Xin Jiang Jin Hu Yang

The most detailed guide to Zepu Golden Poplar Forest Scenic Area! If you come to Kashgar, you absolutely cannot miss the Zepu Golden Poplar Forest Scenic Area!!!! It's so photogenic, and it's a place where locals also come to hang out. I've put together the most detailed guide for you, please check it out ❤️❤️ ❤️ Station 1: Yingzhou Island This is one of the highlights. After getting off the bus, you can stroll along the lakeside boardwalk to admire the vast stretches of golden poplar trees and the stunning reflections in the water. It's very photogenic. ❤️ Station 2: Dinosaur Park 2 and Educated Youth Courtyard 2 This area is more suitable for families with young children. If you're interested, you can take a look; if not, head straight to the third station. ❤️ Station 3: Poplar King There is a Poplar King here that is over 1,400 years old. It's one of the core landmarks of the scenic area, and the tree is covered in red ribbons for good luck. Many people take photos here. ❤️ Station 4: Jinyang Lake Another highlight, also featuring waterside poplar trees and reflections. You can spend some time walking around the lake. There are wooden boardwalks and small wooden bridges by the lake, with surprises at every turn. ❤️ Station 5: Longevity Folk Culture Village This station is relatively simple. There is local farmhouse cuisine inside, and you can try the traditional grilled fish. After a quick visit, you can take the bus directly back to the visitor center. ❤️ You can also skip this and return directly to the visitor center If you're not in a rush, you can definitely explore on foot at your own pace, and you don't have to queue for the shuttle bus at every station. Just wave when you see a bus, and if there's space, the driver will stop and let you on. You can also rent bicycles, take the small train, or rent a small electric scooter. It's quite fun to just wander and explore. The traditional grilled fish in Longevity Village is a highlight. I've put pictures in the comments section; it's pretty good. However, everyone has different tastes, so choose for yourself. The scenic area has been crowded lately, so please keep your belongings safe and stay safe.

October is the most beautiful time for the Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica Forest. Compared to the popular Ejina, it is less crowded and quieter here. With lakes, ancient populus trees, reeds, and wooden boardwalks, there is a view at every turn. It is perfect for short road trips, family trips, and taking photos. Here is a complete guide—beginners can just follow along! 🌟 Must-visit spots 1. Millennium Populus King The core landmark of the scenic area. The ancient tree is covered in red prayer ribbons, and many locals come here to make wishes. Low-angle shots of the golden leaves against the blue sky look amazing, making it perfect for atmospheric portraits. 2. Golden Tree-lined Avenue The main road into the park. The populus trees on both sides form a natural golden dome. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating shadows that look like an oil painting. The light is best in the morning and evening. 3. Golden Lake Reflection The best spot in the entire scenic area! The calm lake perfectly reflects the golden forest. When there is no wind, the water surface is like a mirror. We recommend visiting in the morning when there are fewer tourists. 4. Panoramic view of the Valley Suspension Bridge View the entire valley from above. The blue river, combined with the golden populus trees and reeds, with the distant mountains as a background, is magnificent and healing. 5. Featured activities · Forest train: Travel through the populus forest and reeds for an immersive autumn experience. Popular with both seniors and children · Sightseeing car: The park is large and walking can be tiring. Buy tickets to ride directly to the core attractions · Swan pedal boats: Pedal on the lake for a close-up view of the populus trees in the water. A top choice for family trips 6. Niche hiking trails Wooden boardwalks away from the crowds. There are reeds and swings in the forest. Take a slow walk for some fresh air—it is quiet and healing. 🚗 Travel tips 1. Transportation: Driving is recommended. It is a 20 mins drive from Zepu County. There is a large parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area 2. Tickets: Book on Trip.com in advance to skip the lines at the site. There are discounts for seniors/students 3. Duration: 4–5 hours for a full tour and photo session. We recommend entering before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM for soft light and better photos 4. Outfit: Light colors, beige, and khaki match the golden populus trees perfectly. Avoid dark colors 5. Good to know: Food prices in the scenic area are on the higher side, so you may want to bring your own water and snacks. It is windy by the lake, so bring a light jacket ✨ Summary Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica Forest combines grand natural scenery with leisure facilities. It features stunning ancient populus trees, lakes, boardwalks, and various boat activities. No need for long journeys or crowds—it is a top choice for autumn travel in Southern Xinjiang!

