Kanas Lake is a breathtaking, alpine crescent-shaped lake located in the Altay Mountains of northern Xinjiang, PRC, near the borders of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. Renowned as the "palette of the gods," the lake’s water dramatically shifts colors throughout the season, ranging from crystal turquoise and deep emerald to milky cyan due to glacial runoff and changing light. The valleys are home to the Tuva people, a distinct Mongol sub-group who maintain traditional wooden log cabins, nomadic herding practices, and unique folk music. Nearby historic villages famous for their wooden cabins surrounded by birch forests, which draw photographers worldwide. You can hire horses in the Temu Villages and ride ~7 hours down the valley. I hadn't ridden in years and couldn't sit for two days afterward. This photo was taken perched high on a ridge above the lake, this vantage point offers panoramic views. #travelphotogrpahy #China #PRC #Xinjiang #analog #provia #LeicaM7 #Kanas