How to Get to the Ancient Poplar Forest in Nilka Wetland on a Yili Group Tour Ecological Route and Cost Recommended Itinerary Price

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation

In-depth Ecological Tour of the Ancient Poplar Forest in the Nilka Wetland, Yili:Journey to Explore the Green Breath of the Primeval Forest
🌿 [Key Highlights of the Itinerary:Step into the ‘Green Lung’ of Western China]
The Ancient Poplar Forest Scenic Area in Nilka Wetland is located at the eastern end of the Yili River Valley, covering a total area of 213,000 acres. It is one of the most well-preserved primeval ancient poplar forests in western China. Centered around the ‘ancient poplar community + wetland ecology,’ it boasts over 2,000 ancient poplar trees aged over 300 years, interspersed with 10 kilometers of ecological wooden walkways, 21 observation decks, and 3 naturally growing flower seas. Recent monitoring data from 2026 shows traces of snow leopards, North China ibex, and other national first-class protected animals within the scenic area, making it a ‘living museum’ for ecological observers.
The scenic area offers distinct landscapes in each season:
Spring (April-May):Naturally growing Adonis flowers bloom through the snow, creating the wonder of a ‘flower sea amidst the snow’
Summer (June-August):With an average temperature of 22°C and a negative oxygen ion concentration of 30,000 per cubic centimeter, it is an ideal summer resort and convalescent destination
Autumn (September-October):The ancient poplar forest is ablaze with color, with golden and fiery red hues intertwining to form an ‘oil painting corridor’
Winter (November-March):The rime landscape lasts for 40 days, transforming the walkways into a ‘crystal corridor’
🚌 [New Transportation Options for 2026]
[Group Tour Transportation Arrangements]

In-depth Ecological Tour of the Ancient Poplar Forest in the Nilka Wetland, Yili: Journey to Explore the Green Breath of the Primeval ForestXinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency offers two transfer options:
1. Designated pick-up and drop-off in Yining City: Depart daily at 8:00 AM from Yining Railway Station/Airport, travel for 2 hours along National Highway G218 directly to the scenic area, and return at 6:00 PM from the scenic area
2. Carpooling from Nilka County: If visitors arrive in Nilka County independently, they can contact the travel agency to arrange a 7-seater commercial vehicle carpooling service (reference price: 60 RMB/person/one-way)
[Self-Drive Reference Route]
From Yili Prefecture:Yidun Expressway → G218 → S315 → X776 (total distance approximately 180 kilometers, travel time approximately 2.5 hours)
From Urumqi:Urumqi-Kuytun Expressway → Dushanzi Exit → G217 → S315 → X776 (total distance approximately 520 kilometers, travel time approximately 6 hours)
⚠ ️ Traffic control is implemented within the scenic area. Private vehicles must be parked in the visitor center parking lot (free of charge) and transfer to shuttle buses (6 RMB/person/one-way)
📅 [3-Day In-Depth Ecological Itinerary]
Day 1:Introduction to the Secret Realm of Ancient Poplars
08:00 Assemble and depart from Yining

🌿[Key Highlights of the Itinerary: Step into the ‘Green Lung’ of Western China]10:30 Arrive at the scenic area and take the shuttle bus to the core zone
11:00-13:00 Hike the ‘Millennium Ancient Poplar Corridor,’ observing tree bark textures and growth ring characteristics
13:30 Lunch in Nilka County (recommended combination of pilaf and grilled lamb skewers)
15:00 Return to the scenic area and photograph the wetland panorama from the observation deck
17:30 Attend the scenic area’s ecological lecture (limited to 30 people per day, advance reservation required)
Day 2:Wetland Ecological Exploration
09:00 Take the electric shuttle bus deep into the wetland heartland (reference price: 30 RMB/person)
10:00-12:00 Participate in the ‘Bird Observation’ activity (equipped with professional binoculars)
12:30 Picnic experience (portable lunch boxes provided by the travel agency)
14:00 Visit the ‘Ancient Poplar Protection Station’ to learn about tree maintenance techniques
16:00 Free time to photograph the flower seas and their reflections

