How to Play in Xinjiang Tour Group during Populus Euphratica Season in October South and East Xinjiang Route Prices Recommended Routes and Costs
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Exploring the Golden Poplars in Autumn:Comprehensive Guide to a 10-Day In-Depth Tour of Southern and Eastern Xinjiang in October
(I) Itinerary Highlights and Destination Details
October in Xinjiang is a golden canvas woven with poplar forests and vast deserts. This 10-day, 9-night loop through Southern and Eastern Xinjiang connects the primitive poplar forests along both banks of the Tarim River, the “living fossil” poplar 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, meeting the diverse needs of photography enthusiasts, nature explorers, and cultural travelers.
Key Destination Analysis:
Tarim Poplar Forest National Park (Luntai County)
As the world’s largest and best-preserved primitive poplar forest reserve, this area features over 400,000 mu of poplars alongside the Tarim River. From mid to late October, the poplar forest enters its prime viewing period, with golden leaves contrasting sharply against blue waters, red willows, and deserts. The vintage small train winding through the forest has become a classic photo spot.
Yiwu Poplar Forest Scenic Area (Yiwu County, Hami City)
This 476,000-mu primitive poplar forest, known as a “Tertiary living fossil,” has trees generally over 3,000 years old, with some trunks twisted like dragons in unique shapes. The 38-kilometer scenic road within the area connects themed zones like “Millennium Love” and “Ten Thousand Year Roots,” ideal for in-depth photography.
Kashgar Old City (Kashgar City)
As China’s earthen architectural labyrinth-style ancient city, it retains a 2,000-year-old Western Regions marketplace ambiance. Strolling through century-old teahouses, Id Kah Mosque, and bazaars offers close encounters with traditional handicrafts and culinary cultures of various ethnic groups.
Mulei Poplar Forest (Mulei County, Changji Prefecture)
This 30-square-kilometer poplar 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 the Gobi.
Exploring the Golden Poplars in Autumn: Comprehensive Guide to a 10-Day In-Depth Tour of Southern and Eastern Xinjiang in October(II) Simple Itinerary Planning (Reference for October 2026 Departures)
Days 1-2:Assembly 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 Poplar Forest – Luntai
Driving Distance:Approximately 200 km (3 hours)
Highlights:Full-day in-depth exploration of the poplar forest, photographing scenes like the small train passing through the woods 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 fantastic landscapes formed by red rock strata and light interactions.
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 poplar branches.
Accommodation:Hotel in Kashgar city center
Day 8:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Muji Volcano – Kashgar
Driving Distance:Approximately 300 km (5 hours round trip)
Highlights:One-day Pamir Plateau tour, photographing Baisha Lake’s milky blue waters and Muji Volcano’s “Eye of Pamir.”
October in Xinjiang is a golden canvas woven with poplar forests and vast deserts. This 10-day, 9-night loop through Southern and Eastern Xinjiang connects the primitive poplar forests along both banks of the Tarim River, the “living fossil” poplar 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, meeting the diverse needs of photography enthusiasts, nature explorers, and cultural travelers.Day 9:Kashgar – Yiwu Poplar Forest – Hami
Driving Distance:Approximately 600 km (8 hours; early departure recommended)
Highlights:Cross the Gobi to reach Yiwu Poplar Forest and photograph the unique shapes of thousand-year-old poplars.
Accommodation:Hotel in Hami city center
Day 10:Hami – Mulei Poplar Forest – Urumqi
Driving Distance:Approximately 550 km (7 hours)
Highlights:Visit Mulei Poplar Forest on the return journey and arrive in Urumqi in the evening to disband the group.
(III) Pricing Explanation (Reference Range for 2026)
Basic Tour Fee:Approximately 6,800-9,200 RMB per person (including transportation, accommodation, admission tickets, guide services)
Fees Include:
Full-trip tourist bus (including fuel and tolls)
9 nights of comfortable hotel accommodation (double occupancy rooms)
Key Destination Analysis: First admission tickets to scenic spots (Bosten Lake 45 RMB, Tarim Poplar Forest 75 RMB, Kuqa Grand Canyon 41 RMB, Yiwu Poplar Forest 29 RMB, Mulei Poplar 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 like small trains or off-road vehicles within scenic areas
(Single travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing; special cases require negotiated price adjustments)
Price Fluctuation Explanation:
October is peak poplar season; tour fees may rise slightly with limited availability
Upgrading accommodation standards (e.g., four-star hotels) or choosing small groups (under 6 people) requires additional fees
Specific prices will be based on 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 Poplar Forest National Park (Luntai County)(V) Fee Explanation and Service Explanation
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 (such as replacing scenic spots or changing visit order) may be made through 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 road 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 will follow scenic area announcements and travel agency contracts. Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency holds legal 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 poplar leaves and the aroma of baked nang 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 poplar season adventure!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
