Jinshanlu

Altay has a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk), with an annual precipitation total of only 222.5 mm (8.76 in). Winters are long, bitterly cold and dry, with a January 24-hour average of −15.8 °C (3.6 °F); however, the presence of the Altay Mountains to the north helps moderate the severity of winter cold as compared to locations further to the east. Spring and autumn are short but mild. Summers are very warm, but dry, with a July 24-hour average of 21.9 °C (71.4 °F). The annual mean is 4.9 °C (40.8 °F). With monthly percent possible sunshine ranging from 53% in December to 75% in August and September, sunshine is abundant and the city receives 2,985.3 hours of bright sunshine annually.

Like other cities in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, there are many minorities in Altay, in particular Uyghurs and Kazakhs. The Dundbulag rock carvings (敦德布拉克岩画) in the Xandighati Mongol Ethnic Township (A.K.A. Handagaitu, Handgait; tyv. Handagaity; uyg. Handigati; cmn. Handegate) under this city is a very early evidence of skiing. The term Mongol here partially refers to ethnic Tuvans of the Mongol nation under Chinese designation.

The most important tourist site is Kanas Lake where there is a legend of a large creature.

China National Highway 216 China National Highway 217 Aletai Xuedu Airport Altay railway station From Ürümqi (capital of Xinjiang Province) to Altay, it takes about one hour by plane, nine hours by day bus, 12 hours by night bus and about 9.5 hours by train.

Ma Fuxiang (1876–1932), military governor of Altay Kanat Islam (born 1984), boxer Rebiya Kadeer (born 1947), secessionist and political activist Dinigeer Yilamujiang (born 2001), skier