The next morning, 02.06.2025 (Day 11), as usual, we had breakfast at our hotel. Unfortunately, the experience left much to be desired. Breakfast was served in a cramped basement space - so small that it barely accommodated our 20-person group. The food selection was minimal and uninspired, and it turned out to be the worst breakfast we’d had on the trip so far.
After the meal, before setting out for our next destination, we took a moment to soak in the crisp mountain air and the tranquil beauty of the surrounding valley. Snow-dusted peaks loomed in the distance, while herds of cows grazed peacefully in nearby fields - a quiet, pastoral scene that provided a calming start to the day.
Our journey continued toward the entrance of Kanas Scenic Area, taking us along a breathtaking 35Km route. The scenery was equally stunning - a picturesque blend of emerald hills, dense forest and wild open pasture. Along the way, our bus occasionally slowed or came to a gentle stop to allow herds of sheep to cross the road, seemingly unaware of the traffic around them!
The Jiadengyu Tourist Reception Center was vast and well-organized, reflecting the area’s popularity as a national-level attraction. From here, we boarded the first shuttle bus at an elevation of approximately 1,390m above sea level.
The bus wound its way through forested terrain and eventually brought us down to the Lake Shore Area, located at around 1,340m, near the surface level of Kanas Lake. At this stop, we were presented with three options: take a leisurely stroll around the lake, take a boat cruise or embark on a more demanding climb to the summit for a panoramic view. This time, the decision was easy since we took a boat cruise in Tianchi earlier. My wife and I, along with Jenny and her husband Patrick, chose the climb. The rest of the group chose boat cruise.
We boarded a second shuttle bus, which took us up to the base of the 1,068-step climb leading to Guanyu Pavilion (观鱼亭) - also known as the Fish Viewing Pavilion - located at an elevation of about 1,900m above sea level.
The ascent was moderately strenuous, and it took us just under an hour to reach the summit. We paused at several viewing platforms along the way to catch our breath and marvel at the unfolding vistas. As we climbed higher, the lake revealed itself in stunning, sweeping views - an ever-changing palette of blues and greens framed by pristine alpine forests.
From the Guanyu Pavilion, situated roughly 600 meters above the lake’s surface, we were rewarded with a truly magnificent panorama of Kanas Lake and the surrounding valleys and peaks. The turquoise colour lake instantly reminded me of another similar colour lake we visited in the Canadian Rockies - Peyto Lake - way back in August 2017 (Read here).
Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖) is a glacial alpine lake nestled in the Altai Mountains of northern Xinjiang, near the borders of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. Covering an area of approximately 45.7 sq. m and reaching depths of up to 188m. The lake is renowned for its crescent-shaped form and mesmerizing turquoise waters.
What makes Kanas Lake particularly captivating is the way its color transforms throughout the day and across the seasons - from soft grey-blue and emerald green to radiant turquoise. This phenomenon is largely due to the fine glacial silt - often called "rock flour" - suspended in the water, which scatters light in unique ways depending on weather and sunlight.
Kanas Lake is not just a natural wonder - it’s also a place shrouded in myth and mystery. One of the most enduring legend is that of the "Kanas Lake Monster" - a supposed 10m long, serpent-like creature said to lurk beneath the lake's turquoise waters. Over the years, sporadic sightings and sensational stories have kept the legend alive, fueling the curiosity of visitors and locals alike!
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From Guanyu Pavilion, we took an alternative route down to the shutter bus drop-off pick-up point. The descent was noticeably easier and much quicker compared to the ascend.
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From Kanas Lake, our bus journeyed along a scenic route that followed the river flowing downstream from the lake. Along the way, we made stops at three of the most popular and picturesque spots in the area - Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay.
Our first stop was Fairy Bay, a serene and mystical stretch of the river often enveloped in early morning mist, lending it an ethereal quality that lives up to its name.
Next, we arrived at Moon Bay, renowned for its crescent-shaped bend in the Kanas River. The bay’s striking turquoise waters, set against a backdrop of dense forest and dramatic mountain slopes, create a breathtaking contrast. Its mirror-like surface and naturally sculpted curves make it one of the most photographed locations in the entire Kanas region.
From Wolong Bay, our bus headed south for about 25Km to Jiadengyu where we would be spending the night at one of the accommodations.
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