How to Get to the Ancient Poplar Forest in Nilka Wetland on a Yili Group Tour Ecological Route and Cost Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
In-depth Ecological Tour of the Ancient Poplar Forest in the Nilka Wetland, Yili:A Green Breathing Journey to Explore the Primeval Forest
🌿 [Key Highlights of the Itinerary:Step into the ‘Green Lung’ of Western China]
The Ancient Poplar Forest Scenic Area in Nilka Wetland is located at the eastern end of the Yili River Valley, covering a total area of 213,000 acres. It is one of the most well-preserved primeval ancient poplar forests in western China. Centered around the ‘ancient poplar community + wetland ecology,’ it boasts over 2,000 ancient poplar trees aged over 300 years, interspersed with 10 kilometers of ecological wooden walkways, 21 observation decks, and 3 naturally growing flower fields. Recent monitoring data from 2026 shows traces of snow leopards, ibex, and other national first-class protected animals within the scenic area, making it a ‘living museum’ for ecological observers.
The scenic area offers distinct landscapes in each season:
Spring (April-May):Naturally growing Adonis flowers bloom through the snow, creating the wonder of a ‘flower field in the snow’
Summer (June-August):With an average temperature of 22°C and a negative oxygen ion concentration of 30,000 per cubic centimeter, it is an ideal summer resort and convalescent destination
Autumn (September-October):The ancient poplar forest is ablaze with color, with golden and fiery red hues intertwining to form an ‘oil painting corridor’
Winter (November-March):The rime landscape lasts for 40 days, transforming the walkways into a ‘crystal corridor’
🚌 [New Transportation Options for 2026]
[Group Tour Transportation Arrangements]
In-depth Ecological Tour of the Ancient Poplar Forest in the Nilka Wetland, Yili: A Green Breathing Journey to Explore the Primeval ForestXinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency offers two transfer options:
1. Fixed-point transfer from Yining City: Departs daily at 8:00 AM from Yining Railway Station/Airport, traveling 2 hours along National Highway G218 directly to the scenic area. Returns at 6:00 PM from the scenic area.
2. Carpooling from Nilka County: If visitors arrive in Nilka County independently, they can contact the travel agency to arrange a 7-seat commercial vehicle carpooling service (reference price: 60 RMB/person/one-way)
[Self-Drive Reference Route]
From Yili Prefecture:Yidun Expressway → G218 → S315 → X776 (total distance approximately 180 km, travel time 2.5 hours)
From Urumqi:Urumqi-Kuytun Expressway → Dushanzi Exit → G217 → S315 → X776 (total distance approximately 520 km, travel time 6 hours)
⚠ ️ Traffic control is implemented within the scenic area. Private vehicles must be parked in the visitor center parking lot (free of charge) and transfer to shuttle buses (6 RMB/person/one-way)
📅 [3-Day In-Depth Ecological Itinerary]
Day 1:Introduction to the Ancient Poplar Realm
08:00 Assemble and depart from Yining
🌿[Key Highlight of the Itinerary: Step into the ‘Green Lung’ of Western China]10:30 Arrive at the scenic area and take the shuttle bus to the core zone
11:00-13:00 Hike the ‘Millennium Ancient Poplar Corridor,’ observing bark textures and tree ring characteristics
13:30 Lunch in Nilka County (recommended combination of pilaf and grilled lamb skewers)
15:00 Return to the scenic area and photograph the wetland panorama from the observation deck
17:30 Attend the scenic area’s ecological lecture (limited to 30 people daily, advance reservation required)
Day 2:Wetland Ecological Exploration
09:00 Take the electric shuttle bus deep into the wetland heartland (reference price: 30 RMB/person)
10:00-12:00 Participate in the ‘Bird Observation’ activity (equipped with professional binoculars)
12:30 Picnic experience (travel agency provides portable lunch boxes)
14:00 Visit the ‘Ancient Poplar Protection Station’ to learn about tree maintenance techniques
16:00 Free time to photograph the flower fields and their reflections
