[2025 Xayar Attraction] Travel Guide for Tarim River Wetland Tourism Scenic Area - Original Populus Euphratica Forest Ecological and Cultural Scenic Area (Updated Jul)

I. Itinerary Day 1: Embrace Natural Beauty - Morning: Head to Tarim River Wetland Scenic Area🌊. The primitive and spectacular poplar forests offer breathtaking views of nature's craftsmanship, perfect for photography. - Afternoon: Visit Yanqi Pastoral Eco-Cultural Tourism Area🍃. Stroll through shady greenery by clear lakes, enjoy fruit picking at the eco-farm, and taste fresh produce. - Evening: Explore Hepan Night Market for a culinary adventure with local snacks and vibrant street life. Day 2: Discover History & Culture - Morning: Step into Taqian City Cultural Creative Park🏰. Wander ancient alleys, climb city walls for panoramic views, and experience cultural fusion at Xinjiang Seal Museum and East-West Bazaar. - Afternoon: Visit Poplar Chinese Studies Academy📖. Enjoy immersive reading on the 1st floor, chess/music on 2nd-3rd floors, and tea with scenic views on the 4th floor. - Evening: Experience performances and local culture at Impression·Shaya Cultural Tourism Block. Day 3: Leisure Time - Morning: Relax at Weigan River Eco-Cultural Tourism Area, strolling by Yanming Lake and Xiangyun Lake. - Afternoon: Unwind at Paman Lake Scenic Area amidst natural beauty. - Evening: Return home with wonderful memories. II. Food Guide - Shaya Bilo: Crispy Tang Dynasty snack with rich fillings—utterly delicious😋 - Yingmaili Big Plate Fish: Tender Tarim River fish in flavorful broth—a signature dish. - Shaya Tarim Grilled Fish: Skewered carp roasted on red willow branches—crispy outside, chewy inside. - Colorful Shaya Baked Buns: Golden crispy exterior with juicy fillings. - Red Willow Lamb Skewers: Willow-infused aroma, charred outside and tender inside. - Hailou Rice Pilaf: Fragrant rice with lamb and carrots, absorbing meat essence. - Poplar Chicken Soup: Nourishing with cistanche herbs—comfort in every sip. - Shaya Earth Naan: Aromatic wheat bread—crispy outside, soft inside. - Shaya Cold Skin Noodles: Silky noodles with spicy dressing, cucumber, and bean sprouts. - Ancient Peach Soup Buns: Juicy lamb filling with springy noodles—perfect with broth. III. Transportation - Flight: Fly to Kuqa Qiuci Airport or Aksu Wensu Airport, then 2-hour drive to Shaya. - Train: Arrive at Xinhe or Kuqa Station, then 2-hour bus ride. - Bus: Long-distance buses available from across Xinjiang (prepare for lengthy travel). IV. Accommodation - Shaya County Hotels: Various options with convenient access to amenities. - Yanqi Pastoral Homestays: Experience local culture in tranquil countryside. Shaya·Aksu Prefecture

It was my first time in southern Xinjiang, and my first time seeing a Populus euphratica forest in the water. Fall is here, and the trees are turning yellow. After traveling across half of China, I finally got to see the Populus euphratica forest in Shaya County. This is the Tarim River Basin. There are fewer people here than in Luntai, so it's a hidden gem with beautiful scenery. If you don't like crowded places, you should definitely come here! 📌 Map: Shaya County Primitive Populus Euphratica Forest Ecological and Cultural Scenic Area 💵 Ticket: CNY 20, shuttle bus CNY 30 (you should be able to drive in, but check with the scenic area) 📷 Best time to take photos: 1–2 hours before sunset, when the light is softer and the shadows are better. I took these photos yesterday (October 12), and the trees should be completely yellow next week.

🚘 The '139 Populus euphratica Secret Highway' stretches 139 kilometers from west to east, running alongside the Tarim River and through dense Populus euphratica forests. The entire journey takes about 3-5 hours to drive and enjoy the scenery. 🚘 The western entrance of the secret highway is 90 kilometers from Aral City, about a one and a half hour drive. The eastern entrance is 200 kilometers from Luntai County, about a 3-hour drive. 🚘 The western section of the secret highway, from the Tarim River Bridge to the Tarim River Wetland Scenic Area (abandoned, see picture), is about 86 kilometers. The road is winding and narrow, flanked by dense Populus euphratica trees, with many strange willows and blooming red flowers. Sheep wander through the forest, and flocks of birds fly over the clear waters of the Tarim River. This scene is a rare sight in the deserts and Gobi of southern Xinjiang! 🚘 The eastern section of the secret highway, from the Tarim River Wetland Scenic Area (at the signpost of Gaizikumu Village, see picture) eastward to the Hadedun Bridge, is about 53 kilometers. The road is relatively wide, and the Populus euphratica trees are relatively sparse. 🚘 The 139 Secret Highway is a rural road, especially the western section, which is narrow. When stopping to enjoy the scenery, choose spots that do not obstruct other vehicles. 🚘 I drove through in the summer. If it's autumn or winter, the Populus euphratica scenery will be even better! 🚘 If you want to see the Populus euphratica forest and don't know where to go, then take the '139 Populus euphratica Secret Highway'!