Kanas Three Bays: Immortal Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay on the Kanas River
Most people come to Kanas for the lake, but the river that feeds it is the real show for walkers. In the dozen kilometers below the lake, the Kanas River settles into three celebrated bends — Immortal Bay (仙女湾), Moon Bay (月亮湾), and Wolong Bay (卧龙湾) — each with its own shape, legend, and viewpoint. Together they are the most photographed stretch of the entire Altai, and for good reason.
If you only have one morning in the park, walk the riverside trail between the bays rather than just driving past. It is flat, well-built, and far quieter than the lake overlook.
Moon Bay
The middle and most famous of the three, Moon Bay is a near-perfect crescent of blue-green water curling between two wooded peninsulas. A classic shot is from the high boardwalk looking down the bend, ideally at first light when low sun slides under the spruce. The ‘two footprints’ rocks in the riverbed are a local legend — said to be left by a goddess who bathed here. You can reach it by shuttle bus and a short walk, or by hiking down from Immortal Bay.
Wolong Bay
Lower down, Wolong (‘Crouching Dragon’) Bay widens into a calm pool dotted with a long, low island that, from above, resembles a dragon lying in the water. It is the easiest of the three to reach on foot from the road and has a pleasant riverside picnic feel. In autumn the surrounding birch turn the whole frame gold, and the still water doubles it.
Immortal Bay
The uppermost and, to many, the most atmospheric, Immortal Bay is a wetland where the river splinters into delicate channels across a marshy meadow. Mist hangs here longest in the morning, and the wooden walkways let you drift above the water without damaging it. It is the best of the three for slow photography and the least crowded if you arrive early.
How to See All Three
The park shuttle runs between the lake, the bays, and the village of Hemu. The smart play: take the shuttle to the top, then walk downhill (Immortal → Moon → Wolong), which is mostly gentle and saves your legs. Allow half a day. In peak autumn (late September–early October) the bays are busy by 9 a.m., so be on the first shuttle.
When to Go
Autumn is the headline: birch gold, larch yellow, water cobalt. Summer is green and lush with long days. Winter closes some access but rewards with snow silence. Spring is muddy and variable. Whatever the season, the Three Bays are the most reliable beauty in Kanas — the lake monster is optional, the bends are not.
