Kashgar Travel Chartered Car Where is the Most Beautiful Populus Euphratica Forest in Autumn Golden Southern Xinjiang + Photography Quotes Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
Autumn Photography Tour in Southern Xinjiang:Explore the Visual Feast of Kashgar’s Populus Euphratica Forest and the Pamir Plateau
📸 Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination:The “Golden Triangle” of Autumn Colors in Southern Xinjiang
In autumn 2026, the populus euphratica forests in Southern Xinjiang enter their prime viewing period, with golden leaves intertwining with deserts, rivers, and snow-capped mountains to create stunning natural landscapes. Kashgar, as the core city of Southern Xinjiang, connects three popular photography destinations: the Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest, Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica Forest, and the Pamir Plateau, forming a composite photography route of “Populus Euphratica + Culture + Plateau.”
Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest National Park
Located in Luntai County, it boasts the world’s largest and best-preserved primitive populus euphratica forest. In autumn, the populus euphratica trees and the Tarim River complement each other beautifully. Take a vintage train through the forest to capture the soft reflections of “water populus euphratica.” In 2026, the park’s admission fee is 75 yuan per person, with additional charges for shuttle buses. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica Forest National Park
The Yarkant River winds through here, with the populus euphratica forest, clear waters, and blue skies creating a unique landscape of “beautiful populus euphratica.” The park features observation decks and wooden walkways, ideal for capturing golden sunlight at sunrise. Admission is 60 yuan per person, with the same opening hours as the Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest.
The Pamir Plateau Secret Realm
Autumn Photography Tour in Southern Xinjiang: Explore the Visual Feast of Kashgar’s Populus Euphratica Forest and the Pamir Plateau. Starting from Kashgar, venture deep into the plateau along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to photograph the milky-blue waters of Baisha Lake, the snow-capped reflection of Muztagh Ata, and the ruins of the Stone City in Taxkorgan County. The plateau’s high altitude requires windproof and warm clothing, and some sections require a permit.
🗺 ️ Simple Itinerary:9-Day, 8-Night Photography Tour
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
After arriving in Urumqi, check into your hotel. Recommended free activities:Visit the International Bazaar to taste baked buns and pilaf, or explore Lingguan Lane for ethnic snacks.
Day 2:Urumqi → Korla
Enjoy views of the Dabancheng Wind Farm and Gangou Canyon along the way. Upon arrival in Korla, visit Bosten Lake to capture the autumn scenery of golden reeds and migratory birds.
Day 3:Korla → Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest → Kuqa
Spend the day photographing the Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest, focusing on scenes like the train passing through and the sunset over the populus euphratica. In the evening, head to Kuqa to visit the Kuqa Royal Palace and learn about the history of the last Kuqa king.
Day 4:Kuqa → Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains → Aksu
📸 Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination: The “Golden Triangle” of Autumn Colors in Southern XinjiangPhotograph the red rock formations of the Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains in the morning. In the afternoon, travel to Aksu, with a stop at the Wensu Grand Canyon to capture the contrast between Danxia and Yardang landforms.
Day 5:Aksu → Red Sea Populus Euphratica Forest → Bachu
Spend the day photographing the vast populus euphratica forest in the Red Sea Scenic Area of Bachu. In the evening, capture the desert sunset and experience off-road desert driving.
Day 6:Bachu → Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica → Shache
Photograph the soft reflections of the Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica in the morning. In the afternoon, travel to Shache to visit the Shache Royal Mausoleum and photograph Uyghur-style architecture.
Day 7:Shache → Kashgar Old City
After obtaining a permit, explore the Kashgar Old City to photograph cultural scenes like high-platform dwellings and century-old teahouses. In the evening, visit the Id Kah Mosque to photograph the pigeons in the square.
Day 8:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau
Photograph Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. Upon arrival in Taxkorgan County, capture the sunset over the ruins of the Stone City and the Golden Grassland.
