2026 Luntai Poplar Festival Ultimate Guide

“Where There Are Poplars, Luntai Is Home”

Every October, when autumn arrives in southern Xinjiang, the desert edge of the Tarim Basin undergoes a dramatic transformation.
Along the Tarim River, over 400,000 acres of Populus euphratica forest turn brilliant gold within a few short weeks, creating one of the most breathtaking autumn landscapes in China.

In 2026, the 10th Luntai Poplar Culture & Tourism Festival returns as scheduled.
This is not just a festival—it is a race against time. Because the most beautiful moment of the poplar forest lasts only briefly each year.

Luntai Populus euphratica forest

1. Festival Dates & Best Viewing Period

Festival Duration
📅 October 1 – November 16, 2026
📍 Tarim Poplar Forest Park, Luntai County

Opening Ceremony
🎉 October 18
📍 Poplar King Square (inside the park)

Best Time to Visit (Key Point)
👉 Mid-October to early November

The color change of poplar leaves is highly dependent on temperature:

Early cold weather → earlier peak
Warmer autumn → delayed golden period

Based on historical data:

October 20–31 is the most stable and photogenic period
Early November may see leaf fall, but twisted branches create a powerful, desolate beauty

Before departure, check real-time updates from the Luntai Culture & Tourism Bureau and Tarim Poplar Forest Park via official social media channels.

2. How to Get to Luntai

✈️ By Air

Fly to Korla Airport, then transfer by car or train to Luntai

Distance: approx. 170 km
Transfer time: 3–4 hours

🚆 By Train

Direct trains are available to Luntai Railway Station
Taxi or tourist shuttle buses are available outside the station

🚗 Self-Drive (Highly Recommended)

Urumqi → Luntai: ~6 hours
Korla → Luntai: ~4 hours
Kuqa → Luntai: ~3.5 hours

Self-driving allows flexible stops to photograph roadside “wild poplar forests,” often overlooked by tour groups.

🚌 Direct Tourist Shuttle

Korla Xinshi Passenger Station → Tarim Poplar Forest Park

One-way: 80 RMB / person
Round trip: 150 RMB / person
Departure: 09:00 | Return: 17:00

Luntai Populus euphratica forest

3. Tickets & Transportation Inside the Park

Entrance Ticket
🎫 Adult: 40 RMB
🎫 Discounts available for seniors, military personnel, medical staff, etc.

Internal Transportation (Very Important)
The park is vast—non-self-driving visitors must take the sightseeing bus.

Sightseeing bus: 25 RMB / person (mandatory)

Self-driving inside the park:

5-seat vehicle: 125 RMB / car
7-seat vehicle: 175 RMB / car

Sightseeing buses allow multiple hop-on/hop-off stops.
👉 The “Internet-famous Bridge Stop” is a must-visit.

4. Best Photography Spots (Field-Tested)

📍 Qiaoyang River Station
The “Poplar Train” passing through golden forests—fairytale atmosphere.

📍 Tarim River Bend
Golden poplars reflected in the river, like a flowing oil painting.

📍 24-meter Observation Tower
A panoramic view of 400,000 acres of golden forest—absolutely stunning.

📍 Strange Tree Forest Area
Ancient deadwood with twisted shapes, perfect for artistic compositions.

📍 Poplars in Water
Half-submerged poplar trees forming a rare “forest in water” scene.

📸 Best Shooting Time

Morning: 9:00–11:00
Afternoon: 16:00–18:00

Low-angle sunlight gives the leaves a warm amber texture.

Luntai Populus euphratica forest

5. Accommodation Tips

Luntai County Hotels: Wide choice, reasonable prices
Near the Scenic Area: Ideal for sunrise and sunset photography

During the festival, accommodation sells out quickly—book in advance.
To avoid crowds (1–5 pm peak), staying near the park overnight is strongly recommended for early-morning visits.