Yiwu County Travel
Xinjiang Hami Yiwu County — golden poplar forests, fantasy colored lakes. Explore one of the world's three largest poplar forests, visit the color-changing Fantasy Color Lake, and experience the magnificent frontier scenery.
Yiwu County 3-Day 2-Night Highlight Tour
Explore the golden poplar forest, stroll by Fantasy Color Lake, and gaze at the distant glacier wonder
Arrive in Yiwu County, visit the Naomaohu Poplar Forest Scenic Area to admire the resilience of thousand-year-old poplar trees. Capture the sunset over the poplar forest in the evening.
- Naomaohu Resort
- Yiwu County Hotel
- Poplar Forest Camping Area
- Roasted Whole Lamb
- Wild Mushroom Stewed Chicken
- Scallion Scrambled Eggs
- No open flames allowed in the poplar forest
- Best viewing period: September-October
- Bring extra camera batteries
Spend the whole day touring the Fantasy Color Lake Scenic Area, observing the changing colors of the lake. In the afternoon, head to the Wild Camel Reserve to search for wild Bactrian camels.
- County town to Fantasy Color Lake: ~1 hour drive
- 4WD vehicle required inside the reserve
- Bring binoculars recommended
- Fantasy Color Lake: 60 yuan
- Reserve Entrance: 30 yuan
- Strong reflection from lake surface, wear sunglasses
- Do not disturb wildlife
- No cell signal inside the reserve
In the morning, enjoy the magnificent views of the Karlik Glacier from afar. In the afternoon, visit the Nailenger Grassland to experience Kazak nomadic culture. Depart in the evening.
- Glacier Viewing Platform → Nailenger Grassland → Yiwu County Town
- Car rental recommended
- Wild Mushrooms
- Camel Dairy Products
- Kazak Handicrafts
- Low temperatures in glacier area
- Practice environmental protection on the grassland
- Respect minority ethnic customs
Must-Try Foods in Yiwu County
Wild Mushroom Stewed Chicken
A Yiwu specialty dish, using local wild mushrooms and free-range chicken slow-cooked to perfection — delicious soup with rich nutrition.
Roasted Whole Lamb
A traditional Xinjiang delicacy. The whole lamb is marinated with secret spices and roasted until golden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.
Scallion Scrambled Eggs
Gobi specialty scallions stir-fried with free-range eggs, fragrant and refreshing — a Yiwu home-style delicacy.
- Autumn (Sep-Oct): Best period for golden poplar forest
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Grassland flower season
- Winter: Experience poplar forest in snow
- Poplar Forest Photography
- Fantasy Color Lake Color Observation
- Grassland Horseback Riding
- Stargazing
- Tickets: approx. 150 yuan
- Accommodation: 200-350 yuan/night
- Meals: 80-120 yuan/day
- Transport: 200 yuan (car hire)
- Total: 900-1300 yuan
- When is the poplar forest at its yellowest? → Late September to mid-October
- Can I see wild camels? → Possible inside the reserve
- Essential gear? → Sunscreen, warm clothing, camera
- Will I get altitude sickness? → Glacier viewing platform is at high elevation, take precautions