The Ancient Poplar Forest Scenic Area in Nilka Wetland is located at the eastern end of the Yili River Valley, covering a total area of 213,000 acres. It is one of the most well-preserved primeval ancient poplar forests in western China. Centered around the ‘ancient poplar community + wetland ecology,’ it boasts over 2,000 ancient poplar trees aged over 300 years, interspersed with 10 kilometers of ecological wooden walkways, 21 observation decks, and 3 naturally growing flower seas. Recent monitoring data from 2026 shows traces of snow leopards, North China ibex, and other national first-class protected animals within the scenic area, making it a ‘living museum’ for ecological observers.Day 3:Cultural Extension Tour
08:30 Depart for the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery (1.5-hour drive)
10:30 Visit the Dukou Highway Memorial Hall to learn about the road construction history
12:00 Experience dairy product making in a Kazakh folk village
14:00 Return to Yining, with a stop at the Guozigou Bridge observation deck along the way
💰 [2026 Cost Breakdown]
[Basic Fees] (calculated based on a group of 30 people)
Transportation:Yining round-trip transfer + scenic area shuttle bus 120 RMB/person
Admission Tickets:49 RMB/person (including ecological insurance)
Meals:2 set meals (8 dishes + 1 soup standard) 80 RMB/person

The scenic area offers distinct landscapes in each season:Services:Professional tour guide + ecological interpreter 100 RMB/person
[Optional Upgrade Packages]
In-depth Experience Package (electric shuttle bus + binocular rental + picnic equipment) 150 RMB/person
Photography Assistance Service (professional photographer for 3 hours of shooting) 300 RMB/person
Parent-Child Nature Classroom (animal and plant specimen making) 80 RMB/child
⚠ ️ Fee Notes:
1. Seniors aged 65 and above, children under 1.3 meters tall, active-duty military personnel, and others meeting discount conditions may receive a reduction in admission ticket fees upon presentation of valid credentials
2. For solo registrants, every effort will be made to arrange room-sharing. If separate accommodation is required, a room supplement fee will apply (reference price: 150 RMB/night)
3. Specific fees are subject to actual consultation and contract signing and may fluctuate depending on the tour schedule
📋 [Service Guarantee System]

Spring (April-May): Naturally growing Adonis flowers bloom through the snow, creating the wonder of a ‘flower sea amidst the snow’1. Equipment: Each tour group is equipped with a first aid kit + AED defibrillator, and tour guides hold Red Cross Society first aid certificates
2. Ecological Commitment: Use of biodegradable tableware throughout the tour; feeding of naturally growing animals is prohibited
3. Emergency Plan: In case of extreme weather, the itinerary will be changed to an indoor ecological classroom + documentary viewing
4. Complaint Channel: 24-hour service hotline (consult Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency’s customer service manager Zhang Jing)
🌲 [Ecological Travel Guidelines]
1. Clothing Recommendations: Non-slip hiking shoes + quick-dry clothing + windproof jacket (temperature differences in the forest can reach 10°C)
2. Equipment Checklist: Backpack, sunscreen, power bank, 1.5L drinking water
3. Photography Tips: Soft morning and evening light is ideal for portrait photography; midday is suitable for aerial panoramic shots
4. Prohibited Items: Collection of plant specimens is prohibited; flying drones beyond the height limit zone is prohibited
📞 [Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency by providing valid identification information and special needs (such as dietary restrictions, mobility issues, etc.). After the group is formed, an ‘Pre-Trip Manual’ will be sent, containing practical information such as real-time weather, clothing index, and equipment checklist.
(The information in this article is compiled from the 2026 public data of the Nilka County Culture and Tourism Bureau, the scenic area’s real-time ticketing system, and quotes from cooperative local ground operators. The specifics are subject to the contract signed by both parties. The travel agency will make reasonable changes to the itinerary based on actual weather, road conditions, etc., to ensure the quality of the tour and experience.)

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation