Southern Xinjiang is an excellent location to view Populus euphratica forests. Here is a detailed travel guide:
I. Best Travel Time
The Populus euphratica forest in southern Xinjiang presents a迷人的 golden yellow in autumn, which is the best time for photography and viewing. Specifically, September to October is the best time to visit the Populus euphratica forest in southern Xinjiang
II. Must-Visit Attractions
Tarim Populus euphratica Forest: Located in Luntai County, Xinjiang, it is the largest Populus euphratica forest in Xinjiang. The Populus euphratica forest here is accompanied by the Tarim River, offering magnificent scenery. Visitors can take a sightseeing train to travel through the sea of gold and feel the magical charm of nature
Zepu Golden Populus euphratica National Forest Park: Located in Zepu County, the Populus euphratica forest here is accompanied by the Yarkand River, with the sound of water and forest blending into a symphony of nature. Camping here at night allows you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of stars dotted against the silhouette of Populus euphratica
Lop Nur Village of罗布 People: Here, there is not only ancient clan culture but also the unique landscape of Gobi Populus euphratica. Visitors can experience the unique charm of southern Xinjiang here
Bachu Red Sea Populus euphratica Forest: This is a lesser-known Populus euphratica forest with fewer visitors, consisting of over 6,000 Populus euphratica trees that form a golden secret land, making it a paradise for photographers
III. Recommended Itinerary
Below is a recommended 10-day itinerary for a trip to the Populus euphratica forest in southern Xinjiang
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi, visit the Lop Nur Village of罗布 People, and overnight in Korla
Day 3: Depart from Korla, explore the Tarim Populus euphratica Forest, and overnight in Kuqa
Day 4: Depart from Kuqa, visit the Wensu Grand Canyon, and overnight in Aral
Day 5: Depart from Aral, cross the Desert Highway, visit the Yotgan Ancient City, and overnight in Hotan
Day 6: Depart from Hotan, visit the Shache Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, tour the Zepu Populus euphratica Forest, and overnight in Kashgar
Day 7: Depart from Kashgar and freely explore Kashgar Old Town
Day 8: Head to Baisha Lake, visit the Wakhan Corridor, and explore the盘龙 Ancient Road (Dragon-Coiled Ancient Road)
Day 9: Visit Tahman Wetland, explore the Snow Willow Tree Cave, and overnight at Karakul Lake
Day 10: Visit Tahman Wetland and return to Kashgar
IV. Other Precautions
The climate in southern Xinjiang is dry, with a large temperature difference between day and night. Tourists are advised to bring warm clothing and sunscreen products.
When visiting the Populus euphratica forest, please respect the natural environment and do not destroy vegetation or litter randomly.
When traveling in southern Xinjiang, you can taste local delicacies such as grilled meat, baked buns, and special grilled eggs to experience the unique flavor of southern Xinjiang.
I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Populus euphratica forest in southern Xinjiang!