Hemu, Xinjiang

I recommend lodging in a wooden cabin within the scenic area for at least one night, allowing you to venture out for leisurely strolls and photography during the serene hours of dawn and dusk. The intense ultraviolet radiation during the day will likely entice you to remain indoors.

Day 1: Drive from Kanas to Hemu.

Upon arriving at the scenic area's entrance, a shuttle bus ride of approximately 40 minutes is required to enter the area. Be sure to secure a seat on the left side, as the scenery is breathtaking, and you won't want to doze off.

After disembarking the shuttle bus, a 10-minute ride to your wooden cabin is necessary.

I advise venturing out after 6 PM (as sunset in Xinjiang occurs around 10 PM and darkness descends around 11 PM).

Head directly to the vicinity of the Hemu Bridge for a leisurely ramble. You can grab a bite to eat and observe eagles circling overhead, as some villagers feed them. If time permits, consider hiking to the viewing platform. The light becomes more gentle after 8 PM.

Day 2: Witnessing the Sunrise and Capturing Photos from the Viewing Platform

After observing the sunrise, be sure to spend ample time photographing from the platform. Hemu's most captivating panorama unfolds from the viewing platform: herds of cattle and sheep grazing beneath snow-capped mountains, an authentic, pristine landscape that surpasses the beauty of Kanas's three bays.

Sunrise is scheduled for 6:16 AM. I awoke at 5:30 AM and departed for the mountain summit at 5:50 AM. The path was already crowded with fellow travelers. The ascent consists of steps and takes approximately 20 minutes.

A direct view of the sunrise is obstructed in Hemu, as the sun emerges from behind the mountain range when the sky is already illuminated. However, one can witness the crimson hues of the early morning glow. In the event of overcast or rainy weather, morning mist can be observed.