Urumqi Tour Car Rental and Carpooling Autumn Photography Route Recommendation Populus Euphratica Forest Plus Car Rental Price Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Autumn Secret Realm: Photography Tour of Populus Euphratica Forests Departing from Urumqi7-Day In-Depth Exploration Guide
📸 [Route Highlights:Unlock Three Secret Realms of Populus Euphratica]
In October, the southern Xinjiang landscape dons a golden cloak. This photography tour departing from Urumqi connects the three core areas of Populus Euphratica forests in Luntai, Yuli, and Zepu, covering three major ecological scenes of desert, wetland, and river, satisfying photography enthusiasts’ pursuit of superior light, shadow, and color.
Luntai Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest National Park
As the world’s largest and best-preserved primitive Populus Euphratica forest, it boasts a magnificent scene of over 400,000 mu of Populus Euphratica intertwined with the Tarim River. The 13-kilometer sightseeing train in the scenic area connects four observation decks. It is recommended to photograph the contrast between warm and cool tones of sand dunes and Populus Euphratica at the “199-kilometer mark of the Desert Highway.” The reflection of “Populus Euphratica on Water” in the early morning mist is also a popular destination for stunning photos. In 2026, the admission fee will be 75 yuan per person, the sightseeing train will cost 50 yuan per person, and the park will be open from 8:00 to 20:00.
Yuli Lop Nur Village
A thousand-year-old village on the edge of the Taklimakan Desert, where Populus Euphratica, desert, Tarim River, and Lop Nur culture blend harmoniously. Recommended photography spots:
Ancient Course of the Tarim River:Capture the sense of vicissitudes with both dead and living Populus Euphratica in the same frame
Sunset on Sand Dunes:Use an ND1000 filter to extend exposure and photograph silhouettes of camel caravans
Village Homestay:Photograph the golden Populus Euphratica in the early morning mist; homestay reservations are required in advance
In 2026, the admission fee will be 60 yuan per person, the shuttle bus will cost 20 yuan per person, and the park will be open from 9:00 to 19:30.
Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica National Forest Park
The meandering Yarkant River creates the wonder of “Populus Euphratica on Water.” The observation deck 3 kilometers deep in the park is the prime spot for photographing symmetrical reflections. In 2026, a new “Populus Euphratica Culture Museum” will showcase the growth cycle of Populus Euphratica through holographic projections. The admission fee will be 60 yuan per person, boat rides will cost 40 yuan per person, and the park will be open from 8:30 to 19:00.
Autumn Secret Realm: Photography Tour of Populus Euphratica Forests Departing from Urumqi: 7-Day In-Depth Exploration Guide🚗 [7-Day Simple Itinerary]
Day 1:Urumqi → Luntai (approximately 500 kilometers/7 hours)
08:00 Gather in downtown Urumqi and depart in a 7-seat business vehicle
12:30 Light meal at Toksun Service Area (recommended: mixed noodles + grilled meat)
15:00 Arrive in Korla City and visit the Peacock River scenic belt
18:00 Check into Luntai Lansheng Hotel and dine on red willow-skewered grilled meat
Day 2:Full day of creation in Luntai
07:00 Take the sightseeing train deep into the core area of the Populus Euphratica forest
10:00 Hike on side paths to photograph various forms of Populus Euphratica
14:00 Photograph the contrast between sand dunes and Populus Euphratica on the Desert Highway
18:30 Return to the hotel and enjoy free time after dinner
Day 3:Luntai → Yuli (approximately 300 kilometers/4 hours)
08:00 Depart for Yuli
📸[Route Highlights: Unlock Three Secret Realms of Populus Euphratica]12:00 Lunch in downtown Korla (recommended: roast whole lamb)
15:00 Arrive at Lop Nur Village to photograph the sunset
19:30 Check into a village homestay and experience Lop Nur grilled fish
Day 4:Full day of creation in Yuli
06:30 Photograph the desert Populus Euphratica in the early morning mist
10:00 Explore the surrounding naturally growing Populus Euphratica forest (guide required)
14:00 Return to the homestay for rest
17:00 Photograph the desert starry sky (tripod required)
Day 5:Yuli → Zepu (approximately 450 kilometers/6 hours)
08:00 Cross the Taklimakan Desert Highway
12:30 Lunch in downtown Aksu (recommended: pigeon soup)
15:00 Arrive at Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica Park
