Bu’erjin (Burqin) is a small city in the north of the autonomous region of Xinjiang, in northwest China. It’s not the most happening place but provides a launch point for exploring Kanas National Nature Reserve.
Kanas National Nature Reserve is 140kms from Bu’erjin and lies right up toward the Kazak, Mongolian, and Russian borders, such is its remoteness. It features a huge, blue lake and stunning forest-clad rivers and is inhabited by Mongol nomads. Traveling around Kanas National Nature Reserve on horseback is fun.
Bu’erjin itself is not worth spending much time in as there are minimal attractions and limited accommodation and tourist facilities.
Getting There & Away
The most convenient entry point to Bu’erjin is Altay Airport, about 100kms to the east. Flight time from Urumqi is around an hour, from where you can connect to Beijing. Buses run to Bu’erjin from Altay in around 2 hours. The other way in from Urumqi, the Xinjiang capital, is by bus as there is no rail link. Travel time is 12 hours from Nianzigou Bus Station along China National Highway 217.
Things to Do
Bu’erjin Attractions
- Bu’erjin facilities
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This small town has no outstanding attractions and is only visited for its positioning close to kanas national nature reserve.
Side trips from Bu’erjin
- Kanas National Nature Reserve
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A beautiful, remote reserve in the wilds of extreme northwest china, with the huge kanas lake and migratory birds being the main draws.