In autumn 2026, the populus euphratica forests in Southern Xinjiang enter their prime viewing period, with golden leaves intertwining with deserts, rivers, and snow-capped mountains to create stunning natural landscapes. Kashgar, as the core city of Southern Xinjiang, connects three popular photography destinations: the Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest, Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica Forest, and the Pamir Plateau, forming a composite photography route of “Populus Euphratica + Culture + Plateau.”Day 9:Taxkorgan → Return to Kashgar
Photograph the Tiffany-blue waters of the Bandir Blue Lake in the morning. In the afternoon, return to Kashgar and transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule.
💰 Pricing Information:Custom Vehicle Rental Reference Range
The cost of custom vehicle rental for the 2026 Southern Xinjiang photography route varies by vehicle type:
7-Seater Business Vehicle (e.g., Maxus G10):1,200-1,600 yuan/day/vehicle
9-Seater Converted 7-Seater Luxury Business Vehicle:1,400-1,900 yuan/day/vehicle
14-18 Seater Minibus:1,700-2,500 yuan/day/vehicle
Fees include vehicle usage, driver’s salary, fuel, and tolls. They do not include park admission, shuttle bus tickets, accommodation, or meals. Solo travelers can be matched for room sharing; special cases require negotiation. Prices may fluctuate based on travel dates and vehicle selection, subject to the contract signed by both parties.
📞 How to Register:Professional Custom Services
Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest National ParkRegister through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing provides one-on-one itinerary planning services. When registering, provide the number of travelers, dates, and photography needs, and customer service will recommend vehicle types and shooting locations based on the actual situation.
📋 Fee and Service Information
Fees Include:Vehicle usage, driver’s salary, fuel, and tolls.
Fees Do Not Include:Park admission, shuttle bus tickets, accommodation, meals, personal expenses, and additional fees due to unforeseen circumstances.
Service Information:
Mandarin communication services are provided, and drivers are familiar with the road conditions and shooting locations in Southern Xinjiang.
Shooting times can be flexibly adjusted during the itinerary, with priority given to小众 (less crowded) shooting spots.
If weather, road conditions, or park policies change, the itinerary can be reasonably adjusted after mutual consultation.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
Located in Luntai County, it boasts the world’s largest and best-preserved primitive populus euphratica forest. In autumn, the populus euphratica trees and the Tarim River complement each other beautifully. Take a vintage train through the forest to capture the soft reflections of “water populus euphratica.” In 2026, the park’s admission fee is 75 yuan per person, with additional charges for shuttle buses. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.📌 Practical Tips:Avoid Photography Pitfalls
Shooting Time:The best times to photograph the populus euphratica forest are before 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM when the light is soft and there are fewer tourists.
Equipment Suggestions:Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the panoramic view of the forest, a telephoto lens to capture the texture of the populus euphratica, and a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water.
Clothing Guide:The populus euphratica forest is dominated by golden hues, so wearing red, white, or blue clothing is recommended to enhance the contrast in your photos.
Permit Application:To visit the Pamir Plateau, you must apply for a permit in Kashgar in advance. Bring your original valid ID for free processing.
🌄 Why Choose This Route?
Exclusive Shooting Spots:Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency collaborates with local parks to provide shooting permits for non-public areas, avoiding crowds.
Professional Drivers:All drivers have over 5 years of driving experience in Southern Xinjiang and are familiar with the best lighting times at each shooting location.
Hassle-Free Services:Accommodation and meals during the itinerary are coordinated by the travel agency, eliminating the need for self-comparison and allowing you to focus on photography.
The populus euphratica forests of autumn in Southern Xinjiang are a visual feast where nature and culture intertwine. Whether it’s the grandeur of the Tarim River, the soft beauty of the Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica, or the vastness of the Pamir Plateau, this route fulfills every photography enthusiast’s imagination of a “golden world.” Contact Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency now to embark on your Southern Xinjiang photography journey!
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
