Habahe County White Birch Forest Scenic Area is located in Habahe County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at the southern foot of the Altai Mountains and the northern bank of the Irtysh River. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. With a total area of approximately 5 square kilometers, the scenic area features a core attraction of pristine white birch forest wetland ecosystems, boasting the largest and best-preserved natural white birch forest belt in Xinjiang. The white birch trees in the forest have an average height of 20 meters and most are between 100 and 200 years old, forming a unique wetland ecosystem of "rivers winding through forests and islands dotting rivers." It serves as a comprehensive scenic area integrating ecological sightseeing, leisure vacations, and scientific education.
History and Culture
The area where the Habahe County White Birch Forest is located was a habitat for ancient northern nomadic peoples. According to archaeological discoveries, bronze age cultural relics have been unearthed around it, proving that humans have lived here for as long as 3,000 years. White birch trees hold special significance in the culture of ethnic minorities in the Altay region. Ethnic groups such as the Kazakhs and Tuwa people regard white birch trees as "auspicious trees". In traditional folklore, there are techniques for using white birch bark to make daily necessities, such as birch bark boxes and birch bark boats, which are still inherited in some villages to this day.
The scenic area also preserves a logging site relic from the 1950s, witnessing the history of local forestry development in the early days of the founding of New China. The logging tools and simple shed ruins from that time have become part of industrial heritage, showcasing the course of harmonious development between humans and nature to visitors.
Main Attractions
White Birch Forest Wetland Boardwalk
The boardwalk has a total length of 3.2 kilometers, paved with anti-corrosion wood, winding through the core area of the white birch forest. The average width of the boardwalk is 2 meters, with 12 viewing platforms and 5 science display boards, allowing visitors to closely observe the white birch forest and wetland landscape. The lowest point of the boardwalk is at an altitude of 520 meters. Along the way, tributaries of the Irtysh River can be seen passing through the forest, forming large and small islands inhabited by more than 20 species of birds.
White Birch Forest Museum
The museum has a construction area of 800 square meters and is divided into a natural ecology hall and a cultural history hall. The natural ecology hall displays the ecosystem of the white birch forest in the Altay region, with more than 150 exhibited specimens including white birch tree seeds, understory vegetation, and wetland organisms; the cultural history hall exhibits more than 80 cultural relics such as ethnic minority birch bark crafts and ancient nomadic production tools, among which the oldest birch bark utensils can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty.
First Bend of the Irtysh River Viewing Platform
The viewing platform is located at the commanding height in the northeastern part of the scenic area, at an altitude of 610 meters, 2.5 kilometers away from the scenic area entrance. Climbing the platform offers a panoramic view of the "Ω"-shaped big bend formed by the Irtysh River here, with a river width of 800 meters and white birch forests stretching 5 kilometers along both banks. In summer, the forest is like a green wave, and in autumn, golden leaves cover the ground, making it a classic shooting location for photographers.
White Birch Forest Camping Base
The camping base covers an area of 150 mu and has 50 standard camping sites, equipped with water and electricity piles, public restrooms, and other facilities. Ten forest hiking trails have been opened within the base, with a total length of approximately 8 kilometers, and plant and animal observation points are set up along the way. Star observation activities can be carried out at night, with an average summer temperature of 18°C, making it an ideal summer camping destination.
Food
Hand-Pulled Mutton
Selected from Altay big-tailed sheep raised on the grasslands of Habahe County, the lamb ribs are cut into 5 cm cubes and cooked in clear water, then eaten with salt. The meat is tender and free of mutton odor, with an average consumption of about 400 grams per serving. It is paired with locally produced piyazi (onions) to relieve greasiness, and is a signature dish for Kazakh hospitality.
Cold-Water Fish Barbecue
Using cold-water fish such as Leuciscus idus and burbot, special products of the Irtysh River, as ingredients, the fish are 30-50 cm long, marinated, and skewered with red willow wood for grilling. During the grilling process, sheep oil and cumin are applied, resulting in a crispy outer skin and tender meat. Each grilled fish weighs about 500 grams and is sold at 80 yuan per piece.
Kumis (Horse Milk Wine)
Kumis is a traditional wine brewed by local herdsmen using traditional techniques, with an alcohol content of about 3-5 degrees and a slightly yellowish color. The daily supply is about 100 liters. It has the effects of appetizing and invigorating the spleen, and tastes better when chilled in summer. It is recommended that first-time drinkers start with a 50 ml small cup.
