4 Day Southern Xinjiang Group Tour Combining Dawakun Desert Short Trip with Millennium Old Poplar Forest, Affordable Price with Open Registration Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send the itinerary and quotation.
Symphony of Desert and Populus Euphratica:Four-Day In-Depth Experience Tour in Southern Xinjiang
Millennium Dialogue Between Desert and Oasis:Dual Aesthetics of Dawakun and Populus Euphratica Forest
On the edge of the Taklimakan Desert in southern Xinjiang, Dawakun Desert and the Populus Euphratica forest along the Tarim River form a visually striking natural landscape. The former is renowned for its shifting sand dunes and brilliant starry skies, while the latter captivates with its resilience, “living for a thousand years without dying, and standing for a thousand years without falling.” In 2026, this four-day short tour cleverly connects the two, allowing visitors to experience the finest natural aesthetics of southern Xinjiang in a short time.
Dawakun Desert, located in Yuepuhu County, Kashgar Prefecture, is a miniature replica of the Taklimakan Desert, approximately 120 kilometers from downtown Kashgar. Here, the sand dunes rise gently, with the highest point not exceeding 30 meters, making it suitable for desert off-roading, sandboarding, camel riding, and other experiences. Dawakun Lake, nestled in the heart of the desert, resembles a blue sapphire, creating a unique landscape of “sand and water coexisting.” The Populus Euphratica forest along the Tarim River, centered around the Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park in Luntai County, covers an area of 3,800 square kilometers. From late October to early November each year, the golden leaves of the Populus Euphratica contrast sharply with the azure sky, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Itinerary Highlights:Immersive Experience Combining Dynamic and Static Elements
Day 1:Initial Exploration of Kashgar Old City Culture
Morning:Upon arrival in Kashgar, attend the opening ceremony of Kashgar Old City (held daily at 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM) to watch traditional song and dance performances by various ethnic groups.
Afternoon:Stroll through the century-old tea house, savor brick tea with nang bread, and chat with local elders; visit the Id Kah Mosque (currently open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, adhering to visiting regulations).
Symphony of Desert and Populus Euphratica: Four-Day In-Depth Experience Tour in Southern XinjiangEvening:Recommended free activities: Sample roasted pigeon, pot meat, pomegranate juice, and other local delicacies at the Kashgar night market.
Day 2:Dawakun Desert Carnival
Morning:Take a bus to Dawakun Desert (approximately a 2-hour drive). Upon arrival, experience desert off-roading (reference price: 150 yuan per person, about 15 minutes) or camel riding (reference price: 80 yuan per person, about 30 minutes).
Noon:Lunch at the desert camp, savoring roast whole lamb, hand-pulled rice, and other specialties.
Afternoon:Free activities: Participate in sandboarding, desert volleyball, or sit quietly on the dunes to watch the sunset.
Evening:Stay in a desert starry sky tent (reference price: 300 yuan per person per night, including breakfast and dinner). At night, observe the Milky Way (weather permitting).
Day 3:Ecological Exploration of Populus Euphratica Forest
Morning:Drive to Luntai County (approximately a 4-hour drive), passing through the Taklimakan Desert Highway and admiring the windbreak and sand-fixation forest belts on both sides.
Afternoon:Enter the Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park (currently open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, admission reference price: 45 yuan per person, shuttle bus reference price: 23 yuan per person). Take a small train through the golden forest sea and hike to the observation deck for panoramic views.
Millennium Dialogue Between Desert and Oasis: Dual Aesthetics of Dawakun and Populus Euphratica ForestEvening:Stay at a hotel in Luntai County (reference price: 200-400 yuan per room) and sample Tarim River grilled fish and red willow grilled meat.
Day 4:Return Journey and Cultural Conclusion
Morning:Visit the Korla City Museum (currently open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays) to learn about the history of the Western Regions and the cultures of various ethnic groups.
Afternoon:Return according to flight/train schedule, concluding the itinerary.
