2026 Altay Golden Autumn 10 Day Photography Charter Car with Reserved Sunrise Slot at Hemu Haden Platform Vehicle Rental Fee Reservation Recommended Itinerary Price

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

Golden Autumn Secret Realm: A 10-Day Photography Guide to Altay:Capturing the Golden Moments of Morning Mist and Starry Skies
📸 Photography Highlights:Freeze the Autumn Fairy Tale of Northern Xinjiang with Your Lens
From late September to early October 2026, the Altay region welcomes its most vibrant season of the year in terms of color saturation. From the emerald blue of Kanas Lake to the golden birch forests of Hemu Village, from the border cooking smoke of Baihaba Village to the canyon red leaves of Koktokay, this is China’s highest-latitude area rich in autumn colors. This itinerary is specially designed for photography enthusiasts, focusing on prime shooting times such as sunrise, morning mist, and starry skies, and providing professional vehicle and driver support to help you capture the fleeting moments of light and shadow.
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations
Kanas Scenic Area:Morning Mist at the Three Bays and Panoramic View from Guanyu Platform
As a national 5A-level scenic spot, Kanas features Kanas Lake, the “Three Bays” (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay), and Guanyu Platform as its core attractions. In 2026, real-name timed entry reservations will be implemented, with tickets priced at 160 yuan per person and shuttle buses at 70 yuan per person. The area is open from 8:00 to 20:00 daily.
Key Photography Spots:
Fairy Bay:From 6:30 to 8:30 in the morning, morning mist floats among the pine forests. It is recommended to arrive by taking the first shuttle bus to avoid crowds.
Guanyu Platform:Climbing 1,068 steps is required. At sunset, you can capture the combined scene of “Sunshine on Golden Mountains” and the blue lake surface.
Hiking the Three Bays:It is recommended to walk from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay, covering about 1.5 kilometers in total. The lake surface displays distinct layers of blue and green under side lighting.
Hemu Village:Sunrise and Starry Skies at Haden Platform
Surrounded by birch forests and snow-capped mountains, Hemu Village features wooden houses scattered in an orderly fashion, with morning mist and starry skies offering great观赏价值 (ornamental value). In 2026, tickets will be priced at 50 yuan per person and shuttle buses at 52 yuan per person. Reservations must be made in advance through the “Kanas Smart Tourism” platform.
Key Photography Spots:
Haden Platform:From 7:00 to 8:00 during sunrise, under oblique sunlight, cooking smoke and golden birch forests form a highly layered scene. The platform is windy, so equipment wind protection measures are necessary.
Around Hemu Bridge:From 9:00 to 11:00 in the morning, sunlight filtering through leaves creates Tyndall effects; from 16:00 to 18:00 in the evening, slow shutter speeds can be used to photograph the flowing waters of the Irtysh River.

Golden Autumn Secret Realm: A 10-Day Photography Guide to Altay: Capturing the Golden Moments of Morning Mist and Starry SkiesBaihaba Village:Sunset and Dawn along the Border Line
Baihaba Village is close to the border, with primitive and tranquil scenery. Valid identification is required to go through passage procedures at the service centers in Burqin County or the Kanas Scenic Area (free of charge).
Key Photography Spots:
Northwest No. 1 Sentinel Viewing Platform:From 19:00 to 20:30 during sunset, you can simultaneously photograph the border wire fences, wooden houses, and snow-capped mountains.
Birch Forest at the West Entrance of the Village:From 8:00 to 10:00 in the morning, the ground is covered with golden fallen leaves, suitable for photographing小众 (niche) forest autumn scenery.
Koktokay National Geological Park:Canyon Red Leaves and Mining Pit History
Famous for Pit No. 3 and the Irtysh Grand Canyon, in 2026, tickets including shuttle buses will be priced at 126 yuan per person. The park is open from 9:00 to 19:00.
Key Photography Spots:
Red Stone Beach:From 16:00 to 18:00 in the afternoon, side lighting shines on red granite, paired with golden larch trees, creating a strong color contrast.
Pit No. 3:From 10:00 to 12:00 in the morning, photograph the industrial historical sense of the “Meritorious Mine.”
Colorful Beach:Sunset Symphony of Yardang Landforms and Rivers
Located in Burqin County, it features a typical yardang landform intersecting with the Irtysh River, displaying a kaleidoscope of colors at sunset. In 2026, tickets will be priced at 45 yuan per person. The area is open from 8:00 to 21:00, with no reservations required.
Key Photography Spots:
Shallow Beach on the Right Side of the Scenic Area Entrance:One hour before sunset, photograph the reflections of reeds, colorful mountains, and the rising sun.
II. Simple Itinerary Arrangement (10-Day In-Depth Photography Version)

📸 Photography Highlights: Freeze the Autumn Fairy Tale of Northern Xinjiang with Your LensDay 1:Various Locations → Altay City
Morning:Arrive in Altay City. After being picked up by the driver, head to the city center to acclimate to the climate.
Afternoon:Visit Hualin Park to photograph birch forests and streams.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Altay City, stroll along “500 Li · Fengqing Street,” and purchase camel milk products.
Day 2:Altay City → Koktokay
Morning:Drive to Koktokay, photographing the autumn colors along the eastern edge of the Junggar Basin en route.
Afternoon:Photograph the golden dense forests and meadows of Dadonggou, the source of the Irtysh River.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Koktokay Town.
Day 3:Koktokay → G331 Border Highway → Altay City
Morning:Photograph the birch forests of Koktokay and search for local herding groups in transit.
Afternoon:Traverse the G331 scenic avenue, photographing the autumn colors along the way. Capture local herding groups in transit at traditional mountain passes.
Evening:Return to Altay City and check in.
Day 4:Altay City → Hemu Village
Morning:Drive to Hemu Village, photographing the scenery of the Altai Mountains en route.
Afternoon:After entering the village, hike to Haden Viewing Platform to photograph the panoramic view of Hemu Village at sunset.
Evening:Check into a wooden cabin in Hemu Village.