Mi Changzi Mian Feizi (Rice Intestines and Lung Noodles)
Sheep lungs and large intestines are cleaned, then filled with flour paste, mutton cubes, onion shreds, and other fillings, respectively, and cooked before being sliced and served on a plate. Each serving is about 300 grams, paired with vinegar and garlic paste seasoning. It is a local specialty snack commonly found at breakfast stalls, priced at 25 yuan per serving.
Tickets
The ticket price is 38 yuan per person.
You can search for the scenic area's official WeChat public account "哈巴河醉美白桦林" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Peak season (May-October): 08:30-20:30, off-season (November-April): 10:00-18:00; open year-round, with extended closing time until 21:00 during legal holidays and summer vacation. The camping base is open 24 hours but requires advance reservation.
Tour Routes
Recommended route: Scenic area entrance → White Birch Forest Museum (1 hour) → East section of the wetland boardwalk (1.5 hours, passing through the No. 3 viewing platform for bird watching) → First Bend of the Irtysh River Viewing Platform (1 hour, round trip by sightseeing car available) → Lunch at White Birch Forest Restaurant → Hiking trails at the camping base (2 hours) → Cold-water fish barbecue area for dinner → Star observation activity (summer-only, 1.5 hours).
Transportation
- Self-driving: From Altay City, drive north along G217 National Highway for 120 kilometers, then turn west onto S319 Provincial Highway and drive 45 kilometers to reach the scenic area, with a total journey of about 2.5 hours.
- Public transportation: Take the scenic area special line bus at Habahe County Bus Station, departing at 09:00, 11:00, and 15:00 daily, with a fare of 10 yuan and a journey time of 30 minutes; the return last bus is at 18:00.
- Tour charter: Tour charter services are available in both Altay City and Habahe County, with a one-way fare of about 300 yuan, suitable for 4-6 people traveling together.
Must-See Attractions
- White Birch Forest Wetland Boardwalk: With a total length of 3.2 kilometers, it allows for close interaction with the symbiotic landscape of white birch forests and wetlands. In summer, the negative oxygen ion concentration reaches 12,000 per cubic centimeter, making it a natural oxygen bar.
- First Bend of the Irtysh River Viewing Platform: At an altitude of 610 meters, it offers a view of the magnificent river bend formed by the 800-meter-wide river. The best photography time in autumn is from 17:00-19:00, capturing the color contrast between golden white birches and the blue river.
- White Birch Forest Camping Base: A 150-mu open area with 50 camping sites, an average summer temperature of 18°C, and professional camping equipment rental (tent rental: 50 yuan per tent per day).
Tour Tips
- When visiting in summer, bring mosquito repellent spray (preferably with DEET), as mosquito density is high around wetlands, especially in the early morning and evening.
- Autumn (mid-late September) is the best photography season, with white birch leaves turning golden for only about two weeks. It is recommended to check the leaf color change in advance and bring a telephoto lens to capture the light and shadow in the forest.
- When camping, prepare clothing for day-night temperature differences. Nighttime minimum temperatures may drop below 10°C, so bring a fleece sleeping bag or thin down comforter.
- When participating in hiking activities, wear waterproof hiking shoes. Some trails may be waterlogged after rain, and the section from the end of the boardwalk to the Irtysh River bank has soft sand.
- When tasting cold-water fish barbecue, it is recommended to pair it with the local beer "Xinjiang Wusu". Barbecue stalls are concentrated on the east side of the camping base, with an average consumption of about 100 yuan per person.
Notes
- Open fires are prohibited in the scenic area, except at the camping base, but tents must be set up in designated areas and registered in advance at the visitor center.
- Some sections of the wetland boardwalk are close to the river. It is forbidden to climb over the guardrail and enter the water. The deepest part of the water is 3 meters, and there have been cases of visitors slipping and falling into the water.
- Photography is prohibited in the White Birch Forest Museum, especially in the cultural relics exhibition cabinet area. If you need to record, you can use written descriptions or sketches.
- Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities. Most residents in villages around the scenic area are Kazakhs. Seek permission before entering villages and avoid photographing residential houses and elderly people.
- In winter, some roads in the scenic area are icy and snowy. Self-driving vehicles must be equipped with snow chains, and scenic area sightseeing vehicles are suspended during the snow season.