Price Explanation:Transparent Services with No Hidden Costs
2026 Reference Tour Fee:2,280 yuan per adult, 1,280 yuan per child (no bed, no admission ticket)
Fees Include:
Transportation:Air-conditioned tour bus from Kashgar and back (including fuel and toll fees)
On the edge of the Taklimakan Desert in southern Xinjiang, Dawakun Desert and the Populus Euphratica forest along the Tarim River form a visually striking natural landscape. The former is renowned for its shifting sand dunes and brilliant starry skies, while the latter captivates with its resilience, “living for a thousand years without dying, and standing for a thousand years without falling.” In 2026, this four-day short tour cleverly connects the two, allowing visitors to experience the finest natural aesthetics of southern Xinjiang in a short time.Accommodation:3 nights of accommodation (1 night in a desert tent + 2 nights in city hotels)
Meals:3 breakfasts and 5 main meals (including desert roast whole lamb and a simple meal in the Populus Euphratica Forest Park)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to Dawakun Desert and Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park
Tour Guide Services:Full-time Chinese-speaking tour guide explanation services
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance
Fees Exclude:
Self-funded projects such as desert off-roading and camel riding
Personal expenses and attractions outside the itinerary
：Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible; special circumstances require separate negotiation
Dawakun Desert, located in Yuepuhu County, Kashgar Prefecture, is a miniature replica of the Taklimakan Desert, approximately 120 kilometers from downtown Kashgar. Here, the sand dunes rise gently, with the highest point not exceeding 30 meters, making it suitable for desert off-roading, sandboarding, camel riding, and other experiences. Dawakun Lake, nestled in the heart of the desert, resembles a blue sapphire, creating a unique landscape of “sand and water coexisting.” The Populus Euphratica forest along the Tarim River, centered around the Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park in Luntai County, covers an area of 3,800 square kilometers. From late October to early November each year, the golden leaves of the Populus Euphratica contrast sharply with the azure sky, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.Price Explanation:The above prices are reference ranges and may fluctuate depending on the tour date. The actual price is subject to consultation and contract signing. Room availability is subject to confirmation by customer service.
Registration Method:Professional Services for a Comfortable Journey
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, which provides the following service guarantees:
Pre-trip Consultation:Customer service manager Zhang Jing provides answers to itinerary details
Contract Signing:Use of standard electronic contracts from the culture and tourism department to clarify rights and responsibilities
Emergency Response:24-hour emergency contact person system
Service Explanation:Details Determine the Quality of the Experience
Transportation Arrangements:Drivers with over 15 years of driving experience drive commercial vehicles with fewer than 15 seats, with a maximum capacity of 12 people per vehicle, striving for comfort
Itinerary Highlights: Immersive Experience Combining Dynamic and Static ElementsMeal Standards:Main meal standards are not less than 40 yuan per person, with unlimited bottled water provided at the desert camp
Tour Guide Allocation:Each tour group is equipped with 1 Chinese-speaking tour guide + 1 staff member, with first aid kits provided in desert areas
Special Care:Elderly individuals over 65 years old are required to sign a health commitment form and are provided with free hiking poles and sand-proof shoe covers
The actual consultation and contract signing shall prevail. Both parties can reasonably modify the itinerary through mutual agreement.
Travel Tips:Making the Itinerary Even Better
Optimal Season:The viewing period for the Populus Euphratica forest is from October 20th to November 10th. Desert activities can be experienced year-round (sun protection is necessary in summer).
Equipment Suggestions:Bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, windproof face masks, and windbreakers (large temperature differences between day and night in the desert)
Cultural Taboos:Remove shoes and wear long pants/skirts when visiting; avoid touching the Quran
Photography Guide:For Populus Euphratica forest photography, use a wide-angle lens; for desert starry sky photography, bring a tripod
This four-day itinerary perfectly blends the wildness of the desert with the resilience of the Populus Euphratica, making it suitable for family trips and meeting the creative needs of photography enthusiasts. In 2026, Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency will create a visual and spiritual feast for visitors with standardized service processes and personalized experience designs. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to start your exploration journey in southern Xinjiang!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send the itinerary and quotation.
