How to Play in Xinjiang Tour Group during Poplar Season in October South and East Xinjiang Route Prices Recommended Routes Costs
Contact Manager Mai at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and get a quote.
Exploring the Golden Autumn Populus Euphratica:Complete Guide to a 10-Day In-Depth Tour of Southern and Eastern Xinjiang in October
(I) Itinerary Highlights and Destination Details
In October, Xinjiang transforms into a golden tapestry woven with Populus euphratica forests and vast desert landscapes. This 10-day, 9-night loop through southern and eastern Xinjiang connects the primitive Populus euphratica forests along both banks of the Tarim River, the “living fossil” Populus euphratica clusters in Yiwu, Hami, and the thousand-year-old cultural heritage of Kashgar Old City. The journey covers three major geographical units: the edge of the Taklimakan Desert, the Pamir Plateau, and the eastern Xinjiang Gobi, catering to the diverse needs of photography enthusiasts, nature explorers, and cultural travelers.
Key Destination Analysis:
Tarim Populus Euphratica National Forest Park (Luntai County)
As the world’s largest and best-preserved primitive Populus euphratica forest reserve, this area features over 400,000 mu (about 26,667 hectares) of Populus euphratica trees alongside the Tarim River. From mid to late October, the forest enters its prime viewing period, with golden leaves contrasting vividly against blue waters, red willows, and deserts. The park’s vintage small train winding through the forest has become a classic photo spot.
Yiwu Populus Euphratica Scenic Area (Yiwu County, Hami City)
This 476,000-mu (about 31,733 hectares) primitive Populus euphratica forest is known as a “Tertiary living fossil,” with trees generally over 3,000 years old. Some trunks twist like dragons, creating unique shapes. The park’s 38-kilometer scenic road connects themed areas like “Millennium Love” and “Ten Thousand Years Roots,” ideal for in-depth photography.
Kashgar Old City (Kashgar City)
As China’s earthen architecture labyrinthine old city, it retains a 2,000-year-old Western Regions marketplace ambiance. Strolling through century-old teahouses, Id Kah Mosque, and bazaars offers close-up experiences of traditional handicrafts and culinary cultures from various ethnic groups.
Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest (Mulei County, Changji Prefecture)
This 30-square-kilometer forest, dated at 65 million years old, features towering trunks and uniquely shaped leaves forming a distinctive landscape. In autumn, golden leaves create striking visual contrasts against blue skies and Gobi deserts.
Exploring the Golden Autumn Populus Euphratica: Complete Guide to a 10-Day In-Depth Tour of Southern and Eastern Xinjiang in October(II) Simple Itinerary Plan (Reference for October 2026 Departures)
Days 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi
After arriving in Urumqi, check into your hotel. Recommended free activities:Experience ethnic cuisines at Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar or visit the Regional Museum to learn about Western Regions history.
Day 3:Urumqi — Bosten Lake — Korla
Driving Distance:Approximately 480 km (6 hours)
Highlights:Visit China’s largest inland freshwater lake to observe golden reeds and migratory birds in autumn scenery.
Accommodation:Hotel in Korla city center
Day 4:Korla — Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest — Luntai
Driving Distance:Approximately 200 km (3 hours)
Highlights:Spend a full day exploring the Populus euphratica forest, photographing scenes like the small train passing through the forest and golden sunset glows.
Accommodation:Hotel in Luntai county town
Day 5:Luntai — Kuqa Grand Canyon — Kuqa
Driving Distance:Approximately 250 km (4 hours)
(I) Itinerary Highlights and Destination DetailsHighlights:Explore the secret grand canyon of the Tianshan Mountains and photograph its fantastical landscape of red rock formations interwoven with light and shadow.
Accommodation:Hotel in Kuqa city center
Day 6:Kuqa — Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves — Aksu
Driving Distance:Approximately 300 km (5 hours)
Highlights:Visit China’s earliest large-scale grotto complex to learn about Western Regions Buddhist art.
Accommodation:Hotel in Aksu city center
Day 7:Aksu — N39 Desert — Kashgar
Driving Distance:Approximately 460 km (6 hours)
Highlights:Experience off-roading in the Taklimakan Desert and photograph the desolate beauty of desert sunsets and withered Populus euphratica branches.
