The Kanas Three Bays, Moon Bay, Wolong (Sleeping Dragon) Bay and Immortal Bay, line the river below Kanas Lake in the Altai.
They are the most photogenic stretches of the Kanas River, reached by an easy boardwalk through birch and pine. If you are shaping the bigger trip, our Kanas Lake guide covers the wider picture.
What makes it special
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Moon Bay’s curved inlet is the icon.
The boardwalk links all three with minimal effort.
Autumn turns the birch gold behind the water.
How to get there
Inside the Kanas scenic area; ride the park shuttle to the bay trailheads.
Download offline maps before you leave the city. Mobile signal disappears for long stretches on the Duku, the Pamir, and the desert highways.
Best time to visit
Late September to mid-October for colour; July is green and mild. For the detail you will actually need on the ground, see our Hemu village guide.
Tickets and logistics
- Use the park shuttle; private cars park at the gate.
- Stay in Kanas village to catch early light.
- Book lodging months ahead for October.
- Nights are cold; pack warm.
Photo tips
Morning mist on the bays is best; a telephoto compresses the bends. Bring a polariser for the water.
FAQ
How do I see the Three Bays? By park shuttle to the boardwalk trailheads inside Kanas.
Can I walk between them? Yes, an easy boardwalk connects the bays.
Best season? Late September to mid-October for autumn; July for green.
Do I need a permit? No for Kanas; carry ID for checkpoints.
Final word
Xinjiang rewards drivers who plan, then stay flexible. Build a loose route, book the key overnight towns, and leave room for the unplanned stop that turns out to be the best part of the trip.
Written by Karl Huang, a Xinjiang-based travel writer. Kanas entry, shuttle and lodging rules change by season, so confirm the current setup with the park before you go.