Join Arild Heitmann & Kah-Wai Lin for an extraordinary photography expedition across Xinjiang, China’s vast and diverse western frontier. From the golden dunes of the Kumtag and Taklamakan Deserts to the ancient poplar forests of the Tarim River, this journey offers an unparalleled blend of natural grandeur and cultural richness. Travel through historic towns like Shanshan, Korla, and Aksu before arriving in Kashgar, the fabled Silk Road city alive with Uyghur architecture, artisans, and bustling markets. Along the way, photograph camel caravans at sunset, explore the mysterious “139 Secret Route,” and capture the timeless rhythms of desert, river, and oasis life. This immersive adventure reveals the soul of Xinjiang through its breathtaking landscapes, enduring traditions, and unforgettable encounters.

Day 1 | October 23 | Urumqi

We will pick you up in Urumqi Tianshan International Airport (URC) and transfer you to the hotel in Urumqi.

Day 2 | October 24 | Urumqi – Shanshan

After breakfast, we depart by vehicle, passing through Turpan en route to Shanshan. Upon arrival, we will have lunch and check into our hotel. In the afternoon, we head to the Kumtag Desert.

“Kumtag” means “sand mountain” in Uyghur. This remarkable desert lies just about 2 kilometers from the center of Shanshan County and less than 1 kilometer from the edge of the city’s oasis. Stretching approximately 62 kilometers from east to west and up to 40 kilometers from north to south, it covers an area of around 1,880 square kilometers. It is part of the larger Kumluk Desert, one of China’s eight major deserts, and is unique in the world for its close integration with both an urban area and an oasis.

The Kumtag Desert features a wide variety of dune formations, including compound dunes, crescent-shaped dunes, and linear dunes. Among these are grid-like, crescent, pyramid-shaped, and linear dunes—as well as the rare and distinctive feather-shaped dunes, found nowhere else on Earth. Seasonal surface runoff originating from the Altun Mountains cuts through the desert from south to north, forming four major deep gullies.

In the late afternoon, we will enter the desert for a camel ride across the golden sands, capturing stunning images of camel caravans and the desert sunset. After dinner, we return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Day 3 | October 25 | Shanshan – Korla
(Approx. 580 km, first-class highway, about 6–7 hours by car)

After breakfast, we depart for Korla, enjoying scenic views along the way. Upon arrival in the city, we may visit the Dahekou Scenic Area (to be confirmed), before checking into the hotel for rest.

Day 4 | October 26 | Korla
(Approx. 300 km, about 4 hours by car)

In the morning after breakfast, we head toward Yuli County, where we will photograph the stark beauty of withered wild Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica) trees. We will then return to Korla and check back into the hotel for rest.

Day 5 | October 27 | Korla – Tarim River Bridge – Lunnan Town – Tazhong Desert – Luntai County
(Approx. 380 km, about 4 hours by car)

Today we journey along the world-famous Desert Highway, traversing the Taklamakan Desert—the largest shifting sand desert in the world, also known as the “Sea of Death.”Endless dunes, some reaching heights of 100–200 meters, stretch across the horizon, creating an awe-inspiring landscape. Along the way, we will pass the Tarim River Bridge.

Overnight stay in Luntai County.

Day 6 | October 28 | Luntai – Shaya County
(Approx. 250 km, about 4 hours by car)

In the morning after breakfast, we drive to Shaya County. Upon arrival around noon, we check into the hotel and enjoy lunch in town. Then we head to Sun Island, home to the most concentrated area of water-surrounded Euphrates poplar trees, for an afternoon photo shoot.

Shaya County is located in the northern part of the Tarim Basin, along the middle reaches of the Tarim River. The poplar forest here sits on the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, covering a vast area of approximately 1.9879 million mu (about 1,325 square kilometers). Remarkably, over 80% of the poplar trees have canopy coverage greater than 20% per mu, making this a rare and lush desert forest.
Later, we visit the “139 Secret Route” for photography. This unique scenic drive starts at the southern bank of the Tarim River Hardun-Tarim Bridge and ends at the exit of the Tarim River Bridge near the Tarim River Administrative Committee. The entire route spans 139 kilometers, following the course of the Tarim River and passing three major bridges. Along the way, it connects nine iconic poplar and desert sites: Shayanzhou, Xingxing Lake, Paman Lake, Kokequluo Village, Moon Bay, Tarim Ancient Ferry, Hero Poplar Racetrack, Tarim Riverside, and the Ghost Forest.

Day 7 | October 29 | Shaya – Aksu
(Approx. 280 km, about 4 hours by car)

After breakfast, we depart for Aksu. Enjoy the desert and river scenery along the way. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel, followed by lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, we travel about 50 km to visit the Dolan Tribe Village, located in Awat County. This cultural site is set against the backdrop of thousand-year-old Euphrates poplar forests and is themed around the customs of the Dolan people.

The village preserves historical artifacts and recreates traditional living environments, vividly showcasing the architecture, cuisine, handicrafts, daily customs, and festivals of the Dolan culture. Covering 8,300 mu (about 553 hectares), the area is divided into seven core functional zones.

Day 8 | October 30 | Aksu – Kashgar
(Approx. 280 km, highway, about 4.5 hours by car)

In the morning after breakfast, we head to Kashgar. Upon arrival, we take time to rest, then explore the city’s unique Uyghur-style architecture and photograph the Old Town of Kashgar, which is at its most vibrant in the afternoon.In the evening, we visit Kashgar Night Market, a lively scene filled with food, music, and local life.

Photography Themes: Uyghur residential architecture, traditional customs and street scenes.

Day 9 | October 31 | Full-Day Photography in Kashgar

After an early breakfast, we head out to witness the Old City Gate Opening Ceremony, a symbolic and photogenic moment. We then visit the Id Kah Mosque, capturing the morning light over the largest mosque in Xinjiang.

Next, we explore Ustangboyi Ancient Commercial Street, where scenes of everyday Uyghur life unfold: blacksmiths at work, woodworkers, coppersmiths, tailors, shoemakers, fruit vendors, and bakers—all offering rich subjects for cultural and street photography.

Photography Themes: Local customs, artisans at work, traditional markets and religious architecture.

Day 10 | November 1 | Full-Day Photography in Kashgar

After breakfast, we visit Kashgar’s Livestock Market, the busiest time being around midday. The scene is full of life: people buying and selling cattle, sheep, horses, and camels; street vendors offering everything from household goods to snacks; and roadside eateries full of locals.Later, we visit a local pottery artisan’s home to photograph the traditional craft of Uyghur-style pottery making.

Day 11 | November 2 | End of Journey

After breakfast, we will send you to the Kashgar International Airport (KHG) and you will be on the way home with full of amazing photos and memories.