The Ancient Poplar Forest Scenic Area in Nilka Wetland is located at the eastern end of the Yili River Valley, covering a total area of 213,000 acres. It is one of the most well-preserved primeval ancient poplar forests in western China. Centered around the ‘ancient poplar community + wetland ecology,’ it boasts over 2,000 ancient poplar trees aged over 300 years, interspersed with 10 kilometers of ecological wooden walkways, 21 observation decks, and 3 naturally growing flower fields. Recent monitoring data from 2026 shows traces of snow leopards, ibex, and other national first-class protected animals within the scenic area, making it a ‘living museum’ for ecological observers.Day 3:Cultural Extension Tour
08:30 Depart for the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery (1.5-hour drive)
10:30 Visit the Duku Highway Memorial Hall to learn about the road construction history
12:00 Experience dairy product making in a Kazakh folk village
14:00 Return to Yining, with a stop at the Guozigou Bridge observation deck along the way
💰 [2026 Cost Breakdown]
[Basic Fees] (calculated based on a group of 30 people)
Transportation:Round-trip transfer from Yining + scenic area shuttle bus: 120 RMB/person
Admission Tickets:49 RMB/person (including ecological insurance)
Meals:2 formal meals (8 dishes + 1 soup standard): 80 RMB/person
The scenic area offers distinct landscapes in each season:Services:Professional tour guide + ecological interpreter: 100 RMB/person
[Optional Upgrade Packages]
In-depth Experience Package (electric shuttle bus + binocular rental + picnic equipment): 150 RMB/person
Photography Assistance Service (professional photographer for 3 hours of shooting): 300 RMB/person
Parent-Child Nature Classroom (animal and plant specimen making): 80 RMB/child
⚠ ️ Fee Notes:
1. Seniors aged 65+, children under 1.3 meters, active-duty military personnel, and others meeting discount conditions may receive reduced or waived admission fees with valid identification
2. Single travelers will be coordinated for shared accommodation whenever possible. If separate accommodation is required, a room supplement fee will apply (reference price: 150 RMB/night)
3. Specific fees are subject to actual consultation and contract signing and may fluctuate based on tour schedule
📋 [Service Guarantee System]
Spring (April-May): Naturally growing Adonis flowers bloom through the snow, creating the wonder of a ‘flower field in the snow’1. Equipment: Each tour group is equipped with a first aid kit + AED defibrillator, and guides hold Red Cross Society first aid certificates
2. Ecological Commitment: Fully use biodegradable tableware and prohibit feeding naturally growing animals
3. Emergency Plan: In case of extreme weather, the itinerary will be adjusted to an indoor ecological classroom + documentary viewing
4. Complaint Channel: 24-hour service hotline (consult Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency’s customer service manager Zhang Jing)
🌲 [Ecological Travel Guidelines]
1. Clothing Recommendations: Non-slip hiking shoes + quick-dry clothing + windproof jacket (temperature differences in the forest can reach 10°C)
2. Equipment Checklist: Backpack, sunscreen, power bank, 1.5L drinking water
3. Photography Tips: Soft morning and evening light is ideal for portrait photography; midday is suitable for aerial panoramic shots
4. Prohibited Items: Collecting plant specimens is prohibited; drone flight beyond altitude limits is prohibited
📞 [Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency by providing valid identification information and special needs (e.g., dietary restrictions, mobility issues). After the group is formed, a ‘Pre-Trip Manual’ will be sent, containing practical information such as real-time weather, clothing index, and equipment checklist.
(This information is compiled from the 2026 public data of Nilka County Culture and Tourism Bureau, the scenic area’s real-time ticketing system, and quotes from partner ground operators. The specific itinerary is subject to the contract signed by both parties. The travel agency will make reasonable adjustments to the itinerary based on actual weather and road conditions to ensure the quality of sightseeing and experience.)
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