Autumn in southern Xinjiang is a millennium-spanning Silk Road epic and a profound collision of stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. September to November is the most enchanting season in southern Xinjiang, with cool and pleasant weather that avoids the summer heat and offers breathtaking views of the poplar forests along the Tarim River. Based on the latest transportation and tourism resources, here is a deep travel guide for southern Xinjiang in autumn: 1. Core route recommendation: 8 days 7 nights Pamir and canyon golden autumn tour This route starts in Kashgar and ends in Kuqa, connecting the most iconic natural wonders and cultural secrets of southern Xinjiang in autumn. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an immersive experience. · Day 1: Arrive in Kashgar, first encounter with the ancient Silk Road city After arriving in Kashgar, stroll through the old city, visit the Id Kah Mosque and century-old teahouses to experience the rich Uyghur culture. In the evening, head to the Khan Bazaar night market to try local delicacies like baked buns and clay pot meat. · Day 2: Kashgar – Karakoram Highway – White Sand Lake – Taxkorgan Drive along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway toward the Pamir Plateau, passing the sapphire-like White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake to capture autumn reflections of Muztagh Ata, the “Father of Ice Mountains.” Arrive in Taxkorgan County by evening. · Day 3: Taxkorgan – Panlong Ancient Road – Bandir Blue Lake – Taxkorgan Challenge the famous Panlong Ancient Road with over 600 S-curves, then visit the hidden Bandir Blue Lake in the highland wilderness to enjoy ultimate tranquility and purity. · Day 4: Taxkorgan – Red Mountain Stone Forest – Tahaman Tree Tunnel Road – Kashgar Explore the unique Red Mountain Stone Forest, drive through the golden Tahaman Tree Tunnel Road in autumn, and return to Kashgar to rest. · Day 5: Kashgar – Taklamakan Desert Highway – desert luxury camping Cross the world’s second-largest shifting desert, the Taklamakan Desert. Experience luxury camping on the desert edge with desert afternoon tea and bonfire parties, and watch the dazzling Milky Way under a sky free of light pollution. · Day 6: Desert – Zepu poplar forest – Aksu Visit the Zepu Golden Poplar Scenic Area, one of Xinjiang’s four major poplar forests, featuring poplars, water, oasis, and wetlands. Admire the magnificent autumn scenery of “a solitary smoke rising in the desert, a round sunset over the long river.” · Day 7: Aksu – Wensu Grand Canyon – Kuqa Tour the Wensu Grand Canyon, known as the “living geological evolution museum,” and experience the desolate beauty of red cliffs. Then drive to Kuqa. · Day 8: Kuqa old town – Tianshan mysterious grand canyon – return Stroll along Kuqa Hestan Street to feel the ancient charm of Kucha and the lively old town atmosphere. Then explore the mysterious grand canyon of the Tianshan Mountains, ending your southern Xinjiang journey amid the shifting light and shadows of reddish-brown rocks. 2. Route highlights and seasonal exclusive experiences · Stunning autumn colors and geological wonders: Southern Xinjiang’s autumn colors are richest, whether it’s the snow-capped blue lakes of the Pamir Plateau or the reddish-brown mountains of Wensu Grand Canyon and the Tianshan mysterious grand canyon, all striking under autumn sunlight. · Poplar season exclusive views: From mid to late October through November, the poplar forests in Zepu and the Lop Nur villages reach their peak, with golden leaves contrasting with desert and rivers, a paradise for photographers. · Deep cultural experiences: Beyond natural scenery, visit villages of ethnic minorities such as Uyghur, Tajik, and Kyrgyz to enjoy private experiences like Tajik hand-pulled rice and traditional pottery making in Kashgar old town. 3. Transportation upgrades and practical travel tips · Transportation improvements: With the opening of the 22.13 km Tianshan Victory Tunnel, travel time across the Tianshan Mountains is greatly reduced, making “crossing the Tianshan in one day” a reality and greatly facilitating seamless connection between northern and southern Xinjiang. · Document preparation: When traveling to the Pamir Plateau (Taxkorgan) and border areas, be sure to apply for a Border Pass in Kashgar in advance. · Climate and clothing: Southern Xinjiang’s autumn has a large temperature difference between day and night, with nighttime temperatures on the Pamir Plateau possibly dropping below zero. Layered “onion-style” dressing is recommended, including windproof jackets, light down jackets, comfortable hiking shoes, and proper sun protection and moisturizing. · Best timeline: September to early October is ideal for viewing autumn colors on the Pamir Plateau and canyon landscapes; mid to late October through early November is the best window to chase the poplar forests along the Tarim River basin.

