Discover Altay
Altay City rests at the foot of the Altai Mountains, known as the origin of human skiing and China's Snow Capital—a key stop on the northern Silk Road corridor and the grand tourism gallery of northern Xinjiang.
Altay City rests at the foot of the Altai Mountains, known as the origin of human skiing and China's Snow Capital—a key stop on the northern Silk Road corridor and the grand tourism gallery of northern Xinjiang.
Altay City rests at the foot of the Altai Mountains, known as the origin of human skiing and China's Snow Capital—a key stop on the northern Silk Road corridor and the grand tourism gallery of northern Xinjiang.
Northern landscapes, all seasons
A mountain-and-river town · Origin of human skiing · China's Snow Capital
National and regional highways connect Altay with the rest of China. Self-drive routes, rail, road, and air links make it easy to reach snow peaks, grasslands, lakes, and forests across the region.
Snow
Powder snow, winter icon
Peak
Altai ranges, city in view
River
Kran through town, waterside life
Pasture
Open ranches, four seasons
Rich in mountains, rivers, forests, and wetlands, Altay is called the land of golden mountains and silver waters. Average elevation is about 900 m, with cool summers around 21.4°C, long sunshine hours, and excellent air quality—recognized as a Natural Oxygen Bar and a summer retreat destination. Sitting in the 45°–47° N powder-snow belt, the city offers long seasons and fine natural snow.
Elevation
~900 m
Annual mean
5.6°C
July mean
21.4°C
Sunshine
~2,900 hrs
01
Altay has deep history. Petroglyphs at Dundebulake record late Paleolithic skiing, while stone figures on the steppe witness centuries of cultural change.
02
Altay preserves a rich intangible heritage portfolio—93 items registered at county level and above, including 2 national and 12 autonomous-region listings.
03
Widely recognized as the origin of human skiing, Altay's cave art documents skiing thousands of years ago. Traditional fur-ski craftsmanship continues as living heritage that nourishes modern winter sports culture.
Spring
Ice & renewal
Rivers thaw, birches green, spring arrives slowly.
Summer
Cool escape
Cool forests, meadows, and pasture—perfect for summer.
Autumn
Golden forests
Layered colors, open roads, autumn at its best.
Winter
Snow capital
Powder snow, long season—the home of skiing.