Jimunai is the northernmost of the three border crossing points between China’s Xinjiang prefecture and eastern Kazakhstan. It is around 200kms west of Altay City, 600kms northwest of Urumqi, and has some nice scenery.
There is nothing at all remarkable about the town of Jimunai. It is simply a border town with Kazakhstan’s Maykapchigay lying opposite. Other than crossing over to Kazakhstan, it is worth having a look around the Jimunai countryside.
A recently discovered petrified forest lies in Jimunai County and covers an area of 10 square kilometers and displays all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes.
The town of Bu’erjin lies equidistant between Jimunai and Altay. It comes with more facilities than Jimunai and is the main launch point in the region for visits to Kanas National Nature Reserve. This beautiful park is Xinjiang’s nicest and lies across Chinese, Kazak, Mongolian, and Russian borders.
Getting There & Away
Jimunai is served by the S319 highway, which meets with the G217 to Altay. Buses from Altay take around 4 hours or 12 hours from the capital, Urumqi. The nearest airport is Altay Airport, which receives flights from Urumqi in about an hour.
Things to Do
Jimunai Attractions
- Jimunai County Petrified Forest
-
This newly discovered site amid mountains and forests is a nice distraction after the long journey to jimunai.
- Xinjiang-Kazakh border
-
The main appeal of a visit to jimunai is to cross the border.
Side trips from Jimunai
- Kanas National Nature Reserve
-
The town of bu’erjin is 100kms east of jimunai and tours leave from here regularly for kanas national nature reserve, one of xinjiang’s finest areas.