Altay阿勒泰

Altay is China's northwesternmost city, sharing borders with Mongolia to the east, Russia to the north, and Kazakhstan to the west — a tri-border location unlike anywhere else in the country. It's considered one of the birthplaces of human skiing and gained wider fame from the TV series “My Altay.” Kanas Lake changes color with the seasons, Hemu's birch forests and morning mist, and the long snow season at Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort all define this pristine corner of northern Xinjiang. The flip side: it's highly seasonal, and visitor caps with advance booking are the norm during peak periods.

Mountains & Nature

Borderland landscapes where three countries converge.

• China's northwesternmost city, bordering Mongolia to the east, Russia to the north, and Kazakhstan to the west.
• Kanas Lake changes color with the seasons and is the most famous alpine lake in northern Xinjiang.
• The morning mist and white birch forests of Hemu Village are a daily sight for locals, often called 'white moonlight.'
• The surrounding area offers about a dozen natural attractions, mostly forest parks and viewpoints.

Local Flavors

The comforting tastes of Kazakh nomadic cuisine.

• Kazakh naren, boortsak, and milk tea form the core of daily meals
• Boiled lamb has little gamey smell and is a common local hospitality dish
• The baked buns and clay-pot hotpot in Baihaba are worth a dedicated visit
• At the Burgin River embankment night market, grilled skewers with yogurt is a must-try local pairing

Ski Destination

A paradise for ski enthusiasts.

• Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort is located very close to the city center.
• Ski, watch the sunset, and enjoy night skiing during the ski season.
• Outside the ski season, depending on the resort’s operating schedule, visitors may hike uphill or take the cable car for panoramic views of Altay’s cityscape and river valley.