Accommodation:Hotel in Kashgar city center
Day 8:Kashgar — White Sand Lake — Muji Volcano — Kashgar
Driving Distance:Approximately 300 km (5 hours round trip)
Highlights:Take a one-day tour of the Pamir Plateau, photographing White Sand Lake’s milky-blue waters and Muji Volcano’s “Eye of the Pamir.”
In October, Xinjiang transforms into a golden tapestry woven with Populus euphratica forests and vast desert landscapes. This 10-day, 9-night loop through southern and eastern Xinjiang connects the primitive Populus euphratica forests along both banks of the Tarim River, the “living fossil” Populus euphratica clusters in Yiwu, Hami, and the thousand-year-old cultural heritage of Kashgar Old City. The journey covers three major geographical units: the edge of the Taklimakan Desert, the Pamir Plateau, and the eastern Xinjiang Gobi, catering to the diverse needs of photography enthusiasts, nature explorers, and cultural travelers.Day 9:Kashgar — Yiwu Populus Euphratica Forest — Hami
Driving Distance:Approximately 600 km (8 hours; early departure recommended)
Highlights:Cross the Gobi to reach Yiwu Populus euphratica Forest and photograph the unique shapes of thousand-year-old trees.
Accommodation:Hotel in Hami city center
Day 10:Hami — Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest — Urumqi
Driving Distance:Approximately 550 km (7 hours)
Highlights:Visit Mulei Populus euphratica Forest on the return journey and arrive in Urumqi in the evening to disband the group.
(III) Pricing Information (Reference Range for 2026)
Basic Tour Fee:Approximately 6,800-9,200 RMB per person (includes transportation, accommodation, admission tickets, guide services)
Fees Include:
Full-trip tourist bus (including fuel and tolls)
9 nights of comfortable hotel accommodation (double occupancy)
Key Destination Analysis: First admission tickets to scenic spots (Bosten Lake 45 RMB, Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest 75 RMB, Kuqa Grand Canyon 41 RMB, Yiwu Populus Euphratica Forest 29 RMB, Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest 40 RMB, etc.)
Professional guide services and travel insurance
Fees Exclude:
Round-trip transportation to/from Urumqi
Main meals (group meal standard approximately 40 RMB per person per meal)
Secondary consumption such as small trains or off-road vehicles inside scenic spots
(Single travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing; special cases require negotiated price adjustments)
Price Fluctuation Notes:
October is peak Populus euphratica season; tour fees may rise slightly as availability tightens.
Upgrading accommodation standards (e.g., four-star hotels) or choosing small groups (under 6 people) requires additional fees.
Specific prices are subject to the contract signed after consulting with Zhang Jing, customer service manager at Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency.
(IV) Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide itinerary customization and departure date selection advice based on your needs. Early registration (30 days in advance) is recommended to secure accommodation and transportation resources, especially for the prime viewing period from October 20-30.
Tarim Populus Euphratica National Forest Park (Luntai County)(V) Fee Explanation and Service Notes
Fee Transparency:All fee details will be clearly listed in the contract with no hidden or mandatory consumption.
Itinerary Flexibility:In case of extreme weather or policy changes, reasonable itinerary adjustments (e.g., replacing scenic spots or changing visit order) may be made after mutual agreement.
Service Guarantees:
24-hour emergency contact services
All guides are certified and familiar with Xinjiang geography and ethnic cultures
Daily vehicle disinfection with first aid kits and basic repair tools provided
Special Reminders:
Pamir Plateau area requires advance permit (travel agency can assist)
Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; bring windproof jackets and warm clothing
Desert and Gobi sections have no signal; download offline maps in advance
(VI) Compliance Statement
Information about scenic spot opening hours, ticket prices, etc., in this itinerary is based on publicly available data from June 2026. Actual implementation is subject to scenic area announcements and travel agency contracts. Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency holds legitimate tourism business qualifications and will strictly comply with national laws and regulations to protect tourists’ legitimate rights and interests during travel.
In golden October, when the Tarim River’s waves reflect golden Populus euphratica leaves and the aroma of baked naan wafts through Kashgar Old City’s alleys, this journey through southern and eastern Xinjiang will interpret the true essence of “Xinjiang is a wonderful place” with its most vibrant colors and richest cultural heritage. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing immediately to start your in-depth Populus euphratica season tour!
Contact Manager Mai at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and get a quote.
