Things to do in Hoboksar

Manas Salt Lake Scenic Area

Junggar Ancient City Ruins

Songhai Bay Scenic Area

2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions

Kanas Scenic Area

The Kanas Scenic Area is located in the dense forests of Burqin County in the Altay region,It is one of the renowned scenic areas in Xinjiang. The renowned three bays in the attraction — Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay — are must-see core views. Shenxian Bay is famous for its morning mist spectacle, Moon Bay features a graceful S-shaped curve, and Wolong Bay offers tranquil and serene waters. By this beautiful, fertile, and mysterious lake (the meaning of "Kanasi" in Mongolian), you can see the clear and tranquil water that often changes color with the seasons and weather. The lakeshore is surrounded by primeval forests of spruce, fir, and Siberian larch, while the sunny slopes are covered with dense grass. Distinct layers of different plant communities create a stunning display in fall, with golden yellow, crimson, and dark green hues each shining in their own way. When visiting the attraction, you can also climb the fish-watching platform with a relative height of 600 m, where you can overlook the lake and the distant layers of green mountains shrouded in mist as well as the snow-capped peaks. You can also take a cruise to enjoy the lake scenery. There are also many ancient legends here, the most famous being the "lake monster." Over the past few decades, numerous travelers and scientists have reported sightings of "giant strange fish." Some claim it to be a massive taimen (a type of fish), while others believe it to be a prehistoric creature. Stay To protect the natural environment here, the attraction closed many lakeside hotels. There are mountain villas within the attraction, as well as local Tuvan houses and tents available for stay. Many visitors also choose to stay on the outskirts of the attraction for easier access to the next day's tour. If you want to get up early to see the morning mist at Fairy Bay, staying within the attraction is a good choice. Diet The attraction is located in a remote border area with sparse population and high logistics costs. The food in the attraction is mainly halal, with more beef and mutton and fewer vegetables. Some visitors from inland areas may find it unaccustomed, so they can prepare some dry food and drinking water by themselves.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Northern Xinjiang

World Mystery Town

World Mystery Town is located in the Gobi Desert on the northwestern edge of the Junggar Basin, and most travelers on the Northern Xinjiang loop route stop here along the way. This is a typical yardang landform, where prolonged wind erosion and water erosion have carved the Gobi into giant earth mounds of varying heights and shapes, resembling an abandoned ancient city from afar. The attraction sits right in a wind gap and is windy year-round, which is why locals also call it "Urho Wind City." There is even a saying: "One wind a year, blowing from spring to winter"—when strong winds pass through the crisscrossing gaps between the mounds, they emit shrill howls that sound like ghosts wailing at night, and this is how the name "Mystery Town" came about. In 2005, when *Chinese National Geography* held its "Beauty of China" selection for yardang landforms, this site was listed alongside the yardangs of Dunhuang and Lop Nur, making it one of the representative yardang views in China. The earthen mounds across the gobi resemble castle towers, while others look like people or animals. The attraction has given names to the most distinctive mounds, and the "sphinx" is one of the most popular sights among them. The attraction is quite large, and sightseeing is mainly done by riding the sightseeing mini train, which stops along the way at the sphinx, the filming location of "Seven Swords," the shooting spot of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," Dinosaur Valley, and other stops, with a guide on board. Both the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and the TV series "Seven Swords" were filmed here, and the stops retain sculptures restored according to movie scenes, so film fans can go stop by stop to find familiar images; Dinosaur Valley was built based on dinosaur fossils such as the Junggar pterosaur unearthed in Urho, and together with the oilfield experience area that reflects the history of local oil development, these two are content rarely found in other yardang attractions, and visitors can also experience riding a camel and taking photos in the attraction. The stay at each stop is limited, so if you have not taken enough photos, there is no need to rush for the train; just wait for the next one, and a full loop takes about two or three hours. At sunset, the slanting rays dye the earthen mound a warm gold, with distinct layers of light and shadow—the golden hour for photography. However, the Gobi has strong winds and sand, plus intense sunlight, so remember to bring windproof and sun protection gear and drinking water.

White Birch Forest Scenic Area

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark

Hemu Scenic Area

Hemu Scenic Area is located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northern Xinjiang.Kanas LakeAbout 30 km to the east is a small village jointly inhabited by Kazakhs and Tuvans. General travelers visiting Northern Xinjiang usually visit Hemu Scenic Area and Kanas Scenic Area together. Hemu Scenic AreaAll the houses are simple wooden cabins scattered across the mountain valleys. Local ethnic minority residents work in their courtyards, creating a peaceful and rustic atmosphere. The Hemu River flows by the village with its light blue, crystal-clear water. Surrounding the village are grasslands and birch forests, forming a picturesque landscape. In winter, snow accumulates on the mountaintops, turning them into small snow-capped peaks that resemble a fairy-tale world. Hemu Scenic AreaNot very large, the main road in the village is about 2–3 km long, and you can explore the village on foot. The viewing platform is located atHemuheOn the hillside across the river, the viewing platform offers panoramic views of the village, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning shots.

He Bukesai'er Menggu Zizhixian Jiangge'er Museum

This is a comprehensive museum that integrates exhibition, research, education, and tourism. It houses a vast collection of Mongolian cultural relics and historical heritage, including traditional clothing, farming tools, weapons, utensils, calligraphy, paintings, and more. The museum also features several themed exhibition halls, such as those dedicated to history and culture, folk customs, and art.

Longji Valley Scenic Area

2026 Global 50 - Ski Resorts

Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort

Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort is located on the northern slope of Jiangjun Mountain in the urban area of Altay City, Xinjiang, and is easily accessible from the city center. Altay lies on the "golden snow belt" at 47 degrees north latitude and is known for its dry, soft powder snow, with a long natural snow season and snow quality that stands out among ski resorts in China. The resort features ski slopes of multiple levels from beginner to advanced, among which Foguang Avenue is renowned for its highly challenging terrain, Sunset Avenue has become a popular route thanks to its open mountain views along the way, and there are also several terrain parks suitable for snowboard enthusiasts. The ski resort is equipped with cable cars and ski equipment rental services, ensuring that skiers can enjoy a convenient and comfortable skiing experience. In addition to skiing, visitors can also participate in other winter activities, such as snowmobiles, sleds, and ice and snow entertainment projects. Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort is not only a paradise for ski enthusiasts but also a winter tourism destination that integrates sports, leisure, and cultural experiences. The sunset at Jiangjun Mountain is a must-visit at domestic ski resorts. After sundown, both the afterglow and the night views at Jiangjun Mountain are absolutely stunning—you can experience a La La Land of half orange sea and half gradient pink!