Winter in the city always makes you want to escape. But when your flight lands in Altay, you're greeted by pure white snow mountains and a clear blue sky. So why visit Altay in winter? Because this is where winter truly belongs.

A Snowy Wonderland

Kanas Lake looks like a frozen ink painting. Snow hangs from every branch. The lake surface is frozen but still full of life, with layers of snow-covered mountains in the distance.

Hemu Village is China's most beautiful snow village. It is located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is one of only three remaining Tuvan villages in China, often called "God's Back Garden" and "China's Most Beautiful Ancient Village." Here, any snapshot you take could be your next WeChat Moments cover.

Deep in the Altay Mountains, the untouched snowfield covers the forest. A light breeze carries soft snowflakes to the ground, where they pile up into a thick layer. The air is so clean you can smell the pine. This is winter's own "pure zone".

Skiing Paradise 

Altay is known as the "birthplace of human skiing" and the "snow capital of China". It sits on the golden snow belt at 47 degrees north latitude, with 210 days of snowfall each year, more than six months of snow cover, and an average snow depth of one meter. The snow quality is world-class.

Four major ski resorts offer something for every skill level:

Jiangjunshan Ski Resort: Located right in downtown Altay, this 5S-level resort has 72 trails and offers night skiing. It's lively, convenient, and good for families and beginners.

Jikepulin Ski Resort: Near Hemu Village. Focuses on backcountry and freestyle skiing, with a large vertical drop. Many Chinese skiers call it their "Mecca."

Keketuohai Ski Resort: Has the longest ski season in Asia, running from October to May. The snow is fine and smooth, great for long-term skiers.

Qinggeli Langshan Ski Resort: Steep slopes and high difficulty, best for experienced skiers looking for a challenge.

Beyond skiing, there are horse-drawn sleds, snowmobiles, and riding tall Kazakh horses across the snowfield. The ways to play in the snow here are ten times more than at any southern ski resort.

Slow Life in the Snow Village

Stay in a wooden cabin in Hemu Village. Open the window and the snow is right there. At night, gather with family or friends around the stove for pilaf, lamb soup, and baked naan. The warm smiles of the Tuvan and Kazakh locals are better than any heater.

Life here moves slowly. Ski and take photos during the day. Watch the stars and listen to folk songs at night. No summer crowds. Just the pure quiet, where you can hear the snow falling.

Exclusive Winter Advantages

Fewer people, better views: No summer traffic jams at Kanas. The snow village feels like your own private retreat.

Great value: Lift tickets, lodging, and meals together cost much less than popular southern ski resorts, yet the powder snow experience is far superior.

Pure and untouched: Among the best air quality in the country. The snow is clean enough to eat. No filter needed for photos.

Winter-only surprises: Long snow season, blue ice lakes, starry skies over the snowfield. You can only see all of this in winter.

Practical Travel Tips

Best time to go: Mid-November to March. Fewer crowds and good snow.

Gear and preparation: Bring thermal underwear and ski wear. Our travel agency offers rental services and professional coaching. You're guaranteed to experience what makes winter in Altay so special.

Getting there: Fly from Urumqi to Altay in just one hour. Upon arrival, we provide private transfers directly to the ski resorts or Hemu Village.

Things to keep in mind: Stay warm and protect yourself from the sun. Some people may experience mild altitude sickness.

Welcome

Winter in Altay offers unique snow-covered landscapes and plenty to do. There are vast snowfields, the frozen Kanas Lake, and the quiet Hemu Village. You can also try traditional activities like fur-skin skiing and horse-drawn sleds.

Winter in Altay isn't just about beautiful scenery. The warmth of the local Tuvan people makes it special too. Whether you're a skier, a photographer, or someone looking to get away from the crowds, you'll find something to enjoy here.

Traveling to Altay in winter gives you a different kind of experience and memories. You'll understand why so many people say: once you've spent a winter in Altay, you won't want to go back to the city.