Xinjiang Populus Euphratica Forest: A Month-Long Journey (Part 1)

In China, Populus euphratica is not unique to Ejina, and Inner Mongolia is not the region with the most Populus euphratica forests, but Xinjiang. The Populus euphratica season in Xinjiang is longer than that in Ejina, with most scenic areas lasting more than a month. The Populus euphratica forests in Xinjiang are widely distributed, from Hami in the east to Tacheng in the west, from the banks of the Tarim River in southern Xinjiang to the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. You can embark on a month-long journey to chase the Populus euphratica. Northern Xinjiang Populus Euphratica Forest Yiwu in Hami has the easternmost wild Populus euphratica forest in Xinjiang. The most convenient scenic area to visit is the Naomao Lake Populus euphratica Ecological Park. The best time to view the Populus euphratica here is from late September to mid-October each year. The twisted trunks of the Populus euphratica trees in the ecological park are unique, making it ideal for professional art photography. The Populus euphratica forest in Mulei County, Changji, is located in the Mingsha Mountain Populus euphratica National Park, which is home to the world's oldest primitive Populus euphratica forest, said to be 65 million years old. Entering from the north to Gurtu Town in Wusu City, Tacheng, you can see the Populus euphratica forest lined up on both sides of the road. Although the trees are not as old, the straight road stretching into the distance is a rare sight in many scenic areas. The Populus euphratica trees in the western Populus euphratica forest reserve are taller and thicker, with the two largest trees known as the King of Populus euphratica. The Populus euphratica season in Wusu is generally from late September to early October each year. Bayingolin Populus Euphratica Forest Luntai in Bayingolin is probably the most famous Populus euphratica viewing destination in Xinjiang. Every early October, the golden and orange colors spread across the sky over Taheqiao Town for a month. In Luntai Populus euphratica Park, you can not only walk around but also take a boat to enjoy the reflection of the Populus euphratica forest in the water from a unique angle. Take the small train in the scenic area, and the end of the line is Swan Lake. If you can find a way to get here, you will likely have a private Populus euphratica feast. Another Populus euphratica viewing spot in Bayingolin is near the Luobu Village Scenic Area in Yuli. Climb the Xisha Mountain surrounded by the Tarim River, and the golden Populus euphratica trees reflected in the water create a poetic scene. At sunset, the Populus euphratica landscape with the Tarim River and desert as the background is a must-see. If you are obsessed with sunsets, the best viewing platform is the Tarim Bridge south of Taheqiao Town in Luntai. Standing on the bridge, the banks of the Tarim River on both sides are full of Populus euphratica forests, creating a dreamy scene in the afterglow of the sunset.