Complete Guide to Golden Populus Euphratica Forest Tour in Southern Xinjiang in Autumn

1. Recommended Trip Durations (Choose based on your schedule)

1. 5-Day Short Trip (Populus-focused, no plateau sightseeing)

    

   Ideal for travelers with limited vacation time who only want to photograph populus trees. It covers four large continuous golden populus forests: Luntai, Shaya, Bachu and Zepu. The route avoids backtracking with moderate driving hours.
    
2. 9-Day Classic Loop (Top Recommendation)

    

   This route combines all top continuous populus forests, Kashgar’s humanistic scenery and the snow-capped mountains of the Pamir Plateau. You will see waterside populus, desert populus, primitive wild populus and populus reflected in lakes all in one trip. The vast golden forest scenery is perfect for both photography enthusiasts and family trips.
    
3. 11-Day In-depth Photography Route

    

   Adds Luobu People Village, Huludao and Emerald Lake along the Desert Highway to the itinerary. Ample time is reserved for sunrise and sunset shooting, tailored for professional photographers.
    

Best Viewing Period

2. Core Populus Scenic Spots in Southern Xinjiang (Chinese & English Names + Highlights)

1. Luntai Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest National Forest Park

    

   English: Luntai Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest National Forest Park

    

   Highlights: China’s largest continuous populus forest. Vintage sightseeing trains run through golden woods. Deserts, rivers and populus trees create iconic frame-filling golden populus views.
   2.Shaya World Primitive Populus Forest (139km Populus Secret Road)
   

    

   English: Shaya World Primitive Populus Forest (139 Populus Secret Road)

    

   Highlights: The world’s best-preserved original populus forest. Dozens of kilometers of unbroken golden trees stretch along the winding Tarim River. Less crowded and well-preserved wilderness scenery, ideal for aerial photography.
    
2. Zepu Golden Populus National 5A Forest Park (Waterside Populus)

   

   English: Zepu Golden Populus National Forest Park

    

   Highlights: The only continuous waterside populus forest in China. Clear blue water mirrors golden tree canopies. Lakeside wooden boardwalks provide easy, photogenic walking routes with soft, picturesque views suitable for casual travel.
    
3. Bachu Red Sea Populus Scenic Area

    

   English: Bachu Red Sea Populus Scenic Area

    

   Highlights: Over 3 million mu of wild continuous populus forest. Golden populus mixed with red tamarisk bushes create rich layered colors. Surrounded by lakes and wetlands, the rolling golden woods deliver spectacular wide vistas.
    
4. Yuli Huludao Populus Forest

    

   English: Yuli Huludao Populus Forest

    

   Highlights: A lesser-known island populus forest accessible only by boat. Complete golden tree reflections cover the lake surface. A quiet, uncrowded hidden gem.
    
5. Yuli Luobu People Village Populus Forest

    

   English: Luobu People Village Populus Forest

    

   Highlights: Populus trees set against sand dunes, the Tarim River and traditional Luobu ethnic culture. Expansive golden populus groves beside dunes blend natural landscapes with local folk customs.
    

3. 9-Day Classic Southern Xinjiang Populus Loop (All-inclusive for continuous golden populus views)

Transportation: Chartered car / Self-driving

Day 1: Departure City → Korla (Arrival & Rest)

Day 2: Korla → Yuli · Luobu People Village + Huludao Populus Forest (Full-day populus photography)

Day 3: Korla → Luntai Tarim Populus Forest → Kuqa

Day 4: Kuqa → Shaya 139km Populus Secret Road → Aksu

Day 5: Aksu → Bachu Red Sea Populus Forest → Yarkand

Day 6: Yarkand → Zepu Golden Populus Forest → Kashgar Ancient City

Day 7: Kashgar → Pamir Plateau (White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata Peak) → Tashkurgan

Day 8: Tashkurgan → Panlong Ancient Road, Bandir Blue Lake → Return to Kashgar

Day 9: Free time in Kashgar → Departure

4. Collection of Over 10 Real Populus Forest Photos (All featuring continuous golden groves)

5. Practical Travel Tips

1. Outfit Advice: Temperatures in Southern Xinjiang in October–November fluctuate by over 15°C between day and night. Light down jackets and windproof outer layers are essential. Light-colored clothing photographs beautifully against golden populus trees.
2. Photography Guide: 17:00–19:00 daily is the golden shooting window, when sunlight gilds all populus trees. Aerial photography is recommended for Shaya and Luntai; overhead shots of continuous forests produce dramatic images.
3. Road Conditions: The 139km Populus Secret Road and Desert Highway are fully paved, accessible for ordinary sedans.
4. Ticket Reference Prices

• Luntai Tarim Populus Forest: 60 RMB entrance fee + 100 RMB sightseeing train ticket
• Zepu Golden Populus Forest: 40 RMB entrance fee + 20 RMB shuttle bus ticket
• Bachu Red Sea Scenic Area: 45 RMB entrance fee
• Shaya 139km Populus Secret Road: Free entry, no extra fees for roadside viewing platforms
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  南疆胡杨林四季景色各异，春有生机、夏有绿意、秋有金黄、冬有雪景，每一季都有独特的自然魅力。这里为你呈现不同季节的南疆胡杨林景观：

  1. 春季胡杨林景观：
     
  2. 夏季胡杨林临水景观：
     

     探索夏季的额济纳大漠胡杨林
  3. 初秋黄绿渐变的胡杨林景观：
     

     立秋|属于这个季节的美景到了——胡杨林
  4. 冬季雪覆胡杨林景观：
     
  5. 冬季雾凇胡杨树特写：