Must-Visit Attractions and Activities in Hemu Village｜Northern Xinjiang Travel Guide

Xinjiang is divided by the Tianshan Mountains, with the northern region north of the mountains and the southern region south of them. The northern part showcases natural landscapes, while the southern part highlights cultural traditions. The northern region boasts forests, grasslands, lakes, and other natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for travel from April to October. Summers are relatively cool with stunning views, represented by attractions like Kanas Scenic Area, Ili Grasslands, and Sayram Lake. Personally, I recommend choosing the northern Xinjiang route for your trip.

Must-visit attractions in Xinjiang include: Kanas Lake, Keketuohai, Altay, Hemu Village, Tianshan Tianchi, Duku Highway, Nalati, Sayram Lake, and more. Today, I'll share insights about Hemu Village, one of these essential destinations.

If you'd like to explore this destination in greater depth, join our 2026 New Oriental Luxury Train Journey: 

• 14 Days Xinjiang Luxury New Orient Express Tour May 2026 
• 15 Days Xinjiang Luxury New Orient Express Tour June & July 2026
• 15 Days Xinjiang Luxury New Orient Express Tour Aug. & Sept. 2026

China's Premier Village—Hemu Village

Nestled beside Xinjiang's stunning Kanas Lake, China's Premier Village preserves the pristine beauty of a highland settlement—the mystique-filled Hemu Village. Nestled within the Kanas Scenic Area of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, this village sits at an altitude exceeding 1,100 meters. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense pine forests, and winding rivers, it is not only hailed as one of “China's Four Most Beautiful Villages”. Still, it has also become a coveted destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts worldwide.

Hemu Village's Unique Scenery: 

Log Cabins: Most buildings in Hemu Village are constructed from logs, with roofs covered in thatch or wooden tiles, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forests and mountains. Especially when morning mist envelops the village, the entire settlement resembles a fairy-tale scene—every snapshot becomes a cinematic frame.

Golden Autumn: From September to early October, the surrounding birch forests transform into dazzling shades of gold. The village is enveloped in layers of golden leaves, while the crystal-clear Hemu River winds through it. This is the most photogenic season.

Winter Wonderland: From November to March, Hemu Village is blanketed in deep snow. The entire settlement is cloaked in white, exuding an air of mystery compared to autumn's golden hues. It's not only perfect for snowshoe trekking but also offers a magical glimpse of the village transformed into a winter wonderland after a snowfall. 

What to Do in Hemu Village?

Sunrise at Hemu Village Viewpoint: The quintessential experience is watching the sunrise from the village viewpoint. In summer, rise around 6 a.m. and hike 10-15 minutes uphill to reach the platform. As sunlight bathes the golden birch forests and wooden houses, the entire village glows softly—a moment you'll cherish forever. 

Explore the Hemu River: The crystal-clear Hemu River winds through the village, reflecting the surrounding mountains and trees. In summer, wildflowers bloom along its banks; autumn brings golden birch leaves mirrored in its waters; and winter sees sections freeze over, creating serene ice and snow landscapes.

Tuva Homestays: The village is primarily home to the Tuva people, who possess unique cultural traditions. Many local households welcome visitors into their courtyards: sample homemade milk tea and traditional Tuva dishes like grilled lamb and hand-pulled noodles, while listening to villagers share stories of their life amidst the mountains and forests.

Hiking Trails: If you enjoy hiking, try the nearby short mountain trails. Moderately challenging paths wind through pine forests, grasslands, and alongside small streams. From the mountain slopes, you'll overlook the entire Hemu Village. Gazing at the clusters of wooden houses and the winding river, you'll understand why Hemu Village is called a “paradise on earth.” 

Hemu Village Travel Tips:

Best Time to Visit: Peak seasons are September-October (golden autumn) and June-August (verdant summer). Winter (November-March) sees fewer visitors due to extreme cold; pack thick down jackets, snow boots, and other warm gear if traveling then.

Transportation: Reach Hemu Village by first traveling by train or flying to Ürümqi, Xinjiang, then transferring to a train or bus to Burqin County. Finally, take a scenic area shuttle bus into the village. Within the village, transportation is primarily by foot or local electric vehicles, making travel convenient.

Accommodation Recommendations: The village features numerous homestays, mostly rustic log cabins offering simple yet comfortable amenities. Booking is essential during peak season (especially around National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival) to avoid accommodation shortages.

Transportation:

This is a must-visit destination for your train journey; for more train travel options, please read the following article:

• 16 Days Xinjiang Luxury Panda Train Tour Late Aug. to Sept. 2026
• 12 Days China Xinjiang New Orient Express Tour in late October
• 10 Days Linduhao China Winter Luxury Train Tour
• China Luxury Sleeper Train: Panda Train Starts Pre-Sale In 2025
• New China Xinjiang Silkroad Luxury PandaTrain is available to book now!
• China New Orient Express Train VS Luxury Silk Road Panda Series Train
• The Highway to Xinjiang's Oasis: Yizhao Highway
• New Orient Express China 2025 China Travel

Conclusion

Hemu Village is not merely one of Xinjiang's most breathtaking destinations. It fulfills the expectations of photographers chasing stunning landscapes, travelers seeking tranquility, and explorers passionate about ethnic cultures. If you're planning a trip to Hemu Village in Xinjiang, contact us today. As a travel agency with experience serving over 20,000 international visitors, we possess the expertise to ensure your journey becomes an unforgettable memory.