Kanas Lake Moon Bay (Yueliang Bay)

★ 4.9

(125000 reviews)

The most famous and heavily photographed crescent S-bend of the Kanas River, featuring two iconic footprint-shaped sandbanks.

⚡ Vibe Icons

💰 Cost Free

🏃 Effort Easy Walking

Snap' Description

Discover the definitive postcard image of northern Xinjiang at Moon Bay (Yueliang Bay). Here, the Kanas River carves a perfect, elegant crescent S-curve through a deep forested mountain ravine. The water color dynamically shifts between a deep turquoise and milky aquamarine depending on daily sunlight, framing two distinct sandbanks known locally as the 'Footprints of God'.

Getting There

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Metro Info

Kanas Lake Inside Shuttle System (Moon Bay Stop)

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Taxi Address

阿勒泰地区布尔津县喀纳斯景区月亮湾

Navigate

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💎 Insider Tips

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The upper roadside viewing platform gives the ultimate vertical aerial frame to capture the full S-curve of the river gorge in a single shot.
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Take the steep side steps down to the water-level boardwalk to complete a peaceful hike along the riverbanks to Wolong Bay.
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Look closely at the sandbanks; local legends state the footprints were left by a mythical giant chasing a dragon through the Altai peaks.
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The autumn foliage here is world-class; visit in late September to see the brilliant gold larches frame the deep turquoise water perfectly.