Moon Bay of Kanas Lake in Burqin County, Altay

Moon Bay is located inside the Kanas Scenic Area in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture. It is a classic S-shaped river bend formed by the Kanas River and the most recognizable landmark among the “Three Bays of Kanas”. At an elevation of approximately 1,326 meters, Moon Bay is about 1 kilometer from Wolong Bay, with Shenxian Bay located upstream.

The Kanas River winds through the mountain valley, forming a crescent-shaped bend as the river curves back and forth. Influenced by glacial meltwater and changing light conditions, the water constantly shifts between shades of pale blue, emerald green, and other colors. Two small grassy sandbars in the river resemble footprints, giving rise to the local folk legend of the “Footprints of the Immortals.”

Dense taiga primeval forests surround both sides of the valley. Siberian larches and spruces cover the mountain slopes, creating lush green scenery in spring and summer, golden autumn forests in fall, and snow-covered valleys in winter. Each season has its own character, making Moon Bay an essential stop for landscape photographers traveling through northern Xinjiang.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The elevated main viewing platform is the signature viewpoint at Moon Bay. From the platform, visitors can look down over the entire crescent-shaped river bend, where emerald-green water flows through colorful forested mountains. The layered forests and winding river form a naturally composed landscape painting.

A wooden boardwalk built along the mountainside leads downhill toward Wolong Bay, with the full walking route covering approximately 1.8 kilometers. Several secondary viewing platforms are positioned along the trail, allowing visitors to appreciate different sections of the valley from various heights and observe the close relationship between the riverside forests and flowing water.

Morning Mist and Sunset Views

In the early morning, light mist often fills the valley, drifting across the river and surrounding forests to create a soft, ethereal atmosphere. Around sunset, warm side lighting falls across the water and mountains, bathing the entire valley in golden tones and creating one of the best opportunities of the day for landscape photography.

The period from late September to early October is particularly spectacular. The forests on both sides of the valley turn golden yellow and orange-red, with the colorful foliage reflected in the emerald-green river below. At this time, the visual layers of the landscape are at their peak.

In winter, parts of the river may freeze, creating an S-shaped ribbon of ice surrounded by snow-covered forests. The result is a quiet, almost fairytale-like winter landscape.

Moon Bay focuses entirely on natural valley scenery, with no artificial amusement facilities. Activities mainly include sightseeing, hiking, and photography. It is usually visited together with Shenxian Bay and Wolong Bay, forming the complete Three Bays of Kanas sightseeing route.

Tickets and Opening Information

Moon Bay does not require 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 scenic area entrance ticket is RMB 160, while the sightseeing shuttle bus costs RMB 70. The combined ticket is valid for 48 hours.

From the winter season, generally mid-October to April of the following year, the main entrance ticket is free, but visitors still need to purchase the scenic-area 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.

During summer, the scenic area generally operates from 08:30 to 20:00. Winter opening hours are shorter, and admission stops one hour before the park closes.

For sightseeing and photography at Moon Bay, allow approximately 1–1.5 hours. If you plan to hike the boardwalk all the way to Wolong Bay, allow 2–3 hours.

Private vehicles are not permitted inside the scenic area. The temperature difference between day and night in the mountain valleys can be substantial, so bring a warm jacket even in summer. Watch your footing along the boardwalk and never climb over safety barriers or approach the edge of the valley. Use insect repellent in forested areas, and take extra care when walking during periods of morning mist because the ground can be slippery.

How to Get There

All outside vehicles must be parked at the Jiadengyu Tourist Center parking area. After purchasing tickets, visitors take the scenic-area shuttle bus into Kanas. At the Kanas Transfer Center, transfer to the Three Bays shuttle route and get off at the Moon Bay stop, which provides access to the main viewing platform.

There is no direct public transportation to Moon Bay. Most visitors include the Three Bays in a full-day Kanas itinerary. The recommended order is Shenxian Bay → Moon Bay → Wolong Bay, following the river valley downstream and reducing unnecessary backtracking.

If you want to see the morning mist, staying overnight in Kanas Village is recommended, as this avoids having to make a long early-morning journey from Jiadengyu.

Best Time to Visit and Photograph

The best photography times are around sunrise and during the 1–2 hours before sunset. Soft side lighting brings out the changing colors of the river and emphasizes the layers of the surrounding forests.

Try to avoid the strong midday sunlight, when the landscape can appear flatter and the colors of the river and vegetation are less distinctive.

Autumn, particularly late September to early October, is one of the most visually impressive periods, when the colorful forests contrast beautifully with the emerald-green Kanas River.

Hiking and Recommended Route

Visitors with sufficient stamina are encouraged to walk the Moon Bay–Wolong Bay wooden boardwalk, which provides a more immersive way to experience the river valley. The trail offers changing perspectives of the river, forests, and mountain slopes along the way.

Those with limited time or mobility can simply visit the main viewing platform, take photographs, and then continue by shuttle bus without completing the hiking route.

For a complete Three Bays experience, the recommended sequence is Shenxian Bay → Moon Bay → Wolong Bay. After finishing the route, return to the Kanas Transfer Center to continue exploring other attractions, including Kanas Lake and the Guanyu Pavilion (观鱼台).

Travel Tips

There are relatively few shops inside the scenic area, so bring enough drinking water before setting out. During the peak season, tour groups can make the Three Bays particularly crowded around midday. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon generally provides a more relaxed experience and better photography conditions.

Morning mist, slippery boardwalks, large temperature differences, and forest insects are all worth preparing for. Keep a warm outer layer with you even on summer days, and stay within designated viewing and walking areas.

If your schedule is tight, there is no need to complete every part of the route. The main Moon Bay viewing platform alone provides an excellent panoramic view of the iconic S-shaped river bend, while travelers with more time can continue along the boardwalk toward Wolong Bay for a deeper experience of the Kanas valley.