One of the most breathtaking tourist sites in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is Kanas Lake, deep in the forests of the Altai Mountains. In this photo filed by CRI reporters traveling in Xinjiang, Kanas Lake is seen through thick layers of clouds hovering above its surface. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Li Jing] 

 Kanas Lake is nicknamed the "Switzerland of the East" for its similar high altitude, lush forests and pristine water. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Li Jing]

 The lake also attracts media attention for alleged sightings of a mysterious lake monster, similar to Scotland's Loch Ness monster. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Li Jing]

Moon Bay is a sightseeing stop along the river which flows into Kanas Lake. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Li Jing] 

Kanas means "beautiful, rich and mysterious" in Mongolian. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Li Jing]