Located about 40 km southwest of Zepu County in Kashgar, right next to the Yarkant River, this is the only 5A "waterfront poplar" scenic area in Southern Xinjiang. Unlike the solitary poplars in the Gobi Desert, the poplars here are immersed in water and reflected in the lakes. Surrounded by water on three sides, they are known as "noble poplars." While a round trip in one day is tight, you can still catch the highlights if you choose the right time and route. 🕘 [Opening hours] The scenic area is generally open from 10:00 AM–8:00 PM. We recommend setting aside 3–4 hours for the core area. The key to a one-day trip is timing the light: the light is softest at 10:00 AM or 4:00 PM, perfect for capturing reflections in the water without harsh shadows. If you are coming from Kashgar, arrive around noon, take the shuttle bus for a tour, and save the Waterfront Poplar Area for after 3:30 PM when the light starts to warm up. Stay until sunset. The best viewing period is from mid-to-late October to early November, with the peak golden period around October 20. The golden window lasts only about 20 days. Go too early and it's a mix of yellow and green; go too late and the leaves will have fallen, so timing is crucial. 💴 [Ticket prices] Admission is CNY 40/person, and the shuttle bus is CNY 20/person. Definitely buy the shuttle bus ticket. The scenic area is 12 km deep, and walking it will exhaust you. The shuttle service includes electric carts and horse-drawn carriages, allowing you to hop on and off. Saving your energy for photos is more practical. Half-price for children/students; free for seniors aged 65 and over. ⛺ [Activities] With limited time on a one-day trip, don't try to visit every spot. Focus on these three core areas: ① Waterfront Poplar Area (Top priority) The most photogenic spot in the entire area. The golden canopy reflects on the water of the Yarkant River tributary, looking like an oil painting. The boardwalk is well-maintained and easy to walk on; any photo you take will look great. Arriving around 4:00 PM is best, as the light is warm, the water color is deeper, and the reflections are clearer. ② Poplar King A thousand-year-old poplar, 10 meters tall, with a trunk so thick it takes two people to hug it. It's covered in red prayer ribbons. You can buy ribbons nearby for CNY 10 each; hanging one up and taking a photo is a nice souvenir of your visit. ③ Longevity Folk Culture Village When you're tired, have lunch here. They have baked buns, pilaf, and red willow skewers, and you can have a satisfying meal for 30–40 CNY per person. For a one-day trip, plan this for around noon or early afternoon, then continue exploring after eating. If you still have time, walk along the wooden boardwalk to see the poplars up close. It's 1–2 km and easy to walk. The boardwalk is lined with century-old poplars, and the texture of their trunks is full of history. Boat rides are CNY 50/person and last about 20 minutes. The view from the water is completely different from the shore, but you can skip it if you're short on time. 🚌 [Transportation] Joining a tour or carpooling is the most worry-free option. Local travel agencies in Kashgar offer one-day tour packages, with bus group tours starting from about CNY 218 and 6-person small group tours from about CNY 390, including round-trip transportation and admission. The benefit is you don't have to worry about the return trip; just get on the bus and sleep on the way back to Kashgar after you're done. If you are traveling on your own: There are buses from the Kashgar Bus Terminal to Zepu County. The fare is CNY 50, the trip takes 3 hours, and departure times are 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM. After arriving at the Zepu Passenger Station, there are small buses to the scenic area for CNY 15/person, but they wait for enough passengers, so you might wait a long time if you're alone. Be sure to arrange a return time with your driver in advance, as it's hard to get a taxi at the scenic area entrance. If driving yourself, take the Tuhe Expressway G3012. It takes about 2.5 hours, the toll is about CNY 80, and parking at the scenic area is CNY 10/day. 🧡 [Preparation] The worst thing about a one-day trip is running out of food. Supply points in the scenic area are concentrated near the Longevity Village, and other spots are far apart, so be sure to bring enough water and snacks. Sun protection is necessary regardless of the season. The UV rays in Southern Xinjiang are strong even in autumn, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. You must bring a jacket; the temperature difference between day and night in Southern Xinjiang exceeds 15°C. It gets cool as soon as the sun sets, so take it off for photos and put it on when you're cold. Wear sneakers so your feet won't get tired after walking on the boardwalk for a long time. Mobile signal note: The signal is weak on some road sections near Zepu. If you are driving, download offline maps in advance.

