In recent days, the television series “My Altay” has swept the hearts of viewers across the country like a spring breeze. The “Altay life” depicted in the drama is like a melodious pastoral song, awakening the longing for tranquility and freedom in countless people’s hearts.
This “Altay” trend, akin to the summer heat wave, has brought early prosperity to Altay’s tourism industry.
According to data disclosed by the local cultural and tourism bureau, since the premiere of “My Altay” on May 7th, the name “Altay” has been frequently mentioned online, with search popularity doubling. Even more exciting is that the booking volume for vacation products in the Altay region has soared at an astonishing rate, with a quarter-on-quarter increase of over 370%.
Many viewers, attracted by the beautiful scenery in the drama, have embarked on a journey to Altay. They follow in the footsteps of the characters, visiting familiar locations such as the small shops and the Batai tree, as if they could travel through time and experience the innocence and beauty alongside the characters.
In this vast land, the Gobi Desert intertwines with grasslands, while forests and snow-capped mountains reflect each other. Horses gallop on the grassland, and herdsmen sing melodious pastoral songs. Everything here is so natural and harmonious, as if it were a stunning painting of nature.
One netizen sighed, “I feel like a piece of damp, decaying wood, basking in the sunshine of Altay, experiencing an unprecedented brightness and healing. Looking at this beautiful scenery, I can’t help but want to shed tears.” Indeed, this is the magic of nature and the unique charm of Altay. It allows people to forget the hustle and bustle of the city, finding inner peace and freedom.
In the vast northern frontier, Altay quietly nestles in the embrace of the majestic Tianshan Mountains, like a pure white snow lotus blooming on the snowy plateau, pure and elegant.
Here, time seems to slow down, and everything appears serene, leisurely, and tranquil, isolating the outside world’s restlessness and noise thousands of miles away.
God seems to have a special fondness for this land, not only bestowing it with a relaxed urban lifestyle but also allowing nature to freely showcase its masterful craftsmanship.
Here, the wonders of nature and human civilization intertwine and collide, blossoming into a breathtakingly beautiful sight. Snow-capped mountains embrace grasslands, while forests and rivers depend on each other, as if it were a symphony of nature and human history, playing magnificent movements.
If you also yearn for that mysterious and beautiful land of Xinjiang but are limited by short holidays and unable to visit each place, I highly recommend you come to Altay. Here, more than half of Xinjiang’s essence is gathered, as if it were a miniature Xinjiang, allowing you to experience the myriad charms of Xinjiang in a short period.
Apart from the captivating filming locations in the drama, such as Habahe County and Fuyun County, Altay has countless other enchanting attractions waiting for you to explore. Each place is filled with stories, and every sight is worth cherishing. Here, you will experience unprecedented awe and emotion, leaving an unforgettable memory.
Top-notch lake and mountain scenery
Kanas is not only a dazzling gem of Altay but also a shining star among Xinjiang’s landscapes. How beautiful is it? It’s as if it were an exquisite piece of art meticulously crafted by the heavens, with every part exuding a stunning magic.
Speaking of Kanas, one must mention the picturesque Kanas Three Bends. The Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay are like a green ribbon, linking the mystery and legend of Kanas. Each bay holds unique scenery, and each sight seems to be a masterpiece of nature.
Moon Bay, nestled between the eastern and western mountains, has a winding river course that resembles a crescent moon embedded in the earth. It is praised as the world’s most enchanting “S-shaped curve.” Without climbing high, one can fully appreciate the clear, pure water in the canyon.
Walking along the scenic boardwalk by the Kanas River and heading south, one soon reaches the Sleeping Dragon Bay. As the downstream river widens and the water flow slows, the river surface ripples, and an island-like platform lies in the water like a giant dragon, majestic and mysterious.
Viewed from afar, its totem-like shape emanates a wild and primitive glow of faith, inspiring awe.
Continuing forward, one arrives at the Fairy Bay. Here, clouds and mist linger year-round, with the mountain scenery and water colors hidden in the thin fog, as if one were in a fairyland. The Fairy Bay in the morning mist is even more beautiful, like a dream. Amidst the surging clouds and mist, a golden light suddenly parts the fog, revealing the true face of the Fairy Bay. That moment of stunning beauty is enough to leave one with an unforgettable memory.
Hidden deep in the dense forests of the Altay Mountains, Kanas Lake is even more renowned as “China’s most beautiful lake.” Snow-capped peaks stand tall, and green slopes are adorned with ink-like forests, resembling a group of graceful fairies gathered on the lakeshore.
Climbing up the Fish Viewing Platform and gazing into the distance, the magnificent scenery before one’s eyes is shocking, even more vivid than any oil painting. The lake surface is wide and deep, presenting a sapphire-like color, with several small boats gently passing by, leaving long white trails of waves.
At the southern end of the outlet, there is another scene altogether. In the river section densely scattered with boulders, the lake water cascades down, crashing onto the rocks and splashing up layers of spray.
