Burqin Travel Guide

Burqin County is a county in north Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region under the administration of Altay Prefecture. Covering an area of 10,362 km², it has a population of 72,000. The county borders Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia and is the only county which connects Russia and west China. 
 

History

Got its name after the Burqin River, the county was a pasture of Xiongnu in Western Han dynasty and belonged to different groups in successive dynasties. In Qing Dynasty, it was taken under the central government of Qing Court. In 1919, Burqin County was set up and merged to Altay Prefecture in 1970.
 

Attractions

Burqin possesses perfect natural landscape worth visiting. Among those, Kanas National Geopark comes first. Other Burqin attractions include Youyifeng Glacier, Burqin River and Monster City.

Kanas National Geopark is a beautiful natural ecosystem formed by lakes, rivers, glaciers, forests, and grasslands. The reserve is called the last place on earth where people can find original natural beauty. Kanas Lake is the most famous one in this area, which takes different colors following the four seasons. Tuwa Village on the lake bank is place where Tuwa tribe in Xinjiang inhabits for generations.

Youyifeng Glacier is the largest glacier in Altay Mountains, which is 66 km northeast of Kanas Lake. The huge glacier and the landform made by it are spectacular. Monster City is a natural Yadan landform in desert shaped by wind erosion and looks like ruined castles or takes the forms of various kinds of animals.
 

Transport

By Air: Altay City airport is about 100 km from Burqin County. There are flights to/from Urumqi. Burqin airport is about 150 km north of Burqin and is the closest route (about 50 km) to Kanas National Geopark.

By Bus:The Bus Station is at Wenming Road. It takes about 2 hours from Altay and 12 hours from Urumqi. Buses from Altay to Burqin depart hourly from 9:00am to 18:00pm. A taxi from Burqin to Kanas costs about costs 80 RMB per person.
 

Weather and Climate

Cool in summer but the temperature differs greatly between day and night. It is extremely cold during the winter. The clime is dry with strong ultraviolet rays.
 

Food and Restaurants

Burqin abounds in fishes and Fernle Mushroom. The fish stewed with Fernle Mushroom is a dish you can never taste in other places. In the night market just opposite Renmin Hospital on YouYiFeng Lu, you can enjoy local snacks such as oil Tazi, Nang, Zhuafan and fried mutton.
 

Shopping

There are many souvenirs in Burqin where you can buy from the night market, such as Uygur Cap and dress, Jade Bracelets and stone necklaces. You can also buy these from the Souvenirs Shops in your hotel.
 

Accommodation

Recommended Hotels in Burqin
Sutong Holiday Hotel: clean and located within the Kanas National Geopark.
Address: Youyifeng North Road, Burqin County
 

Youyifeng Hotel: good room and service
Address: No.16 Youyifeng Road, Burqin County

Tourist Hotel: clean and good sized room
Address: No.4 Wolongwan Road, Burqin County
 

Travel Tips

1. Best time to visit is from June to October.
2. Bargain and check whether the jade stones are genuine or not when shopping in the lake area.
3. Take a thick cloth as the temperature differs greatly.
4. Most people believe in Muslim so do not talk about pig or eat pork when they present.
5. The Red Leaf Festival is held from Sep 15 to Sep 22 and the Kanas scenery is picturistic.