A Day Through the Golden Tunnel: Self-Driving the 139 Populus Euphratica Secret Road

In early November last year, Yilan went to southern Xinjiang for a golden self-driving feast. When setting off from Kuqa in the morning, the desert morning light dyed the distant mountains a honey color. No need to rush, this 139 Populus Euphratica Secret Road hidden on the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert is itself a moving visual feast.
.
🌟 One-day self-driving itinerary on the 139 Populus Euphratica Secret Road:
Starting point: Kuqa city center (recommended departure between 7:30-8:00)
Destination: Aral city center (expected arrival before 20:00)
Total distance: about 280 kilometers (including slow sightseeing through the poplar forest section)
.
🛣 Segment activities
Morning | Gradually entering the golden secret realm (Kuqa → core area of 139 Populus Euphratica Secret Road):
About an hour after leaving the city, when the first poplar tree with a golden crown appears on the desert plain, the secret journey officially begins. You can stop briefly at the wild poplar forest near K52, where the morning sunlight penetrates the leaves like lighting thousands of colored glass lamps. Continuing west, the K65-K76 section is the highlight of the day’s trip: the roadside poplars gradually change from a few clustered trees to a vast golden sea. It’s recommended to park at the ancient river bend, where sand dunes and poplars are arranged in a pleasing pattern, allowing you to shoot golden scenes undisturbed!
.
Noon | Wild fun time
Stop under a huge poplar tree near K80, rest briefly in the car, and enjoy your own packed lunch (highly recommend bringing Nang bread! Kuqa’s big Nang! Baked buns!). The midday sun coats the poplars with the richest golden color, and in the distance, a camel herd slowly crosses the horizon.
.
Afternoon | Magic hour of light and shadow (Poplar forest → Aral)
Keep going, where silver-white poplar skeletons and golden living trees form a duet of life. As the sun tilts westward, the golden poplars cast long shadows on the vast land. Flying a drone at this time, you will see a stunning desert poplar oil painting.
.
Evening | Wrapping up the journey
At dusk, the Tarim River sparkles like a silver chain at the end of the poplar forest. Be sure to find a calm water surface to watch the sunset melting gold in the golden reflection, then head straight to Aral! After entering the city, have a bowl of authentic beef noodles on the street. When staying overnight in Aral city center, don’t forget to look up—the light pollution is low here, and the starry sky is exceptionally clear.
.
💟 Thoughtful tips
1. Supplies: Fill up the gas tank in Kuqa before departure, bring enough drinking water + food + fruit snacks; there are only 1-2 simple rest stops along the way.
2. Clothing: Recommend warm-colored clothes like wine red, coffee, camel, etc., which match the poplars’ colors in a sophisticated and warm way.
3. Time management: Do not stay more than 30 minutes at each stop; leave the wilderness road section before sunset.
4. Leave no trace: Carry a trash bag with you; fallen poplar leaves can be collected but do not break branches.
.
When the view outside the car window changes from endless gold to the lights of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps new city, this day feels like watching a long natural movie. The most beautiful moment is not any particular spot, but when the wheels crush the fallen leaves and only the sound of wind and heartbeat fill the world.
.
I am Yilan, a travel-loving photographer. Come explore fun and beautiful new ❤ places with me~