Following the river downstream, the river surface becomes wider, and the water flow slows down considerably. Trees on both banks form forests extending along the river course. Everything here is just right, with nothing excessive or lacking.
Apart from Kanas Lake, Baisha Lake is also a dazzling pearl in the thousand-mile gallery of Altay. It stands alone in the vast desert, a pristine desert lake. There are no inlets or outlets, yet the water level has never changed, making it a marvel.
The lake water is as blue as fluorescence, cherished in the embrace of the pure white sand mountains and the majestic Kunlun Mountain range. The lake surface reflects the high and deep sky, like a dream. Every June, lotus flowers bloom on the lake, adding a touch of delicacy and tenderness to this magnificent scenery.
If you yearn to appreciate more pristine lake colors, Ulungur Lake will be your best choice. There are almost no tourists here, and no traces of development, as if it were Altay’s hidden treasure trove.
Ulungur Lake is extremely vast, seemingly boundless as it connects with the sky, hence its reputation as the “Gobi Sea.” Standing on the lakeshore, gazing at the afterglow of the setting sun, and listening to the rippling water, you can deeply feel the atmosphere of freedom and tranquility in Xinjiang.
Top-notch color feast
If you yearn to immerse yourself more deeply in the soul of Altay, then embark on a journey to Keketuohai. This is a fairyland specially created for hikers. In just one day, you can immerse yourself in it and forget the troubles of the world.
When the shackles of life make you feel heavy, when the gloom of worries shrouds your mind, step into this land, and you will find your mood instantly healed, as if all the burdens have been released and dispersed with the wind at this moment.
Looking around, snow peaks stand tall, majestic and magnificent; wetland streams interweave to form vivid scrolls; the grassland glitters with golden light, like a golden ocean; cattle and sheep leisurely wander, forming a peaceful and harmonious picture. Here, every step is a scenery, and every pause is a baptism of the soul.
At this moment, you will deeply realize that the power of beautiful scenery is infinite. It can heal the wounds of the heart and allow one to rediscover oneself. Travel may not require a specific meaning, but it always leaves one unforgettable moment after another.
Let’s talk about the color art of Xinjiang. It’s not just the azure blue of the lake water, the bright red, yellow, and green of the colorful forests, but even the seemingly ordinary stone beaches can display unimaginable vibrant colors.
The Colorful Beach seems to be a masterpiece of an artist’s burst of inspiration after taking in the world’s beauty. Using the earth as paper, it freely wields its brush, splashing the inner wildness and passion onto this northwestern land.
When the sun sets in the west, the Colorful Beach radiates even more dazzling and fantastic brilliance. With red as the main tone, interspersed with transitional colors such as green, purple, yellow, white, and black, it is like a visual feast, leaving one overwhelmed.
However, this beautiful lady also has a bit of a “fiery temper.” Whenever the wind rises, strange howling sounds can be heard from the gullies and under the rocks, as if telling her story, making one marvel at the wonder and charm of nature.
Top-notch fairy tale life
When it comes to the yearning for life in Altay, how can one not personally set foot in those villages full of the smell of fireworks and experience their unique charm?
I once read a heartfelt comment about Hemu Village online: “Setting foot in Hemu Village, I am filled with regret. Why didn’t I arrive at this pure land earlier!” This village, located in the northernmost part of northwest China, is like a gem of time, engraved with traces of history while also blooming with the tranquility and beauty that everyone desires deep in their hearts.
The wooden houses are distributed in an orderly manner among the valleys, as if they were embellishments of nature. Surrounded by peaks and lush greenery, flocks of sheep and herds of cattle leisurely graze on the grasslands, while herdsmen ride their horses with ease, wandering among them. The rivers gurgle, the forests are dense, and the mountain peaks are steep… Living here for a few days, it seems as if the soul has been cleansed, and everything has become peaceful and harmonious.
If you have doubts about the fairy tales of the world, it must be because you have never set foot in Baihaba. This place is like a fairyland in a fairy tale world, with adorable wooden cottages set against a picturesque backdrop.
Here, you will sigh at how slowly time seems to pass, as if 24 hours in a day are not enough.
In the early morning, a thin mist pervades, draping the entire village in a layer of mystery. Before long, wisps of cooking smoke rise from the rooftops, making one imagine the warm breakfast and the warmth of home. The sky is high and the clouds are light, and the years are peaceful. Everything here is intoxicating, as if living here can truly make one forget the troubles of the world.
The cultural customs here are simple and sincere, allowing one to experience a rare beauty amidst the fast-paced life.
The unique terrain also endows this place with a rich, complex, and multi-faceted beauty that makes one linger and forget to leave.
If you have never set foot in Altay, then perhaps you cannot truly understand the profound meaning contained in the word “paradise.”
Here, you will discover that it is not just an illusory word, but a real place that captures one’s heart and mind.
