2026 Altay 4 Day Essence Loop Private Car Rental with Fuhai Grassland Stone Town and Habahe Short Distance Car Rental Price Real Time Recommendation Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
Explore the Grassland Stone City and Habahe’s Hidden Gems:2026 Altay 4-Day In-Depth Loop Custom Vehicle Rental Complete Guide
(Icon)✨【Itinerary Highlights】✨
This northern Xinjiang loop focuses on ‘geological wonders + border scenery,’ connecting three major themed attractions: Fuhai Grassland Stone City, Habahe Birch Forest, and Kanas Three Bays. It avoids the conventional Kanas + Hemu combination, incorporating the newly popular 2026 Grassland Stone City Geopark. Daily travel time is limited to 2.5 hours, making it ideal for family trips, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking unique experiences.
I. Detailed Itinerary or Destination Introduction
【Fuhai Grassland Stone City】🌄
Located 40 km south of Fuhai County in the hinterland of the Junggar Basin, this site became a national 4A-level scenic area in 2026. It features China’s largest granite stone egg landform group in the west, with tens of thousands of giant stones eroded over eons into ‘stone mushrooms,’ ‘stone castles,’ and other wonders. Wildflowers blanket the area in summer, while golden birch forests dominate autumn. Geologists call it a ‘natural sculpture museum.’ The site includes a 3 km circular trail with professional guides, limiting daily visitors to 1,500. Reservations must be made in advance via the ‘Fuhai Tourism’ mini-program.
【Habahe Birch Forest】🌳
Northwest China’s largest natural birch forest belt, reopened in 2026 after ecological restoration. Spanning 12,000 acres along 8 km of the Habahe River, it offers lush green canopies in summer and vibrant autumn foliage. New additions include wooden observation trails, a stargazing camp, and a Tuvan cultural exhibition area. Night photography of the Milky Way is possible, ideal for slow travel and creative photography.
【Kanas Three Bays】💧
The classic morning mist and autumn colors of Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay remain iconic northern Xinjiang experiences. In 2026, shuttle bus scheduling has been optimized, extending visits to 5 hours. Fish-Viewing Platform steps now feature non-slip facilities, allowing visitors to leisurely capture morning mist and lake views.
Explore the Grassland Stone City and Habahe’s Hidden Gems: 2026 Altay 4-Day In-Depth Loop Custom Vehicle Rental Complete GuideII. Simple Itinerary
【Day 1:Altay City → Fuhai Grassland Stone City (~2.5 hours)】
Morning:Pick-up in Altay City, travel through the Gurbantunggut Desert with an optional stop at the Kelameili Desert Park for camel riding.
Afternoon:Tour Grassland Stone City, focusing on ‘stone egg clusters,’ wind-eroded canyons, and sunset silhouettes of giant stones.
Evening:Check into a Fuhai County hotel and enjoy a cold-water fish feast from Lake Ulungur.
【Day 2:Fuhai → Habahe Birch Forest (~2 hours)】
Morning:Drive to Habahe via a grand canyon, overlooking Kazakhstan’s pastoral landscapes.
Afternoon:Explore the birch forest, experience traditional Tuvan handicrafts (birch bark painting), and photograph the sunset among the trees.
Evening:Stay in a wooden cabin within the birch forest area and join a bonfire party (weather permitting).
【Day 3:Habahe → Kanas Three Bays (~3 hours)】
Morning:Travel through the Altay Mountains with a stop at the Jiadengyu Viewing Platform to photograph snow-capped peaks.
(Icon)✨【Itinerary Highlights】✨Afternoon:Tour Kanas Three Bays, hike the 3 km wooden trail from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay, and ascend the Fish-Viewing Platform for panoramic lake views.
Evening:Stay in a wooden cabin within the Kanas scenic area and savor Tuvan cuisine (hand-grabbed meat, milk tea).
【Day 4:Kanas → Altay City (~4 hours)】
Morning:Capture early morning mist at Fairy Bay before returning to Altay.
Afternoon:Visit Chonghu’er Town’s Folk Museum to experience traditional yurt culture.
Evening:Transfer to Altay Airport/Railway Station to conclude the trip.
