2026 Ultimate Travel Guide to Keketohai, Xinjiang

The core allure of traveling to Keketohai, Xinjiang in 2026 lies in its unparalleled diversity. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a UNESCO Global Geopark, it boasts breathtaking natural landscapes like the Irtysh Grand Canyon. It is also a top-tier ski resort in Asia with an extraordinarily long ski season of up to 7 months. What’s more, it preserves the extraordinary history of the Republic’s “Meritorious Mine”. Planning a trip to Keketohai in 2026 means experiencing a perfect symphony of nature, sports, and history in one single journey.

What Is Keketohai?

An All-In-One Destination Blending Nature, Sports and History

Keketohai is located in Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The name means “blue river bend” in Mongolian and “green jungle” in Kazakh. It is not a single scenic spot, but a comprehensive tourist area composed of several core zones, mainly including:

• Keketohai Scenic Area (Irtysh Grand Canyon): The core natural landscape zone featuring granite peaks, crystal-clear rivers, forests and meadows.
• Keketohai International Ski Resort: A world-class ski resort in Asia built on its unique geographical and climatic advantages.
• Keketohai Rare Metals National Mine Park: A red industrial tourist attraction represented by the famous “No.3 Ore Vein” and Ayiguzi Mine Cave.
• Kokosuri Lake (Wild Duck Lake): A beautiful wetland teeming with water birds and lush reeds.

Four Core Experiences of Keketohai Travel in 2026

1. Explore the Irtysh Grand Canyon: A Walking Epic of Granite

This is the highlight of Keketohai’s natural scenery. The Irtysh River flows through the canyon, flanked by continuous and uniquely shaped granite peaks such as the Divine Bell Mountain, Camel Peak and Elephant Trunk Peak, known as the “108 Peaks”. In summer (June–August), the area is lush and green, making it an ideal summer resort for hiking. In autumn (mid-September to mid-October), it becomes a photographer’s paradise, where golden birch forests along the valley, azure rivers and gray-white granite form a vivid oil painting.

Highlights:

• Divine Bell Mountain: The iconic landmark of the canyon, a towering independent granite peak shaped like an inverted giant bell, a must-visit photo spot.
• Combination of shuttle bus and hiking: Take the scenic shuttle bus deep into the canyon and hike at multiple viewing platforms to appreciate the magnificence of mountains and rivers up close.
• Scenic beauty in all seasons: Besides the greenery in summer and golden hues in autumn, the rime and ice waterfall landscapes in winter are uniquely stunning with fewer crowds.

2. Challenge Keketohai International Ski Resort: Enjoy Powder Snow at a “Ski Paradise”

For winter sports enthusiasts, this top Asian ski resort is an unmissable part of your 2026 Keketohai trip. Located within a national 5A scenic area, its biggest advantage is its ultra-long ski season (usually open from October to May of the next year), earning it the reputation of the only fairy-tale ski resort in China where you can ski until May. With a maximum altitude of 3,100 meters and a vertical drop of 1,350 meters, the resort boasts high-quality “powder snow” and diverse ski terrain.

Highlights:

• Gem Avenue: A 9.7-kilometer ultra-long beginner slope with gentle gradients, perfect for novice and intermediate skiers to enjoy scenic gliding while overlooking the spectacular winter views of the Altay Mountains.
• Black Diamond Run: One of the steepest ski runs in China (maximum gradient 71.28%), an ultimate test of advanced skiers’ skills.
• Spring snow season exclusive events: In March and April 2026, the resort will remain in full swing, hosting a variety of special events such as park open classes, brand test skis and sprint competitions, combining fun and professionalism.
• Summit viewing: Take the cable car to the 3,100-meter summit, sip a hot drink in a chalet above the sea of clouds, and wait for the romantic orange sky at sunset—an ideal spot for stunning photos.

3. Visit Keketohai Rare Metals National Mine Park: Touch the Meritorious Memories of the Republic

This profound red historical tour adds depth to your 2026 Keketohai journey. Known as a “natural geological museum”, the No.3 Ore Vein contains 84 kinds of rare minerals. It made indelible contributions to paying off the New China’s foreign debts and the development of the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” program, hence its reputation as the “Meritorious Mine” and “Hero Mine”.

Highlights:

• No.3 Open Pit Mine: The gigantic mine site is visually striking, offering a direct sense of the scale of mining operations back then.
• Ayiguzi Mine Cave: Put on a safety helmet and walk 800 meters deep into the mountain. Guided by mine lamps, you can see clear chisel marks on the rock walls, listen to stories of hard work in those years, and experience the stark contrast between the 0°C cave and the bright sunshine outside. In April 2026, the scenic area completed ice and snow clearing, ready to welcome visitors.
• Geological Exhibition Hall: It is recommended to visit here first to learn the background of the ore vein before heading to the mine pit for a deeper experience. Admission is free.

4. Stroll Along Kokosuri Lake: Encounter the Serenity of a Wetland Wonderland

As a national 4A-level scenic area, Kokosuri Lake offers a relaxing and pleasant experience on your 2026 Keketohai trip. The lake is covered with lush aquatic plants and numerous floating reed islands. In summer, thousands of wild ducks, gray cranes and red geese breed here, showcasing the full beauty of the wetland.

Recommended Itineraries & Best Travel Seasons for Keketohai 2026

Best Travel Time & Themes

• Summer (June–August): Peak season for summer retreats and hiking. With cool temperatures and lush greenery in the Irtysh Grand Canyon, it is perfect for hiking, photography and sightseeing. Water birds flock to Kokosuri Lake.
• Autumn (mid-September–mid-October): Golden photography season. Birch forests turn golden, creating a paradise for photographers.
• Winter (November–April): Ice and snow carnival season. Enjoy top-tier skiing at Keketohai International Ski Resort, while the canyon’s rime landscapes are equally unique.
• Spring (May): End of ski season and blooming period. Experience “spring snow skiing” while wildflowers begin to bloom in the mountains.