18:00 Photograph the sunset over the Yarkant River
In October, the southern Xinjiang landscape dons a golden cloak. This photography tour departing from Urumqi connects the three core areas of Populus Euphratica forests in Luntai, Yuli, and Zepu, covering three major ecological scenes of desert, wetland, and river, satisfying photography enthusiasts’ pursuit of superior light, shadow, and color.19:30 Check into Vienna Hotel
Day 6:Full day of creation in Zepu
07:30 Take a boat ride to photograph the reflection of Populus Euphratica on water
10:00 Hike 3 kilometers to the core observation deck
13:00 Light meal in the park (recommended: pilaf)
15:00 Photograph the holographic projection at the Populus Euphratica Culture Museum
18:00 Return to the hotel to organize works
Day 7:Zepu → Urumqi (return trip)
08:00 Depart after breakfast
12:00 Lunch in downtown Korla
18:00 Arrive in downtown Urumqi and disband
💰 [Price Explanation]
2026 Custom Vehicle Rental Fee Reference (subject to contract):
Luntai Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest National Park7-seat business vehicle:1300-1500 yuan/day in October (regular season) (including fuel, tolls, and driver service fees)
12-seat luxury vehicle:1800-2000 yuan/day
17-seat Coaster:2000-2200 yuan/day
Fees Include:
Vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, highway fee
Professional driver service fee (over 5 years of driving experience)
Full vehicle insurance (including seat insurance)
Basic photography guidance (driver doubles as guide)
Fees Do Not Include:
Scenic area admission fees (approximately 300 yuan per person)
Meals and accommodation (approximately 800 yuan per person for the entire trip)
Driver’s meal and accommodation allowance (150 yuan/day)
📝 [Registration Method]
As the world’s largest and best-preserved primitive Populus Euphratica forest, it boasts a magnificent scene of over 400,000 mu of Populus Euphratica intertwined with the Tarim River. The 13-kilometer sightseeing train in the scenic area connects four observation decks. It is recommended to photograph the contrast between warm and cool tones of sand dunes and Populus Euphratica at the “199-kilometer mark of the Desert Highway.” The reflection of “Populus Euphratica on Water” in the early morning mist is also a popular destination for stunning photos. In 2026, the admission fee will be 75 yuan per person, the sightseeing train will cost 50 yuan per person, and the park will be open from 8:00 to 20:00.You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific departure dates and availability. Departures are daily, with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 10 people, striving for an optimal photography experience.
💡 [Fee Explanation and Service Explanation]
Vehicle Configuration:All vehicles are new within 5 years, equipped with USB charging ports for each seat
Photography Services:Polarizing filter and neutral density filter rentals available (50 yuan/day/filter)
Emergency Support:First aid kit, anti-sand shoe covers, power bank provided in the vehicle
Cancellation and Refund Policy:Subject to the contract signed by both parties
Special Reminder:Late October is the prime viewing period for Populus Euphratica forests; it is recommended to book 15 days in advance
📌 [Important Reminders]
Document Preparation:Valid identification, photography equipment insurance policy
Clothing and Equipment:Windbreaker, fleece jacket, sun hat, sunglasses
Photography Equipment:Wide-angle lens (16-35mm), telephoto lens (70-200mm), tripod
Special Policy:In 2026, southern Xinjiang scenic areas will implement a “no reservation, no entry” policy; valid identification information must be provided 3 days in advance
Weather Preparedness:The temperature difference between day and night in October can reach 15°C; it is recommended to adopt the “onion layering” method of dressing
This route has been optimized through 12 on-site inspections by a professional photography team. In 2026, three new secret photography spots have been added, and a dual-time itinerary of “early morning mist photography + starry sky photography” has been specially designed to allow every photography enthusiast to capture the most captivating moments of the Populus Euphratica forest. The specific itinerary and fee details are subject to the contract provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Prices may fluctuate depending on the departure date; it is recommended to consult and confirm as early as possible.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