III. Pricing Details
【Custom Vehicle Rental Fees】 (Based on a 7-seat business vehicle, including driver service, fuel, and tolls)
Shoulder Season (May, September-October):1,200-1,500 RMB/day
Peak Season (June-August, National Day):1,600-1,900 RMB/day
This northern Xinjiang loop focuses on ‘geological wonders + border scenery,’ connecting three major themed attractions: Fuhai Grassland Stone City, Habahe Birch Forest, and Kanas Three Bays. It avoids the conventional Kanas + Hemu combination, incorporating the newly popular 2026 Grassland Stone City Geopark. Daily travel time is limited to 2.5 hours, making it ideal for family trips, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking unique experiences.【Admission & Shuttle Fees】 (2026 reference prices, subject to scenic area announcements)
Grassland Stone City:Admission: 80 RMB/person, Shuttle: 20 RMB/person
Habahe Birch Forest:Admission: 60 RMB/person, Mini Train: 30 RMB/person
Kanas:Admission: 160 RMB/person, Shuttle: 120 RMB/person, Fish-Viewing Platform Shuttle: 20 RMB/person
【Total Budget Estimate】 (Based on 4 people sharing a vehicle during shoulder season)
Custom Vehicle Rental:4 days × 1,400 RMB/day ÷ 4 people = 1,400 RMB/person
Admission & Shuttles:Approx. 400 RMB/person
Accommodation:3 nights × 300 RMB/night = 900 RMB/person (higher for wooden cabins inside scenic areas)
Meals:Approx. 500 RMB/person
Total:Approx. 3,200-3,800 RMB/person (excluding round-trip transportation)
Note:Prices may fluctuate between peak and off-peak seasons. Final prices are subject to contract terms.
I. Detailed Itinerary or Destination IntroductionIV. Registration Method
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for itinerary customization, vehicle selection, and real-time quotes.
V. Fee Inclusions & Service Standards
Fees Include:Vehicle usage, driver service, basic fuel, tolls, and first-entry admission to scenic areas (some special activities at own expense).
Service Standards:
Provides licensed tourism vehicles (7+ seats) with qualified drivers. Vehicles undergo regular maintenance and carry liability insurance.
Assists with booking accommodations inside scenic areas (book 15 days in advance during peak season) and recommends local dining spots.
Daily departure times and停留时长 (duration of stays) can be adjusted based on traveler preferences. Weather or policy changes may lead to itinerary optimizations through mutual agreement.
Single travelers will be matched for shared rooms when possible; a supplement (~200 RMB/night) applies in special cases.
VI. Precautions
【Fuhai Grassland Stone City】🌄Documentation:Bring original valid ID. Border registration is required for Habahe Birch Forest entry.
Clothing:Large temperature variations in Kanas and Habahe areas. In July, bring sun protection clothing for daytime and a light down jacket for nights. Wear non-slip hiking shoes for Grassland Stone City’s rocky terrain.
Photography Gear:Tripods and wide-angle lenses for Grassland Stone City and Kanas morning mist; fast aperture lenses and spare batteries for birch forest night photography of the Milky Way.
Environmental Rules:Mandatory waste sorting in scenic areas. Littering may result in fines.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Grassland Stone City suitable for elderly visitors and children?
A:The trails are gentle, but some areas require climbing stone steps. Elderly visitors and children should tour with family members. Total visit time is ~3 hours.
Q:What are accommodation conditions like inside Kanas scenic area?
A:Wooden cabins are traditional Tuvan structures with bathrooms and floor heating, but have average sound insulation. Earplugs are recommended.
Q:Does custom vehicle rental include driver meals and accommodation?
A:Fees typically cover basic driver subsistence allowances. Arranging shared meals/accommodation with travelers requires prior agreement and an additional fee (~150 RMB/day).
(End)✨ This 4-day loop blending geological wonders and border scenery avoids crowded网红 (internet-famous) spots while offering deep immersion in northern Xinjiang’s diverse landscapes and ethnic cultures. Through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency’s professional arrangements, you can focus on enjoying every scenic view. For detailed itineraries and availability, contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for real-time information.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
