The Kanas Lake is located in the northern Bu'erjin County of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and 150 kilometers to the county town. Kanas in Mongolian means lake in canyon. Nestled in the deep forests and mountains of Altay, the lake is 1,374 meters above sea level and covers an area of 45.73 square kilometers with the deepest point of 188.5 meters.

The long bean-shaped lake reflects the surrounding snowcapped mountains. In autumn, it presents a picturesque landscape of forests in a riot of colors with gold, red, blue and green, which excites your sights and senses. A total number of 798 kinds of trees have been found in the area, including some rare species such as larch, red pine, spruce, fir, and birch. The lake also has 39 species of beasts, 117 species of birds, 4 species of amphibious animals, 7 species of fish, and more than 300 species of insects.

Embraced by snow-capped mountains, the Kanas Lake area is covered with dense forests and is the only region where animals and plants of South Siberia species can be found in China. Between July and August, the area around Kanas Lake is filled with locals who come for the Nadam Fair. They buy and sell handicrafts and take part in local festival activities including a rather bizarre sport known as Sheep Tussling.

In spring, various flowers are in blossom in the grassland, and grass is thick and green. Standing in the grass, you can see that cloud and mist near look like white ribbons round mountains. In the distance are snow-capped mountains on which thick forests grow. In July or August, standing Fish Viewing Pavilion that is 2030 m above sea level, and looking down at the view below you, you will be attracted by the beautiful lake and mountains.

Besides the famous legends about "Kanas Monster", the "Emei Spectacle", that lights up the clouds after a morning rain, adds another air of mystery to the lake. The practices of the Tuwa Tribe and Altai Mountain rock-paintings have been attracting explorers and travelers to this area for decades.