Kashgar Chartered Car When is the Best Time to See Zepu Golden Huyang Forest October Autumn Scenery + Optimal Season Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Exploring the Autumn Colors of Southern Xinjiang:October In-Depth Experience Guide to Zepu Golden Poplar Lake
🌄 [Destination Decoding:Autumn Poetry of the Desert Water Town]
Zepu Golden Poplar Lake National Forest Park, an oasis surrounded by the Taklimakan Desert, is renowned for its unique landscape of ‘water reflecting poplars.’ In October 2026, when autumn winds sweep across the Yarkant River, the 18,000-acre natural poplar forest sheds its summer greenery and dons a golden-red robe, creating a flowing oil painting together with the rippling lake and winding wooden boardwalks.
▌Ecological Wonder:The ‘Three-Thousand-Year Legend’ of Poplars
Poplars are famed for the saying, ‘Live for a thousand years without dying, stand for a thousand years without falling, and remain unrotten for a thousand years after falling.’ At Golden Poplar Lake Scenic Area, visitors can observe poplars at different life stages up close:New seedlings stretch their tender leaves in the wetlands, century-old trees tell tales of time with their twisted branches, and fallen trunks serve as natural nests for birds. The newly added ecological science corridor in 2026 vividly showcases the survival wisdom and ecological value of poplars through graphic displays and interactive installations.
▌Water Town Secret Realm:A Cool Oasis in the Desert
Contrary to the traditional perception of arid deserts, Golden Poplar Lake relies on the nourishment of the Yarkant River to form a unique landscape of ‘yellow sands embracing blue waters and poplars reflecting ripples.’ The newly upgraded ‘Heart of the Yarkant River Water World’ in summer 2026 transforms into a tranquil bird-watching base in autumn. During the day, visitors can take a painted boat through the poplar forest, and in the evening, set up telescopes at the lakeside campsite to observe the elegant postures of migratory birds such as egrets and grey cranes.
🚗 [3-Day In-Depth Itinerary Planning]
Exploring the Autumn Colors of Southern Xinjiang: October In-Depth Experience Guide to Zepu Golden Poplar Lake(Designed based on on-site information from October 2026)
▌Day 1:Kashgar → Zepu (2.5-hour drive)
09:00 Depart from Kashgar Old City, enjoying the alternating views of gobi and oasis along the way
11:30 Arrive at Golden Poplar Lake Scenic Area and purchase tickets (reference price: 40 yuan/person, subject to contract)
12:00 Lunch recommendation:‘Poplar Family’ farmhouse in the scenic area, tasting roasted pigeon, pumpkin buns, and other specialties
14:00 Take a characteristic horse-drawn carriage to tour the core forest area, with a professional guide interpreting poplar culture
17:00 Check into the scenic area’s wooden cabin hotel, experiencing underfloor heating and star-viewing windows
▌Day 2:Full-day In-Depth Exploration of Golden Poplar Lake
08:30 Ascend the observation deck to photograph the golden poplar forest in the morning mist
🌄[Destination Decoding: Autumn Poetry of the Desert Water Town]10:00 Participate in the ‘First Rafting in Kashgar’ kayak experience (total distance about 3 km, equipped with life jackets and professional coaches)
13:00 Fishing on Yingzhou Island (fishing gear rental available, catches can be processed on-site)
15:30 Cycling around the lake (electric-assisted bicycles provided by the scenic area, suitable for visitors of all ages)
19:00 Night tour of the poplar forest, with light shows and ethnic song and dance performances alternating on stage
▌Day 3:Zepu → Kashgar (return trip)
09:00 Visit the Poplar Museum to learn about the growth cycle of poplars through 4D imagery
11:00 Free shopping for scenic area cultural and creative products:Handicrafts such as poplar leaf bookmarks and sand jujube wood carvings
13:00 Return to Kashgar, with a brief stop along the way to taste almond sweet cakes
💰 [Cost Explanation and Price Reference]
Zepu Golden Poplar Lake National Forest Park, an oasis surrounded by the Taklimakan Desert, is renowned for its unique landscape of ‘water reflecting poplars.’ In October 2026, when autumn winds sweep across the Yarkant River, the 18,000-acre natural poplar forest sheds its summer greenery and dons a golden-red robe, creating a flowing oil painting together with the rippling lake and winding wooden boardwalks.(October 2026 tour schedule information)
▌Basic Cost Components:
Transportation:Customized vehicle for the entire journey starting and ending in Kashgar (7-seat business vehicle, reference price: 1,200 yuan/day, including fuel and toll fees)
Accommodation:Double room in the scenic area’s wooden cabin hotel (reference price: 680 yuan/night, including breakfast)
Tickets:Combined ticket for Golden Poplar Lake Scenic Area entrance + rafting project (reference price: 120 yuan/person, subject to contract)
Meals:Includes 2 breakfasts + 3 main meals throughout the journey (standard for main meals: 40 yuan/person/meal)
▌Special Reminders:
1. October is the peak tourist season, and wooden cabin hotels in the scenic area need to be booked 15 days in advance
▌Ecological Wonder: The ‘Three-Thousand-Year Legend’ of Poplars2. For single registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate room sharing; in special cases, a room difference fee will be required (reference price: 340 yuan/night)
3. Seniors over 65 years old and students with valid certificates can enjoy ticket discounts (specific policies subject to the scenic area)
📋 [Service Standards and Rights Protection]
▌Professional Service Team:
Each tour group is equipped with a certified guide + staff, with 24-hour emergency response
Free airport pick-up and drop-off services provided (limited to Kashgar Airport)
Complimentary travel accident insurance (coverage: 300,000 yuan/person)
▌Quality Commitment:
No shopping stops arranged throughout the entire journey
Poplars are famed for the saying, ‘Live for a thousand years without dying, stand for a thousand years without falling, and remain unrotten for a thousand years after falling.’ At Golden Poplar Lake Scenic Area, visitors can observe poplars at different life stages up close: new seedlings stretch their tender leaves in the wetlands, century-old trees tell tales of time with their twisted branches, and fallen trunks serve as natural nests for birds. The newly added ecological science corridor in 2026 vividly showcases the survival wisdom and ecological value of poplars through graphic displays and interactive installations. The itinerary can be adjusted through consultation based on weather conditions (e.g., in case of strong winds, the rafting project will be replaced with wetland bird-watching)
Vehicles are disinfected daily, equipped with first aid kits and epidemic prevention supplies
📞 [Registration and Consultation Methods]
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific tour schedule and availability information. Staff will provide more than 3 itinerary options based on your travel group size and budget preferences.
✨ [Special Reminders for Autumn Tour 2026]
1. October 15-25 is the optimal viewing period, and it is recommended to avoid the weekend peak from October 18-20
2. The scenic area has a daily visitor limit of 3,000 people, and valid identification information must be submitted for reservation 3 working days in advance
3. Recommended items to bring: windproof jacket, high-SPF sunscreen, binoculars, power bank
4. Photography enthusiasts can reserve the sunrise shooting session (additional场地费: 50 yuan/person)
When autumn sunlight penetrates the golden poplar leaves and casts tiny light spots on the surface of the Yarkant River, this desert water town reveals its most captivating appearance. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, with 12 years of operating experience in southern Xinjiang, creates this autumn feast that combines natural wonders with cultural experiences for you. For specific itinerary details and cost standards, please refer to the tourism contract signed by both parties. Let us look forward to this golden appointment with poplars together!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
