Spectacular Landscape along Highway from Fuhai to Hemu Village, Xinjiang

After breakfast at Yilong Hotel in Fuhai, we set out for Hemu Village just before 9.00am, Day 10 on 01.06.2025. 

Shortly after departing Fuhai, we made a brief stop along a stretch of the road overlooking Ulungur Lake, where a row of roadside stalls had been set up. To our surprise, several of these stalls were openly displaying animal skins - including those of bears and wolves - hanging prominently for sale. The sight of these pelts, some of which appeared freshly prepared, offered a stark and unsettling reminder of the ongoing trade in wild animal products that persists in this remote part of Xinjiang.

Ulungur Lake.

Another unexpected “hazard” along the road from Fuhai to Hemu was the herds of camels that casually wandered across the highway, seemingly oblivious to the fast-moving vehicles. These majestic animals appeared entirely unfazed by traffic, creating sudden obstacles that required drivers to remain alert and ready to slow down at a moment’s notice.

As the journey continued, the landscape gradually opened up into vast, rolling grasslands stretching endlessly toward the horizon. Herds of sheep, cattle, and horses grazed freely under the watchful eyes of Kazakh herders tending their flocks from traditional yurts. These lush pastures are part of the greater Altay steppe region - a timeless pastoral scene that seemed untouched by modern life, offering a striking contrast to the arid deserts of southern Xinjiang.

As we continued northwest towards Hemu, the scenery began to change dramatically. The wide-open steppe gradually gave way to dense coniferous forests, where towering spruces and Siberian pines carpeted the slopes of the majestic Altay Mountains. Our guide mentioned that in late spring and summer, the meadows here come alive with vibrant wildflowers, adding bursts of color that brighten the already rich green landscape.

Further along the route, the snow-capped peaks of the Altay range appeared on the horizon, offering a breathtaking alpine panorama. The winding road meandered gracefully through valleys and alongside crystal-clear streams fed by glacial meltwater. Occasionally, we passed serene lakes and wide, open river plains that mirrored the sky above - a scene of pristine natural beauty rarely encountered elsewhere.

The final stretch towards Hemu was especially enchanting. The road cut through untouched forests and traced the gentle curves of the Hemu River. Soon, the quaint wooden houses of Hemu Village came into view, nestled in valley surrounded by verdant slopes and distant, snow-dusted peaks.

It is no wonder that many travelers - particularly domestic Chinese tourists - describe this route as reminiscent of Switzerland or the European Alps.

The region surrounding Hemu Village, Kanas Lake and the Altay Mountains has earned the nickname "The Alps of the Orient" (东方阿尔卑斯) in Chinese travel literature and promotional materials. It is said that in summer, the lush green pastures, roaming livestock, and charming wooden cabins of the Tuva and Kazakh peoples evoke scenes strongly reminiscent of the Swiss countryside. In autumn, the forests burst into brilliant shades of gold and fiery orange, capturing the crisp, vibrant beauty of an Alpine fall.