White Haba Village Travel Guide
Lakes and Tuva Villages in Northern Xinjiang: Sanwan, Hemu, Baihaba
Baihaba is a Tuva village on the China-Kazakhstan border, quieter and more untouched than Hemu. This article explains how to handle border pass procedures, how to take the shuttle bus, and how to combine the three villages including Hemu and Kanas for visiting.
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Destination Details
Baihaba Village is known as the Northwest’s First Village, located right next to the China-Kazakhstan border, with wooden houses scattered on the gentle sloping meadows beneath the snow-capped mountains. Compared to the more famous Hemu, there are fewer tourists here and the pace is slower. The border village, with morning cooking smoke and the sound of cowbells, is a "hidden gem" in many people's North Xinjiang itineraries.
How to Enter the Village
- Border Permit Required: Baihaba falls under a border management area. You can get one for free with your ID at the Buerjin or Jiadengyu tourist centers. For foreign visitors, please consult the scenic area in advance regarding policies.
- Shuttle Bus Access: Take a shuttle bus from the Kanas transfer center, about 1 hour. The canyon and meadow scenery along the way is already worth the ticket.
- Overnight Stay Recommended: The village atmosphere in the early morning and evening far surpasses a daytime sightseeing stroll.
How to Arrange Visits to the Three Villages
The classic route is Kanas Lake Area (1-2 nights) → Baihaba (1 night) → Hemu (1 night). Shuttle buses connect all three points. If time is tight, 2-3 nights covering just Kanas and Baihaba is sufficient.
Notes
Do not cross the barbed wire to take photos in the border area. Accommodation and dining within the village are simple, so it is recommended to bring your own toiletries. The signal is inconsistent, so save offline maps in advance.