The sky is as blue as a filter, and the water is still enough to reflect the snow-capped mountains. Most of the Populus euphratica leaves have turned golden, while some are still changing color🍁 Yellow and green are layered together, with the water reflecting the distant snow-capped mountains. Every photo is wallpaper-worthy!📸 There's scenery everywhere, and I don't want to miss a single spot. It's absolutely breathtaking! 🚩Here's the key! The most beautiful scenery is at the first and fourth stops of the shuttle bus🚌, where you get the full effect of the vast Populus forest + water reflections! If you're a photography enthusiast or have good stamina, check out my hidden gem itinerary: ✅ **In-depth tour route:** Take the shuttle bus directly to the fourth stop (¥20/person), avoid the crowds, and walk back from the end! Stroll slowly along the lake, don't miss any stops, and you can capture stunning photos of the empty scenery along the way📷~ Walk all the way to the first stop, where there are ✨small lakes and lotus ponds, and the water reflections are absolutely stunning! After exploring the first stop, take the shuttle bus for a loop back to the starting point—a perfect full circle💫 🚲You can also rent bicycles/small electric scooters in the scenic area. Bicycles are about ¥10/hour—a blessing for those who don't want to walk~ 📍The second stop is the Educated Youth Culture Park + Dinosaur Park🦕 📍The third stop is the Populus King🌳 📍The fifth stop is the Longevity Village ⏰For an in-depth tour, we recommend setting aside 4–6 hours to slowly experience this golden hidden gem. 💡Photography tips: To get photos with beautiful scenery and few people, you must enter the park early! I took the train from Kashgar to Zepu after 6:00 AM and carpooled from the train station to the scenic area. It's about 40 km, and it cost ¥20 per person for 4 people. I have to give a shout-out to the Xinjiang driver—he was enthusiastic and nice, the car was clean and odorless, and the scenery along the way made for a great mood🥰 💛This autumn, Northern Xinjiang is packed with people. Why not come to Southern Xinjiang to see the Populus forest and experience a real-life "oil painting world"~

Xinjiang, especially the Tarim River Basin, is the main distribution area of poplar in China. 61% of the world's poplar is concentrated in China, and 91% of China's poplar is in Xinjiang. Poplar is known as the "desert hero tree" and has the unyielding vitality of resisting drought, wind and sand, and salt and alkali. [One] Tarim Poplar Forest National Forest Park: Located in Luntai County, it has a large area of natural poplar forest and is suitable for sightseeing by small train. [Two] Luobu Village: Located in Yuli County, you can experience the primitive lifestyle of the Luobu people and enjoy the poplar forest. [Three] Yuli County National Wetland Park: The Tarim River and the Wei River complement each other, and there is the beauty of poplar in the water. [Four] Mulei Poplar Forest: Located in Mulei County, it is one of the oldest primitive poplar forests in the world. [Five] Zepu Jinhuang National Forest Park: Located in Zepu County, it has beautiful poplar forests and is surrounded by the Yarkant River. [Six] Yiwu County Poplar Forest Scenic Area: Located in Yiwu County, Hami City, it is famous for its unique tree trunk shape. [Seven] Bachu Red Sea Poplar Forest: Located in Bachu County, it is an ecological landscape area integrating lakes, rivers, grasslands, wetlands, Gobi, and poplar forests. [Eight] Shayar Poplar Forest: Located in Shayar County, there are relatively few tourists, quiet and beautiful. [Nine] Andir Township Poplar Forest: Located in the desert highway, there are few people and you can take pictures at ease. [Zero] Taklimakan Desert: Primitive poplar forests are distributed along the desert highway, which is very spectacular in the golden autumn. The above attractions are all good places to enjoy poplar in the golden autumn in October.

Zepu, Xinjiang in autumn, holds the gentlest golden fairy tale of Southern Xinjiang. In mid-October, thousands of acres of poplar forests shed their green and turn a fiery golden yellow. The blue waters of the Yarkant River wind through the forest, with the poplars reflected on the surface, earning it the reputation of a water-town poplar forest. Stroll through the Jinhuyang Scenic Area, with a carpet of golden fallen leaves beneath your feet and layers of yellow leaves overhead. The thousand-year-old "King of Poplars" stands quietly as the afternoon sun filters through the canopy, creating dancing light and shadows—this is the most healing sight of autumn in Southern Xinjiang. Zepu, Xinjiang in autumn, holds the gentlest golden fairy tale of Southern Xinjiang. In mid-October, thousands of acres of poplar forests shed their green and turn a fiery golden yellow. The blue waters of the Yarkant River wind through the forest, with the poplars reflected on the surface, earning it the reputation of a water-town poplar forest. Stroll through the Jinhuyang Scenic Area, with a carpet of golden fallen leaves beneath your feet and layers of yellow leaves overhead. The thousand-year-old "King of Poplars" stands quietly as the afternoon sun filters through the canopy, creating dancing light and shadows—this is the most healing sight of autumn in Southern Xinjiang.

