Ganzhou → Hemu Village | A Fairytale Winter Adventure Spanning 4,000 Kilometers

Folks! On February 3, 2024, I set off from Ganzhou, Jiangxi, for Hemu Village in Xinjiang, embarking on an epic and dreamy journey! After crossing 4,000 kilometers, I finally witnessed a fairytale world covered in snow! I've compiled a super detailed guide, so save it now! ✈️ Transportation (Must-read for those departing from Ganzhou!) 1️⃣ Ganzhou → Ürümqi There are no direct flights from Ganzhou! It is recommended to take a flight from "Ganzhou to Xi'an, then transfer to Ürümqi," which takes about 6 hrs (book tickets 1 month in advance to save 30%!). Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train to Nanchang first and then take a direct flight, which offers more flexibility. 2️⃣ Ürümqi → Hemu Village • Luxury Option: Fly from Ürümqi to Kanas Airport (1.5 hrs) + take a shared car/scenic area shuttle (1.5 hrs to Hemu), perfect for those in a hurry! • Cost-Effective Option: Take a bus from Nianzigou Bus Station → Burqin (8 hrs, CNY 200), stay overnight, and then transfer the next day for 3–4 hrs to Hemu. The scenery along the way is stunning! 🎫 Travel Guide (with hidden gems) ✅ Core Attractions ▫️Observation Deck: Rush to the top at 7am! Watch the sunrise turn the entire village golden. Any photo you take with your phone can be used as wallpaper. ▫️Hemu River: The frozen river surface transforms into a natural ice rink. Experience the thrill of a horse-drawn sleigh for CNY 30! ▫️Stargazing Spot: Navigate to the area near "Hemu Bridge." Use a tripod + long exposure to capture the Milky Way within reach! ✅ Unique Experience: Visit a Tuva family! Drink butter tea, listen to ancient legends, and learn how to make milk curd. 🍖 Hemu Cuisine 🔥 Must-try list: ✔️Hand-pulled mutton: So tender it falls off the bone. Dip it in chili powder for a divine experience! ✔️Freshly baked buns: The crust is so crispy it crumbles, and the mutton filling is steaming hot and comforting. ✔️Salty milk tea + naan: A standard breakfast for locals. It warms you up from head to toe! 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations I recommend "Hemu Snow Village Homestay" and "Hemu Manor." Underfloor heating + electric blankets are essential! Winter prices range from CNY 200–800. Book your room on Trip.com in advance and choose a room with a view to enjoy the snow scenery as soon as you open your eyes. ❄️ Life-Saving Tips 1️⃣ What to wear: Thermal underwear + sweater + thick down jacket + windproof parka! Don't forget a scarf, hat, and gloves. 2️⃣ Camera protection: Put a "warm coat" on your lens and keep the battery in your pocket to prevent it from failing. 3️⃣ Altitude sickness warning: Don't jump around when you first arrive! Keep some oral glucose solution handy; it's super helpful. 4️⃣ Best time for photos: Sunrise 7:30–8:30am/Sunset 6:00–7:00pm. The light is amazing! From the water towns of southern China to the snowy fields of the northwest, this journey across mountains and rivers is so worth it! Save this guide and let's go to Hemu together to chase a winter fairytale! 🌟