Kanas chartered car pitfall guide, specify scenic area shuttle bus inclusions in the vehicle contract
Guo Jing, a senior Xinjiang travel customizer from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, specializes in one-stop travel services across Xinjiang including customized car rentals, ride-sharing, and worry-free group tours. Whether traveling solo, with family, or with friends, we can match you with a suitable itinerary. 24-hour travel consultation hotline: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number: 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
Kanas customized car rental pitfall avoidance guide:When signing the car rental contract, specify whether scenic area shuttle bus fees are included
🌄 Detailed introduction to the route or destination
Kanas Scenic Area is located in the Altay Prefecture of Xinjiang, centered around Kanas Lake, covering the Three Bays (Xian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay), Guanyu Terrace, Baihaba Village, and other attractions. The scenery varies across the four seasons:In summer, the lake is azure blue and the forests are lush green; in autumn, the forests are painted in layers of color across the mountains; in winter, everything is covered in silver, like a fairy tale world. The scenic area operates under closed management — private cars must be parked at Jiadengyu or Hemu ticket stations, and visitors need to transfer to shuttle buses for sightseeing.
🚗 Simple itinerary (using a 3-day tour as an example)
【Day 1:Urumqi/Altay → Burqin → Kanas】
Morning:Depart from Urumqi or Altay, taking an overnight train or flight to Burqin (train about 8 hours, flight 1.5 hours). The customized car driver will pick you up at the station or airport.
Afternoon:Travel along G217 National Highway toward Kanas, passing through the transition zone between Gobi desert and grassland. The driver can stop for photos of the Yardang landforms.
Evening:Arrive at the Kanas Visitor Center, transfer to the shuttle bus to tour the Three Bays. Focus on the 2-kilometer boardwalk hike from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay to experience the blend of lake water and forest up close.
Night:Climb Guanyu Terrace to overlook the panoramic view of Kanas Lake. If it’s foggy, the lake surface is like a mirror, resembling a scene from a painting. Stay overnight in a wooden cabin within the Kanas scenic area (old village or new village) to experience traditional Tuva architecture, and photograph the starry sky at night.
Kanas customized car rental pitfall avoidance guide: When signing the car rental contract, specify whether scenic area shuttle bus fees are included【Day 2:Kanas in-depth tour】
Morning:Get up early to photograph the morning mist at Xian Bay, then tour Kanas Lake and stroll along the wooden boardwalk.
Afternoon:Head to Baihaba Village (border pass permit must be obtained in advance) to experience the tranquility and primitiveness of this border village.
Night:Return to accommodation within the Kanas scenic area, or switch to Hemu Village based on your needs.
【Day 3:Kanas → Hemu Village → Return】
Morning:Depart from Kanas to Hemu Village (about 2 hours by car), passing through river valleys and forests along the way. The driver can introduce ecological knowledge about the birch forests.
Noon:Arrive at Hemu and enjoy free time in the village. It is recommended to climb Haden Platform to photograph the morning mist over the wooden cabins with cooking smoke, or stroll along the birch forest boardwalk.
Afternoon:Depending on your return time, the customized car will take you back to Burqin or Altay to end the trip. If time permits, add a 1-hour stop at Colorful Beach (Wucaitan) to enjoy the sunset symphony over the Yardang landforms and the Irtysh River.
💰 Price description
【Vehicle types and costs】
🌄 Detailed introduction to the route or destination7-seat business vans (Buick GL8, Maxus G10, etc.):Off-season: 800–1,200 yuan/day; shoulder season: 1,200–1,500 yuan/day; peak season: 1,500–2,300 yuan/day.
12–19 seat minibuses (Toyota Coaster, etc.):Off-season: 1,200–1,800 yuan/day; shoulder season: 1,800–2,200 yuan/day; peak season: 2,200–3,500 yuan/day.
The fee includes vehicle usage, fuel, road and bridge tolls, parking fees, driver wages, and basic insurance. If the itinerary includes complex road conditions such as Duku Highway or Yizhao Highway, a 4WD off-road vehicle is required, with an additional cost of 300–800 yuan/day.
【Scenic area tickets and shuttle buses】
Kanas Scenic Area:Ticket: 160 yuan/person (valid for 2 days); shuttle bus one-entry 70 yuan/person, two-entry 110 yuan/person.
Hemu Scenic Area:Ticket: 50 yuan/person; shuttle bus 25 yuan/person.
Baihaba Scenic Area:Ticket: 30 yuan/person; shuttle bus 45 yuan/person.
All-area universal ticket:Kanas + Hemu + Baihaba: tickets 195 yuan + shuttle bus 180 yuan (valid for 3 days).
