9 Must-Visit Winter Photo Spots in Altay (with 3k+ Tips!

Altay in December transforms into a snow and ice kingdom favored by the gods! ❄️ Not just Nordic-level snowfields, rime-covered branches, wooden cabins hidden in snow, and crystal-clear blue ice... Half of winter’s joy comes from Altay! ❄️ Why must you visit Altay in winter? ✅ The snow quality is unbeatable! Powder snow so fluffy it feels like walking on cotton, perfect for skiing and playing without snow sticking to your clothes ✅ Fewer people, pure scenery! No peak season crowds, every shot looks like you own the entire snowfield ✅ Full-on experiences! Water turning to ice when splashed, snow trekking, bonfire parties—winter-exclusive fun all included 📸 9 Winter Must-Shoot Spots in Altay 📍 Kanas Morning Mist: Around 9 AM is perfect, misty haze against snowy mountains, full of fairy-tale vibes 📍 Baihaba Village Curve: The curve below the big stone monument, perfect composition, every shot looks amazing 📍 Baihaba Village Small Hill: A drone spot discovered by chance while waiting to shoot, stunning aerial snow views 📍 Baihaba “Lonely Tree”: Although popular, the tree combined with snow creates an incredible atmosphere 📍 Ulungu Lake Sunset: When the lake isn’t fully frozen, the water is super blue, sunset glow on the lake is breathtaking 📍 Kanas High Viewpoint: Walk deeper into the park, shoot panoramic views from high up, capturing mountains and lakes in one frame 📍 Hemu Village Blue Hour: Climb a small hill at dusk, wait for cabin lights to turn on, fairy-tale feels overload 📍 Hemu Village Aidjiang Bridge: Shoot snowy mountain views from the bridge, use the bridge as a background, every shot is a masterpiece 📍 General Mountain Ski Resort Sunset: After skiing, wait for a sunset with pink-orange skies over the slopes, absolutely stunning 🚗 8 Days 7 Nights In-Depth Loop D1/D8: Departure → Urumqi (pick-up/drop-off) D2: Urumqi → S21 Desert Expressway → General Mountain (sunset cable car - sunset party - dance party) → optional night skiing at General Mountain (not including ski ticket) → Altay D3: Altay - Kanas Three Bays (Shenxian Bay - Moon Bay - Wolong Bay) → stay in a fairy-tale cabin D4: Kanas → Hemu light photography trip → water turning to ice → bonfire party → Hemu D5: Hemu → Hemu dawn → Karamay D6: Karamay → Self-drive around Sailimu Lake (Kele Yongzhu - West Sea Grassland - S Bay - Pine Tree Head) → Sailimu Lake D7: Sailimu Lake → second visit to Sailimu Lake → sunrise walk → Urumqi ✨ Trip Highlights ✅ Travel in a large 7-seater business vehicle + drone aerial filming ✅ Exclusive sunset cable car + Hemu bonfire party ✅ Small, exquisite groups, priority for same-age team-ups ✅ Warm gear provided on board, all-in-one service Want to learn more about winter travel in Altay? 🉑 Click me!