From late September to early October 2026, the Altay region welcomes its most vibrant season of the year in terms of color saturation. From the emerald blue of Kanas Lake to the golden birch forests of Hemu Village, from the border cooking smoke of Baihaba Village to the canyon red leaves of Koktokay, this is China’s highest-latitude area rich in autumn colors. This itinerary is specially designed for photography enthusiasts, focusing on prime shooting times such as sunrise, morning mist, and starry skies, and providing professional vehicle and driver support to help you capture the fleeting moments of light and shadow.Day 5:Full-Day Photography in Hemu Village
Early Morning:Photograph the sunrise and morning mist at Haden Platform. It is recommended to arrive by taking the shuttle bus before 6:20.
Morning:Photograph Tyndall effects and forest light and shadow around Hemu Bridge.
Afternoon:Free creation or horseback riding to explore the surrounding birch forests.
Evening:Photograph the starry skies of Hemu Village (avoid areas with light pollution).
Day 6:Hemu Village → Kanas Scenic Area
Morning:Drive to the Kanas Scenic Area and transfer to shuttle buses to enter the core zone.
Afternoon:Photograph the morning mist at Fairy Bay (return in advance for photography if time allows), then hike from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay.
Evening:Check into a wooden cabin in Kanas Village.
Day 7:Full-Day Photography in Kanas Scenic Area
Early Morning:Take the first shuttle bus to Fairy Bay to photograph the morning mist.
Morning:Climb Guanyu Platform to photograph the panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
Afternoon:Free creation or visit Tuwa villages.
Evening:Photograph the night view of Kanas Village.
Day 8:Kanas Scenic Area → Baihaba Village

I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or DestinationsMorning:Go through border passage procedures and then head to Baihaba Village.
Afternoon:Photograph the birch forest at the west entrance of the village and the sunset at the Northwest No. 1 Sentinel Viewing Platform.
Evening:Check into a wooden cabin in Baihaba Village.
Day 9:Baihaba Village → Burqin County → Colorful Beach
Early Morning:Photograph the sunrise and dawn of Baihaba Village.
Morning:Drive back to Burqin County, with a possible stop to photograph the viewing platform of Ulungur Lake en route.
Afternoon:Visit Colorful Beach to photograph the yardang landforms and river at sunset.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Burqin County and stroll along the riverside night market.
Day 10:Burqin County → Altay City → Departure
Morning:Free activities or purchase specialties (such as dried fruits and milk curds).
Afternoon:The driver will provide airport/train station transfer, concluding the itinerary (options include Altay Xuedu Airport or Beitun Railway Station).
III. Pricing Information
Based on market research conducted in July 2026, the cost of custom vehicle rentals in the Altay region varies depending on vehicle type, season, and route. Below are reference quotations for common vehicle types (unit:yuan/day):
7-Seater Business Vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):Peak season (June to early October): Approximately 1,200-1,800 yuan/day
9-14 Seater Minibus:Approximately 1,800-2,500 yuan/day

Kanas Scenic Area: Morning Mist at the Three Bays and Panoramic View from Guanyu Platform19-22 Seater Air-Conditioned Coach:Approximately 2,500-3,200 yuan/day
Fees typically include vehicle rental, driver service, basic insurance, fuel, and tolls, excluding scenic area tickets, shuttle bus tickets, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses. Specific prices are subject to actual consultation and contracting and may fluctuate based on departure dates.
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, to obtain a detailed itinerary plan, vehicle selection advice, and real-time availability information.
V. Fee and Service Descriptions
Fees Include:Vehicle rental, driver service, basic insurance, fuel, and tolls.
Fees Exclude:Scenic area tickets, shuttle bus tickets, accommodation, meals, personal expenses, and additional expenditures arising from force majeure factors.
Service Descriptions:
All vehicles are tourist coaches with legal operating qualifications, and drivers hold professional qualifications and are familiar with road conditions in northern Xinjiang.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as sudden weather changes, temporary road closures, or scenic area crowd limits during the itinerary, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement.
For solo registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate shared accommodation. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contracting.
VI. Precautions
Reservation Policies:Kanas, Hemu, and other scenic areas implement real-name reservation entry. It is recommended to make reservations 1-3 days in advance through the “Kanas Smart Tourism” platform.
Border Passage:To visit Baihaba Village, valid identification is required to go through passage procedures. Specific requirements are subject to the local public security department’s policies on the day.
Photography Equipment:Mountainous weather is variable, so it is recommended to bring windproof equipment, spare batteries, and memory cards; mosquitoes are abundant around Koksuri, so long-sleeved clothing and mosquito repellent are necessary.
Respecting Customs:Altay is home to various ethnic groups. Permission must be obtained before photographing people, and avoid randomly photographing facilities or border markers.

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation