliance on official shuttle transportation, travel time to and from the village is relatively long. A short stop allows very limited time to experience the village itself.
 

A stay of one night and two days is considered the minimum reasonable itinerary. On the first day, travelers typically arrive in the afternoon, walk through the village, and enjoy the evening scenery. On the second day, an early start allows visitors to experience sunrise and morning light before continuing with a relaxed village walk and departure around midday or early afternoon.
 

For travelers who prefer a slower pace or wish to experience different lighting and weather conditions, a two-night, three-day stay offers a more complete experience. This schedule allows a full day in the village without time pressure and is particularly suitable for photographers and travelers interested in quiet, immersive experiences.
 

Arrival time is an important factor. Reaching Baihaba earlier in the afternoon allows more time to explore the village, settle into accommodation, and enjoy the surroundings. Arriving too late in the day often limits activities to dinner and rest, reducing the overall experience.
 

On departure day, sufficient buffer time should be reserved. Return transportation depends on scheduled shuttle buses, and delays may occur due to weather, passenger volume, or operational adjustments. It is advisable not to schedule flights or long-distance trains on the same day as departure from Baihaba.

 

Travel Tips

Traffic tips: There is no bus to this village, so transport arrangements have to be made from Kanas Going to Baihaba village need to transit from Urumqi, and then taking bus to Burqin. In major cities across the country there are flights to Urumqi.

Accommodation tip: there is not hotel around Baihaba village; visitors can choose to live in the herdsmen home, or camping. Also can choose to stay at hotels 30 kilometers from the Kanas, there are more hotels in Kanas scenic spot.