📍Location: 36 km southwest of Zepu County, Kashgar; about a 2.5-hour drive from downtown Kashgar 🎟Park fees ▫️Admission: CNY 40/person ▫️Electric cart + horse-drawn carriage ticket: CNY 20 (both routes are identical; you can choose either at any stop) ▫️Popular sightseeing train: CNY 20/person ▫️Self-drive electric cart: CNY 90 for the first hour, CNY 30 for every 20 minutes thereafter ▫️Bicycle: CNY 10/hour 💮Recommended route The park is huge! The electric sightseeing cart has 5 stops and runs in a one-way loop 1️⃣First sightseeing cart stop (Yingzhou Island) ⭐️The highlight! After getting off, walk along the lakeside boardwalk around the lake. The golden poplars and white reeds reflected on the water are breathtaking 🥹 Walk deeper along the forest boardwalks to find stunning poplar scenery 2️⃣Then take the shuttle bus past the second stop, "Dinosaur Park and Educated Youth Courtyard," and get off directly at the third stop, "Poplar King Station" 3️⃣Poplar King: Over 1,400 years old! The park's core landmark, but to be honest… it's not worth seeing 🤫 4️⃣Take the shuttle from the third stop to the fourth stop, Jinyang Lake. You will pass the Jinyang Lake bike path on the way (not an official stop, but you can ask the driver to let you off there) 5️⃣A 10-minute walk to Jinyang Lake ⭐️ The entire poplar forest grows by the water, and the reflections on the lake are stunning! Stroll along the wooden boardwalk around the lake; the drone shot locations are god-tier 🚁 You can also choose a speedboat tour around the lake for a different perspective of the golden poplars 6️⃣The fifth shuttle stop is Longevity Folk Culture Village—skip it! Don't get off; just head back to the visitor center 🏃 📸Photo spots 1️⃣The highlights of the entire park are concentrated in the lake area at the first stop, Jinyang Lake at the fourth stop, and the Jinyang Lake bike path. Other areas aren't worth seeing (including the Poplar King) 2️⃣It is recommended to spend at least half an hour walking around Jinyang Lake. If you're short on time, at least take a quick 10-minute walk to the other side of the lake to enjoy the scenery, then return to the pier to catch the shuttle 3️⃣The wild path in the reed and poplar forest near the horse riding area, towards the small train tracks at the first stop, is great for photos 📷 ⚠️Practical tips 📌Drones are allowed in the park; remember to register in advance 📌The two most photogenic elements: the popular small train passing through the forest 🚂 and the reflections of the poplars in the water 📌The water poplars here are not as impressive as those in Yuli Hulu Island or Tata; if you've been to those places, you can skip this 📌You must ride the vintage small train! The tracks are laid deep in the poplar forest. Sitting at the back of the train allows you to capture a panoramic view of the train traveling through the golden forest, creating a perfect atmosphere ✨

After wandering around Northern Xinjiang for over 3 months, I chose to return to Kashgar, 👉🏻 My main reason was to see this splash of yellow—the desert poplar forests in autumn. I had only ever seen them in books, promotional videos, and short clips before, 🍁 But this time, I came to the Zepu Golden Poplar National Forest Park, and stood right beneath the trees. 🌿 The trees were covered in golden leaves, shining brilliantly in the sunlight. When the wind blew, the entire forest seemed to glow. 😍 I couldn't help myself and picked up plenty of fallen leaves along the way: some were perfect, some had little nicks from the wind, and some were even a bit withered. I put them all in my pocket, ready to turn them into my own special souvenir. 🌿 As I looked up, I noticed that a single desert poplar tree grows several different leaf shapes at the same time— some round, some pointed, and some shaped like little fans. 👉🏻 I never noticed this in videos before; you really have to stand under the trees to see it clearly. 🌿 The trunks felt incredibly rough and prickly, with bark that split into deep ridges. At first glance, they look a lot like willow or poplar bark, but they feel thicker and more weathered. Quick tip: The best time to see the golden leaves this year is from late October to early November. Any later, and most of them will have fallen.

