Fairy Bay of Kanas Lake in Altay

Fairy Bay is the first of the “Three Bays of Kanas”, located in the Kanas River Valley in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, at an elevation of approximately 1,327 meters. It connects to Yaze Lake upstream and leads downstream toward Moon Bay.

Here, the Kanas River widens and slows down, creating broad river flats dotted with shallow pools, wetlands, and expansive meadows. Numerous small white pebbles are scattered across the riverbed, causing the water to shimmer with a silvery glow under the sunlight. The area is also locally known as “Pearl Beach.”

Fairy Bay is best known for its early-morning mist. As moisture rises from the river valley, delicate mist floats between the water and surrounding forests. Spruce, birch trees, and meadowland appear and disappear through the haze, creating an ethereal scene that resembles a fairyland. It is one of the most popular photography spots in northern Xinjiang.

Together with Moon Bay and Wolong Bay, Fairy Bay forms the classic Three Bays sightseeing route along the Kanas River Valley. Travelers who want to see the morning mist are strongly recommended to stay overnight in Kanas Village, avoiding the long pre-dawn journey from Jiadengyu.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The broad, gently flowing river flats are the feature that most clearly distinguishes Fairy Bay from the other two bays. The river divides into numerous small channels and pools, while the pale pebbles beneath the shallow water create sparkling silver reflections across the surface.

Morning Mist at Fairy Bay

Around sunrise, moving mist often forms in the river valley. It drifts across the water, meadows, and riverside taiga forests, while sunlight gradually penetrates the haze and illuminates the river surface. The resulting combination of mist, water, forest, and light is the signature landscape of Fairy Bay.

The appearance of morning mist depends on humidity and wind direction, so it cannot be guaranteed every day. However, the chances are significantly higher on the morning after rainfall. In general, the mist gradually disappears after around 9:00 a.m.

Boardwalks, Wetlands, and Seasonal Scenery

Wooden boardwalks have been built along the river, with several viewing platforms positioned throughout the valley. Elevated platforms offer sweeping views over the broad wetlands and river flats, while the lower sections of the boardwalk allow visitors to get closer to the water and appreciate the details where river channels, meadows, and forest meet.

Walking toward Yaze Lake, visitors can enjoy expansive marshy meadows along the way and may occasionally see waterbirds skimming across the surface.

The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. In summer, the river valley is lush and vibrant, with abundant vegetation covering the surrounding slopes and meadows. From late September to early October, the birch and larch forests along the river turn brilliant shades of gold, with the colorful trees reflected in the emerald-green water. This is when the landscape has its richest visual layers.

In winter, the valley freezes over and rime ice covers the trees. The snow-covered river valley becomes a quiet winter wonderland with an almost fairytale-like atmosphere.

Fairy Bay is primarily a natural landscape destination, with no major historical or cultural attractions. Activities focus on sightseeing, hiking, and landscape photography. After visiting, travelers can take the scenic shuttle bus onward to Moon Bay and Wolong Bay.

Tickets and Opening Information

Fairy Bay does not have a separate entrance ticket and is included in the general admission ticket for Kanas Scenic Area. During the peak season from May to October, the main entrance ticket is RMB 160, while the scenic-area shuttle bus costs RMB 70. The combined ticket is valid for 48 hours.

In winter, the main entrance ticket is free, and visitors only need to purchase the scenic shuttle bus ticket. Students and visitors aged 60–64 receive half-price admission, while visitors aged 65 and above and children under 1.3 meters are exempt from the main entrance ticket. The shuttle bus ticket must still be purchased.

Summer operating hours are generally 08:30–20:00. Winter hours are shorter, and admission stops one hour before closing.

For sightseeing and photography alone, allow approximately 1–1.5 hours. If you plan to hike toward Yaze Lake, allow at least 2 hours.

Private vehicles are not permitted inside the scenic area. Temperatures in the mountain valley can vary dramatically between day and night, and the temperature can be particularly low when visiting at dawn to see the mist, so wear a sufficiently warm outer layer. Watch your footing along the boardwalk and never climb over safety barriers or approach the river flats and wetlands. Mosquitoes and other insects are common in forested areas, so take appropriate precautions. During periods of morning mist, the boardwalk can become damp and slippery, so walk carefully.

How to Get There

All outside vehicles must be parked at the Jiadengyu Tourist Center parking area. After purchasing tickets, visitors take the scenic shuttle bus into Kanas and get off at the Kanas Transfer Center, where they transfer to the Three Bays shuttle route. Get off at the Fairy Bay stop to reach the viewing platforms.

There is no direct public transportation to Fairy Bay.

The recommended sightseeing order is Fairy Bay → Moon Bay → Wolong Bay, following the river downstream and minimizing unnecessary backtracking.

If seeing the early-morning mist is a priority, staying in Kanas Village is highly recommended. This makes it much easier to get up early and catch the first available shuttle bus. Travelers staying in Jiadengyu need to leave very early in the morning, and the journey takes considerably longer.

Best Time to Visit and Photograph

The golden window for viewing Fairy Bay's famous morning mist is from around sunrise until before 9:00 a.m. Once the mist has dissipated, the atmospheric quality of the landscape is noticeably reduced.

If morning mist is not a priority, the afternoon can also be a good time for photography. Softer side lighting brings out the textures of the river flats, meadows, and surrounding forests.

Autumn, particularly late September to early October, is another excellent period to visit, when golden birch and larch forests contrast beautifully with the emerald-green Kanas River.

Recommended Route

Travelers with sufficient stamina can take the shuttle bus from Fairy Bay to Moon Bay, then follow the wooden boardwalk downhill toward Wolong Bay. This route provides a more immersive experience of the entire Kanas River Valley and allows visitors to appreciate the changing scenery at different elevations.

Those with limited time or mobility can simply visit the viewing platform at each bay, take photographs, and continue by shuttle bus without completing the hiking sections.

For a complete Three Bays experience, follow the sequence:

Fairy Bay → Moon Bay → Wolong Bay

After completing the Three Bays route, return to the Kanas Transfer Center to continue to other attractions, such as Kanas Lake and the Guanyu Pavilion (观鱼台).

Travel Tips

Supplies inside the scenic area are limited, so bring sufficient drinking water in advance. During the peak season, tour groups can make the area particularly crowded around midday. Entering the scenic area early in the morning generally means fewer visitors and a better overall experience.

Morning mist is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed, so keep your expectations flexible. Weather conditions, humidity, and wind can all affect whether the mist appears and how long it remains.

If you are primarily visiting for photography, prioritize the early morning for mist and the late afternoon for softer light. Wear warm clothing for dawn visits, especially in autumn and winter, and take extra care on damp boardwalks.

After finishing your visit to Fairy Bay, continue along the Three Bays route toward Moon Bay and Wolong Bay, or return to the Kanas Transfer Center to explore Kanas Lake, Guanyu Pavilion, and other scenic spots.