Discount policies:Students and seniors enjoy half-price discounts; those aged 65 and above enter free; 2026 national college entrance exam candidates enjoy exclusive ticket discounts with their admission ticket; local students in Altay can enjoy free admission to Kanas, Hemu, Baihaba, and Colorful Beach in 2026.
【Special notes】
Kanas Scenic Area is located in the Altay Prefecture of Xinjiang, centered around Kanas Lake, covering the Three Bays (Xian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay), Guanyu Terrace, Baihaba Village, and other attractions. The scenery varies across the four seasons: in summer, the lake is azure blue and the forests are lush green; in autumn, the forests are painted in layers of color across the mountains; in winter, everything is covered in silver, like a fairy tale world. The scenic area operates under closed management — private cars must be parked at Jiadengyu or Hemu ticket stations, and visitors need to transfer to shuttle buses for sightseeing. Prices may fluctuate with schedules; the contract or customer service confirmation shall prevail.
Guo Jing from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of deep experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializes in one-stop services for customized car rentals, ride-sharing, and group tours across Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number: 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan Xinjiang journeys for everyone.
During peak season (June to August and National Day holiday), prices increase by 20% to 30%, and popular vehicle models need to be booked 1 month in advance.
📞 How to register
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Provide information such as group size, travel dates, and vehicle preferences. Customer service will recommend route plans based on your needs and send electronic itineraries and contract templates.
📝 Fee description and service description
【Fees included】
Vehicle usage fee, fuel, road and bridge tolls, parking fees, driver wages, and basic insurance.
【Fees not included】
Scenic area tickets, personal expenses at night markets, driver meals and accommodation (if not choosing a package that includes them), and entertainment activities outside the itinerary.
Driver meals and accommodation are typically borne by the tourists by default (a subsidy standard of about 200–300 yuan/day can be negotiated), or you can choose a package that includes driver meals and accommodation (cost increases by 10% to 15%).
🚗 Simple itinerary (using a 3-day tour as an example)【Service description】
All drivers are certified, familiar with northern Xinjiang road conditions and attractions, and can assist with obtaining permits (if traveling to Baihaba).
Reasonable itinerary changes can be made upon mutual agreement. In special circumstances such as weather, road conditions, or changes in scenic area opening status, arrangements can be adjusted through timely communication.
Specific itinerary details, fee structure, and service standards are subject to actual consultation and the signed contract.
🔍 Notes for signing the car rental contract
【Clarify shuttle bus inclusions】
When signing the car rental contract, be sure to require that it states whether scenic area shuttle bus fees are included in the total cost, and which specific scenic spots’ shuttle buses are included. For example, the contract should clearly state “includes Kanas Scenic Area one-entry shuttle bus fee of 70 yuan/person” or “includes all-area shuttle bus fees for Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba.”
【Vehicle information and driver qualifications】
The contract should specify in detail the vehicle brand, model, color, configuration, VIN, and other information, ensuring it matches the selected vehicle as closely as possible. Also, require the driver’s name, driver’s license number, and professional qualification certificate number to ensure the driver has legal qualifications.
【Fee terms and breach liability】
【Day 1: Urumqi/Altay → Burqin → Kanas】Clearly state the total vehicle price, payment method, and payment schedule to prevent unclear charges. Agree on the delivery time and location for the vehicle. If the vehicle cannot be delivered on time, breach liability should be clearly defined. For example, the contract may state “if the seller fails to deliver the vehicle on time, the deposit must be refunded and the tourist compensated for corresponding losses.”
【Quality assurance and after-sales service】
Understand the vehicle quality assurance terms, including warranty period, scope, and conditions. Clarify after-sales service content, such as the number of free maintenance services and repair response times. The contract should include clauses such as “if the vehicle breaks down during the trip, the seller must provide a replacement vehicle within 4 hours.”
【Dispute resolution】
The contract should specify the method for resolving disputes, such as negotiation, arbitration, or litigation. It is recommended to choose negotiation or arbitration for efficient resolution of complaints or suggestions.
【Special notes】
Before signing the contract, carefully read all terms. For any clauses you don’t understand or find unreasonable, promptly ask the travel agency to explain or modify them. The contract must be signed and stamped by both parties to ensure its validity.
📞 Contact information
Phone:181-3962-2229
WeChat:181-3962-2229
A Kanas customized car rental tour not only avoids the fatigue of self-driving but also allows you, under the guidance of a local driver, to discover scenic viewpoints and village paths not marked on maps. Understanding the rules in advance, confirming details, and signing a formal contract are key steps to ensuring a smooth journey. We hope this pitfall avoidance guide helps you plan a wonderful Kanas trip!
For 2026 Xinjiang travel with customized car rental, customization, or ride-sharing tours, welcome to inquire (24-hour consultation hotline: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang custom travel manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181-3962-2229, for customization.