D1 Gather in Urumqi and rest D2 Urumqi → Drive through Tianshan Shengli Tunnel → Luoburen Village (desert + Tarim River + early golden poplar forests) → Korla D3 Korla → Luntai Tarim Poplar Forest Park (core poplar forest scenic area) → Kuqa D4 Kuqa → Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon → Drive through Taklamakan Desert Highway → Hotan D5 Hotan → Yarkant Old Town → Arrive in Kashgar, explore the ancient city at night D6 Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan (Pamir Plateau) D7 In-depth Taxkorgan: Panlong Ancient Road, Bandier Blue Lake, Stone City and Golden Grass Beach D8 Muztagh Ata → Return to Kashgar D9 Kashgar → Zepu Golden Poplar Forest (poplar forests reflected in water) → Kashgar D10 Free time in Kashgar → Trip ends Travel Highlights 1. Experience Southern Xinjiang's diverse landscapes in one trip: snow-capped mountains, canyons, deserts, poplar forests, alpine lakes, and ancient city streets all on one route. ​ 2. Rich variety of poplar forest scenery: see early golden poplars at Luoburen Village, primitive poplar forests in Luntai, and poplars reflected in water in Zepu. ​ 3. In-depth Pamir Plateau experience: Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata, Panlong Ancient Road, and Bandier Blue Lake all connected in one route. ​ 4. Rich cultural atmosphere: Kuqa, Yarkant, Kashgar Old Town, and highland villages in Taxkorgan—experience the vibrant local life of Southern Xinjiang along the way. ​ 5. Perfect for autumn photography: the golden poplars create a striking contrast with the blue sky, lakes, and desert, making for great photos. Travel Tips · Tianshan Shengli Tunnel: Traffic control, construction, or weather may affect travel. Be sure to confirm the actual arrangements before departure. ​ · High altitude in Taxkorgan: Avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of water, take fewer showers, and allow time to acclimatize to the altitude. ​ · Unpredictable weather on Panlong Ancient Road: Wind, snow, and fog can affect visibility. It is better to plan for an in-depth visit on a clear day. ​ · Poplar forests are seasonal: We recommend visiting from mid-to-late October – early November. The exact timing of the golden foliage depends on the weather that year. ​ · Don't just stick to the main streets in Kashgar Old Town: The night view is beautiful, but some cultural souvenirs are overpriced, so compare prices before buying. ​ · Do not drive off-road on the desert highway: It is safer to take photos in designated viewing areas to avoid getting your vehicle stuck in the sand.

🌳 Zepu's golden poplar trees are a must-see in autumn in Xinjiang! The golden poplar forest is like a fairy tale world. ✨ Each poplar tree is like a guardian of time, witnessing the changes of history. Here, you can take as many photos as you like to capture these beautiful moments. 📷 Photography tips: 👉 Choose bright dresses to contrast with the golden poplar forest for stunning photos. You can also try ethnic costumes to blend in with the local culture. 👉 The best time to take photos is early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the colors are rich. 👉 Use different angles to shoot the poplar forest. Low angles highlight the tall trees, while high angles show the vastness. You can also use the lake's reflection to capture symmetrical beauty. 👉 Bring props like balloons and garlands to make your photos more vivid and interesting. You can also use carriages and camels to add a sense of story. 📍 Zepu Golden Poplar National Forest Park 🚗 Travel time: Shache/Zepu: 1 hour, minibus: 25/person 🎫 Ticket: 40/person 🐴 Transportation: Scenic area shuttle bus, carriage: 20/person 🚂 Take a small train through the poplar forest and let the sunlight shine on your face through the leaves. It's like a fairy tale.

A golden fairy tale world! Photo guide for the Golden Poplar Forest in Zepu, Xinjiang 🍂 Stroll through the fairyland 🌅 The Golden Poplar Forest in the early morning is simply breathtaking! The lake surface mirrors a sea of gold, and walking through it feels like stepping into an oil painting~ Every shot is a masterpiece with the interplay of light and shadow! 📍Location: 40 km southwest of Zepu County, Xinjiang ⏰Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 🎫Ticket: 38 RMB 🔥Must-visit spots 1️⃣ Golden Lakeshore The poplars perfectly blend with the lake water, shining golden at sunrise 📸Tips: Crouch low to capture more stunning reflections 2️⃣ Misty Forest Trail When the morning fog lingers, it looks like a fairyland; wearing light-colored clothes makes for great photos 🌞Travel Tips · It’s best to arrive before 6 AM for fewer people and soft lighting · October to November is the best viewing period, with golden leaves that look dreamy · Remember to bring a thick jacket, as the temperature difference between morning and evening is huge