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Burqin, Altay, Xinjiang, China
One of the most famous and beautiful villages in Kanas
Location: Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang
Inside: Kanas Scenic Area
Nearest transport hubs: Burqin (布尔津), Altay City (阿勒泰市)
Located in the the north of Altay, Hemu Village is one of the most beautiful villages in China. Located in the Kanas Scenic Area, Hemu Village is the settlement of Tuwa people(Mongol nationality), and there are Tuwa tribes with the most complete preservation and the oldest history in China. With its wooden houses, picturesque landscapes and culture of the ethic groups, Hemu Village is one of the favorite destination of photography lovers.
Best time to visit Hemu Village depends on what view you prefer. Hemu village is similar to Switzerland with the green grasslands and forests. And it is a golden world in autumn, which is breathtaking. Hemu Village is a pure and white world in winter with the village covered by the snow. It is always beautiful in different seasons. There is no obvious summer in Hemu Village, and the winter of Hemu Village can last about 7 months. Hemu Village starts to be snowy in September or October, which will continued to May of the next year. If you are afraid of coldness, you can visit Hemu Village from June to September, when the village is lush with grasslands, forests and flowers. And if you visit Hemu Village in autumn, when it is a colorful world with orange, yellow or red leaves of the tress.
Hemu Bridge
Hemu River passes through Hemu Village. And Hemu Bridge is a landmark in Hemu Village, offering a place for tourists to see the Hemu Village and Hemu River. Hemu Bridge is the best place to photograph the Hemu River. In winter, the Hemu Bridge will be covered by the snow, which is beautiful and pure.
Ski Resort
Located 5 kilometers from Hemu Village, the ski resort is an ideal destination for skiing lovers. With the highest point of 2,848 meters and the largest drop of 1,466 meters, it is the largest ski resort in China. And there are many skiing competitions held at the ski resort. If you are interested in skiing, you may find the fun of skiing here. It is a professional ski resort in Xinjiang and China.
Harden Viewing Platform
Harden Viewing Platform is one of the best places to have a panoramic view of Hemu Village. The frog in the morning of Hemu Village makes it a wonderland with the golden sunshine. In autumn, the trees around the Hemu Village will be more picturesque under the sunshine. The Hemu Village is like an Arcadia. Harden Viewing Platform is the best place to enjoy and take photos of the stunning views of Hemu Village’s sunrise and sunset.
Stroll Around the Village
Strolling around the Hemu Village, you can feel the peaceful atmosphere of the village, enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the village and better feel the beauty of the village. The walking from the village to the viewing platforms is good chance of hiking.
Get Wonderful Photos
At Hemu Village, you can always get wonderful photos. In spring, Hemu Village is beautiful with colorful flowers, lush forests, characteristic wooden houses, crystal river and blue sky. In autumn, Hemu Village is a golden world with the sunshine, yellow and red trees and the wooden buildings. In winter, when the wooden houses are covered with the snow, Hemu Village is a wonderland with the snow.
Take the cable car to the Yunxiao Peak
Yunxiao Peak is another place to have a panoramic view of Hemu Village. During the 20 minutes, you can have a panoramic view of the grasslands, sea of clouds, the whole Hemu Village and the surrounding snow mountains. It is the highest viewing platform at Hemu Village. If you want to take the cable car to the Yunxiao Peak, you’d better choose a sunny and clear day so that you can enjoy the wonderful landscapes of Hemu Village clearly.
Live in the Wooden House
If you have time, you should not miss the chance to live in the wooden house at Hemu. It is the best way to experience the life and culture of the local people. Kindly reminder, the wooden houses at Hemu Village are limited. If you plan to live in the wooden houses at Hemu Village, please reserve the accommodation in advance, especially in the peak season.
If you want to visit Hemu Village and experience skiing, it is recommended that you stay in Hemu Village for 2 days. And if you only want to visit Hemu Village, a day is enough for you.
🗺️ 1. Get to Xinjiang (Main Transport Hubs)
✈️ Fly (Fastest and Most Common)
First, fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, the main transit city for entering Xinjiang, with direct flights from most domestic cities. After arriving in Urumqi, transfer to either Burqin Kanas Airport or Altay Airport, with a flight time of approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, you can directly share a car, hire a private car, or take a shuttle bus from the airport to Burqin County or Jiadengyu, and then transfer to transportation to Hemu Scenic Area. This is currently the most convenient and time-controllable option, especially suitable for tourists with limited time.
🚆 Train + Bus (Alternative Option)
For budget travelers or those who prefer ground transport, you can take a long-distance train from Urumqi or other cities to Beitun Station or Altay Railway Station. Train journeys are significantly longer than flights but more economical.
After arriving at the train station, you will need to transfer by shared taxi or intercity bus to Burqin County or directly toward the Kanas Scenic Area, and then continue onward to Hemu. This option requires more transfers and time, but it is popular among backpackers and off-season travelers.
🚌 Long-Distance Bus
Another option is taking a long-distance coach from Urumqi’s bus stations directly to Burqin County. The journey usually takes 6–8 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.
This method is the slowest but also one of the cheapest ways to reach northern Xinjiang. From Burqin, travelers still need to arrange further transport to reach Hemu Village.
🚗 2. Get from Burqin or Kanas to Hemu Village
🚍 From Burqin County
Burqin is the most common overnight stop before heading to Hemu.
Bus: There are daily buses from Burqin Passenger Transport Station to Hemu or the Hemu ticket area. The journey takes about 3–4 hours.
Shared car / private charter: This is the most popular choice. Travelers can easily find shared vans or book a private transfer, which is faster, more flexible, and allows photo stops along the way.
🚌 From Kanas / Jiadengyu (Scenic Area Entrance)
If you enter through the Kanas Scenic Area, transportation is strictly managed.
First, take the official Kanas Scenic Shuttle Bus from Jiadengyu to the Hemu Ticket Station. This segment is about 35 km and takes roughly 1 hour.
After arriving at the Hemu Ticket Station, you must transfer to another internal shuttle bus that travels about 30 km and takes another 1 hour to reach Hemu Village itself.
This two-step shuttle system is mandatory during peak season.
⚠️ Private cars are usually not allowed inside the scenic area. You usually park at the scenic entrance and continue by shuttle or chartered vehicle.
From $ 521
From on request
From on request
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