Classic 3-Day & 2-Night Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Historical Exploration

Arrive in Fuyun County/Keketohai Town in the morning. In the afternoon, visit Keketohai Rare Metals National Mine Park (Geological Exhibition Hall, No.3 Open Pit Mine, Ayiguzi Mine Cave) to learn about its meritorious history. Wander around Keketohai Town in the evening to experience the local town charm. Stay overnight in the town.

Day 2: In-Depth Exploration of Natural Wonders

Explore Keketohai Scenic Area (Irtysh Grand Canyon) for the whole day. Take the shuttle bus deep into the canyon and hike or take photos at stops including Divine Bell Mountain, Couple Tree and Waterfall Gully. Time permitting, head to Kokosuri Lake to watch the wetland sunset. Stay overnight in the town or near the scenic area.

Day 3: Snow Sports Fun or Leisure Return

• Winter: Head to Keketohai International Ski Resort for alpine skiing.
• Summer & Autumn: Take a more in-depth light hike in the canyon, or visit the No.3 Courtyard Cultural and Creative Park converted from old factory buildings, browse bookstores, cafes and buy featured cultural and creative products. Pack your belongings in the afternoon and end the trip.

Complete Practical Guide for Keketohai Travel 2026

How to Get There (Transportation Guide)

• By Air (Fastest): Fly from your city to Urumqi, then take a connecting flight to Fuyun Keketohai Airport. It takes about 15–20 minutes by taxi from the airport to Keketohai Town or the scenic area.
• By Train (Budget Option): Take a train from Urumqi to Fuyun Railway Station, then share a car or take a shuttle bus to Keketohai Town (about 1 hour’s drive).
• By Self-Driving (Most Flexible): Depart from Urumqi via National Highway G216, covering about 500 kilometers in 6–7 hours. The scenery along the way is spectacular, but note that gas stations are scarce on some sections—fill up the tank in advance. Private cars are not allowed to enter the ski resort directly; you must transfer to the ski resort shuttle bus at designated spots.

Internal Transportation & Opening Hours

• Keketohai Scenic Area (Irtysh Grand Canyon): Accessible only by scenic shuttle bus. Summer 2026 opening hours are generally 9:30–19:00 (subject to adjustment after Labor Day).
• Keketohai International Ski Resort: Open during the ski season (approximately October–May), with daily operating hours usually 10:00–18:00 or 19:00. Shuttle buses connect the town and the resort.
• Keketohai Rare Metals National Mine Park: Summer 2026 opening hours are 9:00–20:00.

Cost Reference (2026 Information)

The main expenses of a 2026 Keketohai trip include admission tickets, transportation, accommodation and catering.

Scenic Area Tickets

• Keketohai Scenic Area (Irtysh Grand Canyon): Ticket ~90 RMB/person, shuttle bus fare ~26–36 RMB/person (mandatory).
• Keketohai International Ski Resort: Weekday ski pass (including cable cars) ~210 RMB/day. Prices may fluctuate during holidays or special events. During the 2026 Qingming Festival, the resort offered free skiing (excluding ski equipment) for out-of-Xinjiang tourists arriving by air.
• Keketohai Rare Metals National Mine Park: Ticket ~80 RMB/person (including shuttle bus, mine cave exploration and guided tour). Half-price discounts are available in winter.
• Kokosuri Lake: Ticket ~28 RMB/person.

Discount Policies: Students and seniors aged 65–69 usually enjoy half-price tickets; free admission for children under 6 years old or below 1.2 meters, seniors over 70, active military personnel and other eligible groups.

Accommodation: Accommodation options in Keketohai Town are diverse. Budget hotels or homestays cost ~200–400 RMB/night. Ski-in/ski-out hotels in the resort (e.g., Fenghua·Keke) are premium, priced at over 600–1,000 RMB/night.

Catering: Average cost per person at town restaurants is ~50–80 RMB for a satisfying meal. The resort offers a wide range of dining options, from food court light meals to western food at music bars, with an average cost of ~60–120 RMB per person.

Special Tips for International Travelers

• Documents: Ensure your passport and Chinese tourist visa (L visa) are valid. If planning to visit border areas (not required for the main Keketohai scenic spots), check in advance whether a Border Management Zone Permit is needed.
• Seasonal Clothing: Xinjiang has extreme day-night temperature differences. Prepare short sleeves, sun protection clothing and a light jacket in summer; fleece or thin down jackets in autumn; professional thermal and waterproof ski suits, gloves and goggles for winter skiing.
• Respect Local Culture: Keketohai is home to ethnic groups including Kazakhs and Mongolians. Please respect their customs and religious beliefs.
• Eco-Friendly Travel: Take all garbage away from the scenic area to protect this precious natural and geological heritage.
• Advance Planning & Booking: Hotels and ski passes are in high demand during holidays and peak ski seasons. Book in advance through official channels or reliable platforms.
• Safety First: Choose ski runs matching your skill level and wear protective gear. Stick to designated trails when hiking in the canyon.

Keketohai in 2026 awaits every curious traveler. Here, you can measure the grandeur of granite canyons with your feet, glide across Asia’s top powder snow with skis, and touch the profound history of the People’s Republic with your hands. It is an all-round baptism for the body, mind and perception. Start planning your 2026 Keketohai trip now and embark on this legendary journey that spans four seasons and connects nature and history.