Shaya County Travel
Xinjiang Shaya County—the hometown of the world's Poplar trees. Explore the golden poplars along the Tarim River, feel the miracle of life that endures for three thousand years, and experience the unique scenery of the desert wetlands.
Shaya County Three Days Two Nights Poplar Secret Realm Tour
Traverse the golden forest, explore wetland wonders, and feel the miracle of life
Arrive in Shaya County, check into your hotel, then spend the day visiting the core area of the Shaya Poplar Forest, visiting the thousand-year-old King Poplar, and photographing the golden poplar landscape.
- Shaya Guest House
- Poplar Forest Resort Village
- Red Willow Barbecue
- Tarim River Fish
- Shaya Melon
- The scenic area is large; taking the sightseeing bus is recommended
- Best shooting times are sunrise and sunset
- Protect poplar trees; do not carve on them
Head to Moon Bay in the morning to admire the perfect combination of poplar trees and wetlands. Visit the Tarim River Wetland in the afternoon for bird watching and photography.
- Chartered car is required
- Some road sections are gravel paths
- Hiring a local guide is recommended
- Wide-angle lens
- Tripod
- Polarizing filter
- Many mosquitoes in the wetland; bring insect repellent
- Keep quiet during bird watching
- Protect the ecological environment
Take a boat to Sun Island in the morning to photograph the wonder of poplars in the water. Explore the Devil's Forest in the afternoon and return in the evening.
- Boat River Tour
- Poplar Photography
- Folk Performances
- Poplar Wood Carvings
- Shaya Red Dates
- Wild Honey
- Wear a life jacket when boating
- The terrain of Devil's Forest is complex; pay attention to safety
- Protect the natural landscape
Shaya County Must-Try Foods
Red Willow Barbecue
A Shaya specialty. Lamb is skewered on red willow branches and grilled, resulting in tender meat with a special red willow aroma and a unique flavor.
Tarim River Fish
Wild fish from the Tarim River. The meat is tender and can be steamed or braised, embodying the delicious taste of the desert waters.
Shaya Melon
A specialty melon of Shaya. Due to the unique lighting conditions, it has a high sugar content and abundant juice, making it an excellent thirst-quenching treat.
- Autumn (Mid-Oct to Early Nov): Poplars turn golden
- Spring (Apr-May): New green sprouts appear
- Avoid the high-temperature period in summer
- Poplar Forest Sunrise Photography
- Boat River Tour
- Devil's Forest Exploration
- Specialty Food Tasting
- Tickets: Approx. 100 RMB
- Accommodation: 300-500 RMB/night
- Dining: 100-150 RMB/day
- Transportation: 200 RMB (Chartered car)
- Total: 1200-1600 RMB
- How large is the Poplar Forest? → Area reaches 2 million mu
- What season is suitable? → October is best
- Essential equipment? → Camera, sun protection, warm clothing
- Best time for photography? → 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset