Fly to Xinjiang in October! Explore the thousand-year-old golden Populus euphratica forest

📍Location: Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park, Luntai, Xinjiang
⏳Best time: Mid-October to mid-November (the golden period lasts only about 20 days!)
🎫Tickets: 40 RMB/person + 20 RMB/person for the viewing platform (overlooking the small train passing through the forest sea is super stunning!)

🌟 Why must you visit the Xinjiang Populus euphratica forest in October?

· 90% of China’s Populus euphratica trees are in Xinjiang, and 90% of Xinjiang’s Populus euphratica are in southern Xinjiang! The Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest in Luntai is the world’s oldest and best-preserved original Populus euphratica forest.
· "Born and lives for a thousand years without dying, dead for a thousand years without falling, fallen for a thousand years without decaying" — here, every Populus euphratica is an epic of life.
· In the golden autumn of October, the forest sea is dyed golden, combined with desert, lake, and blue sky, every shot looks like a movie scene 🎞️.
📸 Photo tips (tested and legendary!)
1️⃣ Shooting time:
· Morning 7-9 AM: Morning mist lingers, water reflections + soft light filter.
· Evening 5-7 PM: Sunset melts gold, tree trunks glow copper, even hair shines!
2️⃣ Clever props:
· Bring a small mirror and place it on a puddle to instantly capture the "Mirror of the Sky" reflection.
· Red scarf/white long dress: avoid yellow-brown clothes, bright colors stand out more!
3️⃣ Secret spots:
· Viewing platform: shoot the small train passing through the golden forest sea from above (a must-visit!).
· By the Chayang River: drift on a small boat and experience "water flows in the forest, forest grows in the water."
🚗 Transportation & itinerary suggestions
· Self-driving route: depart from Kuqa → Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park, Luntai (about 220 km, S314 provincial road in good condition).
· Non-self-driving: fly to Kuqa Airport then charter or carpool; booking in advance saves 200+ RMB compared to on-site taxis!
🏡 Accommodation & food guide
🏨 Accommodation:
· Populus Euphratica Forest Eco Hotel/Starry Sky Tent: open the window to see the forest, watch the Milky Way at night (book 15 days in advance!).
· Budget option: choose hotels near Tarim River Bridge, cost-effective.
🍢 Food:
· Populus euphratica wood roasted whole lamb: slow-roasted for 6 hours with pinewood aroma.
· Wild jujube honey yogurt: homemade yogurt by herders + wild jujube flower honey, sweet and refreshing.
· Red willow grilled meat + Nang bread wrapped meat: authentic Xinjiang flavor, perfectly paired with milk tea!
❗ Must-read tips before the trip
1️⃣ Dressing formula = short sleeves + fleece + windbreaker (day-night temperature difference up to 25℃!).
2️⃣ Wind and sun protection: sunglasses + headscarf + sunscreen, desert wind, sand, and UV double attack!
3️⃣ Accommodation is tight: peak season room rates 300-1000+ RMB, be sure to book in advance!
4️⃣ Protect the ecology: do not climb ancient trees, do not litter, protect the thousand-year-old Populus euphratica forest.