Kanas Lake

Photo

by Yanxutong1215

/ CC BY-SA 4.0

Kanas Lake, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, is a stunning alpine lake known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled in the Altai Mountains, the lake sits at an elevation of approximately 1,375 meters (4,511 feet) and covers an area of around 45 square kilometers (17 square miles). The waters of Kanas Lake are famously turquoise, a result of glacial minerals, and the surrounding landscapes are a mix of dense forests, verdant meadows, and dramatic mountain peaks. This pristine environment is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare Siberian taimen fish. Kanas Lake is also steeped in local legend, with the indigenous Tuvan people believing in the existence of a mysterious lake creature.