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Tucked in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s Altay prefecture, the Kanas Scenic Area is home to three legendary river bends that look straight out of a fantasy novel . Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay – each with its own mythic charm – are drawing adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers to China’s far northwest.
Trails or Shuttles? Your Pick!
Opt for the shuttle bus to zip between bays, or hike the 3-km trail from Fairy Bay to Moon Bay, where turquoise waters slice through golden forests . The path to Crouching Dragon Bay rewards hikers with panoramic vistas and occasional cameos by grazing cattle or wild horses . Pro tip: Visit at dawn for misty, ethereal views that’ll make your Instagram followers swoon .
Why It’s a Must-See
Kanas isn’t just about postcard-perfect landscapes. Locals say the bays are guarded by ancient spirits – a nod to the region’s rich Tuvan and Kazakh cultural heritage . Autumn transforms the area into a golden wonderland, while winter blankets it in serene snow. No filter needed!
PSA for eco-explorers: Stick to marked trails to protect this fragile paradise .
. Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay – each with its own mythic charm – are drawing adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers to China’s far northwest.
. The path to Crouching Dragon Bay rewards hikers with panoramic vistas and occasional cameos by grazing cattle or wild horses 
. Pro tip: Visit at dawn for misty, ethereal views that’ll make your Instagram followers swoon 
.
. Autumn transforms the area into a golden wonderland, while winter blankets it in serene snow. No filter needed!
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