Kanas Scenic Area

The Kanas Scenic Area is located in the middle section of the Altai Mountains in Xinjiang, China. It lies in a border region where China meets Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia, covering a total area of 10,030 square kilometers. The specific geographical coordinates are 48°30′20″ North latitude and 87°07′37″ East longitude.

Geographic Environment

Location and Boundaries

The Kanas Scenic Area features diverse terrain, including high mountains, rivers, forests, lakes, and grasslands. It spans the vertical zones of the Altai Mountains, ranging from the high-altitude snow and ice zone to the low-altitude hilly shrub-grassland zone, with a total of 6-7 natural landscape belts.

Climate Characteristics

The Kanas Scenic Area belongs to the temperate-cold zone, characterized by a unique climate. Due to its location in the heart of the Eurasian continent, far from the ocean, and at a high latitude, it exhibits the following climate features:

• The annual average temperature is -0.2°C, with a winter season lasting for 7 months.
• The coldest average temperature occurs in January at -16°C, while the hottest average temperature in July reaches 15.9°C.
• Abundant snowfall results in snow depths of 1-2 meters, with more than 73 snowfall days.
• The snow line is distributed at an elevation of around 2,850 meters.
• The annual precipitation is approximately 1,000 millimeters, with the maximum precipitation zone at an elevation of 2,100 meters.

The Kanas Nature Reserve benefits from favorable moisture conditions, with relative humidity ranging from 59% to 90%, and humidity within the forest often exceeding 90%.

Historical Development

The history of the Kanas Scenic Area is rich and colorful. During the Qing Dynasty, the Kanas region was under different regimes. In modern China, the Kanas Nature Reserve gradually expanded and gained numerous honors and recognition. United Nations officials have referred to it as “the last undeveloped landscape resource on Earth” .

Key Attractions

The Kanas Scenic Area boasts a variety of attractions, with the following being the most famous:

• Kanas Lake: Located at the heart of the Kanas National Nature Reserve, the lake covers an area of 69,000 acres and is renowned as one of China’s most beautiful lakes.
• Wolong Bay: Known for its picturesque scenery, Wolong Bay is a favorite spot among visitors.
• Taijilin Corridor: This area features lush forests and lakes, creating a captivating landscape.

The Kanas Scenic Area’s magnificent natural beauty, historical cultural relics, and unique folk customs make it a “fairyland on Earth” and a “divine garden.” If you plan to visit Kanas, I recommend spending 2-4 days there, with the best seasons being June and September.