Bachu Honghai Bay: When and How to Visit the Golden Poplars in October

Located between Kashgar and Aksu, the Populus euphratica along Hongwan Bay thrives by the water. Its vibrant hues emerge in late October, offering reflections that are more captivating than the forest alone. Scattered groves also exist outside the scenic area, visible from roadside stops. Plan for half a day to one day; it fits perfectly as a stop midway through your Southern Xinjiang autumn route.

01Location & Viewing Period#

Located in Bachu County, this scenic area lies along the western edge of the Taklamakan Desert, where waterways support stands of poplar trees. Leaves typically begin changing color in early October, peak in mid-to-late October, and may linger into early November depending on that year's cooling schedule. Arrive too early and you'll see green; arrive too late and the wind will have already shed them. Check recent real-time photos from the past week before departing for the most accurate forecast.

02Boardwalk, Water Surface, and Tour Boat#

The boardwalk runs along the water's edge; a full loop takes under an hour. When water levels are high, reflections are complete; at low tide, exposed mudflats reveal distinct layers. Boat tours are charged per ride and may be canceled on windy days—choose a calm morning for the best experience. Do not venture onto the flats outside the boardwalk: though the mud looks firm, it can sink to your ankles. In drier years, fine cracks form across the flats, so watch your step.

03Tickets & Shuttle#

Tickets and shuttle buses can be purchased on-site; online reservations are also available during peak seasons. Prices and opening hours are subject to official景区 announcements. Shuttle buses stop at designated stations—note your station when disembarking to avoid missing your return ride. Dining options within the scenic area are limited; bring your own water and snacks, as there are no proper restaurants nearby. For a more reliable meal, consider dining in the county town after leaving. Peak season queues typically form after 10:00 AM; arriving early helps save time.

04How to get there, where to stay#

Kashgar is about three hours away, and Aksu is similar. Bachu has a train station; renting a car upon arrival is more convenient. Standard double rooms in county town hotels cost around 200 RMB. During the autumn poplar season, accommodations are scarce—book in advance. For meals, head to the main street where mixed noodles, skewered meat, and rice soup are common. To capture morning or evening light, stay in the county town. Popular sunset spots fill up quickly, so secure your spot at the causeway entrance early. The Bachu train station is close to the county town, just a 10-minute taxi ride. There's no fixed bus service from the county town to the scenic area; hiring a private car is more practical.

05Shooting Time#

Arrive before 9 a.m. for calm water and clear reflections. In the late afternoon, side lighting turns tree trunks golden; stand on the inner side of the boardwalk so you don't block others. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the forest and water, and a telephoto lens to compress trunk textures. When the wind picks up, wait a moment: in October, leaves fall quickly, so head out as soon as conditions look right. Backlight just before sunset is best for capturing tree silhouettes. Drones are often restricted in scenic areas; check with staff before flying.

06Pre-trip Checklist#

Autumn winds are strong. Check these items before you leave to avoid turning back.

• Check real photos from the past week to confirm leaf color change.
• Bring a windbreaker; there's a large temperature difference between day and night.
• Limited dining options in the scenic area. Please bring your own water and snacks.
• Do not step off the boardwalk onto the mudflats; the淤泥 will trap you.
• Ask staff before taking off the drone.

07FAQ#

How to choose between Luntai and Huiyang Forest?

Honghai Bay shines with its water and reflections, while Lunxi's Tabei Populus area offers a larger scale and longer roads. If time permits, visit both; if choosing one, decide whether you prefer capturing water scenes or forest landscapes.

Is one day enough?

That works. Arrive at the scenic area in the morning, return to the county town for lunch, and head back in the afternoon. If you'd like to capture the sunset, stay overnight and leave the next day.

See the Populus timetable.When does the Populus euphratica forest in Xinjiang turn yellow?See the combination for the Southern Xinjiang Autumn Route.Desert Highway and Populus Euphratica ForestSee the arrangements around Kashgar below.How to plan a 3-day trip in Kashgar?。

08Itinerary connection reminder#

When booking accommodation in Southern Xinjiang, prioritize staying near the Bachu Honghai Bay and October Water Poplar scenic area to allow for an earlier entry the next day. If your trip is only two or three days long, focus your itinerary on one or two directions for a more complete experience.