In the vast and mysterious land of Xinjiang, there is a bright pearl hidden - Zepujin Lake poplar. There are not only golden poplar forests, but also the clear and flowing Yarkand River, and more strong and unique ethnic customs. Today, let's embark on an unforgettable journey through this magical land.
1. Overview of the destination
Zepujin Huyang National Forest Park is located in the territory of Yasdun Forest Farm, 36 kilometers southwest of Zepu County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, and is located on the upper edge of the alluvial fan of the Yarkand River, surrounded by water on three sides, with pleasant scenery. The natural poplar forest in the scenic area covers an area of 18,000 acres, which is known as the "oasis in the Gobi".
2. The best time to travel
The best time to visit is from late September to mid-November, when the poplar forests are golden and fairytale-like. Of course, the poplars of Zepujin Lake in different seasons also have their own characteristics, and everything recovers in spring, and Populus euphratica spits out tender green shoots; In summer, it is a good place to escape the heat; In winter, the poplar is even more vigorous against the backdrop of ice and snow.
3. Itinerary planning
Day 1: Arrive at Zepu - Jinhuyang Scenic Area
-morning
- Arrive in Kashgar by plane or train, then transfer to Zepu County by car.
- Upon arrival in Zepp County, proceed to the hotel for check-in and a short rest.
-Afternoon
- Go to Jinhuyang National Forest Park, purchase a ticket and enter the scenic area.
- Take a scenic bus ride and enjoy the beautiful poplar forest scenery along the way.
- Arrive at the core area of Jinhu Poplar Scenic Area, walk among the poplar forests, and feel the magic and beauty of nature.
- Visit the Poplar King, an ancient poplar tree that has been around for hundreds of years and has witnessed the vicissitudes of time.
-At night
- Taste local specialties such as kebabs, pilaf, and more at the restaurants in the scenic area.
- Stay in a characteristic homestay in the scenic area and experience the unique ethnic customs.
Day 2: Jinhuyang Scenic Area - Buyiluk Tajik Style Town
-morning
- Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise of the golden poplars, the golden sunlight shining on the poplar trees.
- Continue to play in the scenic area, you can choose to take a boat trip on the Yarkand River and enjoy the scenery on both sides.
- Visit the courtyard of the educated youth in the scenic area to learn about the life and work of the educated youth.
-Afternoon
- Depart Jinhuyang Scenic Area and head to the Tajik town of Builuk.
- Stroll through the streets of the town and admire the unique architecture of the Tajik people.
- Visit the Tajik Folklore Museum to learn about the history, culture and customs of the Tajik people.
- Interact with the local Tajik population and experience their hospitality.
-At night
- Taste Tajik delicacies such as naan pit meat, milk tea, and more at the town's restaurants.
- Stay in one of the town's characteristic inns and experience the tranquility of country life.
Day 3: Bujluk Tajik Town - Zep County
-morning
- Take part in traditional Tajik events, such as eagle dance performances, horse races, etc.
- Shop for some local souvenirs, such as Tajik handicrafts, specialty agricultural products, etc.
-Afternoon
- Return to Zepp County and visit the Zepp County Museum to learn about Zepp County's history and culture.
- Head to the commercial center of Zepp County and buy some local specialties such as dates, walnuts, and more.
-At night
- Taste delicious food at restaurants in Zepu County, such as large plates of chicken, bibimbap, and more.
- Check in to a hotel in Zepp County and adjust your rest.
Day 4: Zepp - Return
-morning
- Pack your bags and check out.
- Return to the starting point by car or plane and end your pleasant trip to Zepkin Lake Yang.
4. Traffic Guide
External traffic
- Airplane: You can first take a plane to Kashgar Airport and then transfer to Zepu County by car.
- Train: Kashgar Railway Station has several trains that go to all parts of the country, you can take a train to Kashgar City and then transfer to a bus to Zepu County.
Internal transportation
- Buses: There are buses in Zepu County to Jinhuyang Scenic Area, but the number of buses is less frequent and not very convenient.
- Taxi: Taxis can be taken to Jinhuyang Scenic Area in Zepu County, which is relatively expensive.
- Charter: If you have a large number of people, you can choose to charter a bus to Jinhuyang Scenic Area, the price is relatively reasonable, and the itinerary is more free.
5. Food recommendations
Kebabs
Xinjiang kebabs are famous all over the country, and Zepu's kebabs are even more flavorful. Fresh lamb is carefully marinated and grilled over a charcoal fire, charred on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fragrant aroma.
Pilaf
Pilaf is one of the traditional delicacies of Xinjiang, Zepu's pilaf is made of rice, mutton, carrots, etc., through a unique cooking process, the rice grains are full, the mutton is tender and delicious, and the carrots are sweet and soft.
Naan pit meat
Naan pit meat is one of the special delicacies of Xinjiang, the mutton is hung on the inner wall of the naan pit and grilled with charcoal fire, the meat is tender and juicy, and the taste is rich.
Large plate of chicken
Dapan chicken is a famous dish in Xinjiang, with chicken, potatoes, green peppers and other raw materials, after stir-frying, the chicken is fresh and tender, the potatoes are soft and glutinous, the soup is rich, and it is eaten with noodles, and the taste is excellent.
milk tea
Milk tea is one of the favorite drinks of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, which is made from milk, tea leaves, salt, etc., with a rich taste and rich nutrition.
6. Accommodation options
Jinhu Yang Scenic Area
- Characteristic B&Bs: There are many characteristic B&Bs in the scenic area, with beautiful environment and complete facilities, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the poplar forest up close.
- Campsites: If you like camping, you can choose to camp at a campsite in the scenic area and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
A Tajik town in Bujluk
- Characteristic inns: There are many unique inns in the town, with unique architectural styles and full of ethnic customs.
- Farm stays: You can choose to stay in a local farm stay, taste authentic farm food, and experience rural life.
Zepp County
- Hotels: Zepu County has a variety of hotels to choose from, with relatively reasonable prices and convenient transportation.
7. Introduction to scenic spots
Jinhuyang National Forest Park
Jinhuyang National Forest Park is the core scenic spot of Zepu Jinhuyang tourism, with large natural poplar forests, clear lakes, lush meadows and meandering rivers. Walking among the poplar forests is like being in a fairy tale.
King Populus
Populus euphratica is an ancient poplar tree in the Jinhu poplar scenic area, which has a history of hundreds of years, with a thick trunk and lush branches and leaves, which has witnessed the changes of the years and is one of the landmark attractions in the scenic spot.
Chisei University
The Educated Youth Compound is the place where the educated youths lived and worked, and many buildings and objects of that year are preserved here, making people feel as if they have returned to the years when passion was burning.
A Tajik town in Bujluk
The Tajik town of Bujluk is a town full of ethnic customs, with unique architecture, colorful folk culture and hospitable Tajik residents.
8. Shopping recommendations
Featured handicrafts
Zepu has many characteristic handicrafts, such as Tajik embroidery, wood carving, silver jewelry, etc., which are exquisite and have a high collection value.
Specialty agricultural products
Zepu's agricultural products such as dates, walnuts, and almonds are of high quality and delicious, and can be brought to friends and family as souvenirs.
9. Precautions
climate
Zepp has a temperate continental climate, with a large temperature difference between day and night, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing.
Sun protection
Zepu has strong sunlight and strong ultraviolet radiation, so it is recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats and other sunscreen supplies.
Respect local customs
Zepu is a multi-ethnic area, and local customs and religious beliefs should be respected.
Protecting the environment
Poplar forests are precious natural resources, and it is important to take care of the environment during tourism and not to destroy vegetation and litter.