Hemu Village
If you are planning a winter trip with a village, suggest Hemu Viilage most. As you could see one of the most beautiful snow scenery there.
There, you would see wooden houses, vast forests, and rolling mountains are blanketed in thick snow —matches all your winter fairy tale imaginations.
You could stay in a cozy cabin, explore the scenic trails by sledding, ski, and enjoy a warm cup of milk tea.
Autumn is also an ideal season to visit — traditional wooden houses nestled among vast golden birch trees and grasslands.
Hemu in autumn
The sunrise in Hemu, with morning mist and the rising sun, is a must-see. The Harden Viewing Platform, a 30-minute climb, offers the best vantage point.
For sunsets, the viewing platform in the Hongbasi Grassland is the best spot. You could also enjoy horseback riding through the valley forests.
Kanas is close to Hemu Village, about 1-hour drive. You could combine them in one trip for a more extreme visual enjoyment. See 8-Day North Xinjiang Tour with Kanas
In winter, there would be tourist trains from Urumqi to Altay, known as the 'Snow Country Train'. However, the departure times for them are irregular and unstable, making it difficult to secure a ticket.
If you want to enjoy the snowy scenery by train, the normal train from Urumqi to Altay is a great alternative. Train K9765 is recommended because it arrives in Altay just in time to see the sunrise.
