When it comes to the longing for the ultimate autumn scenery, who can resist the allure of the Populus euphratica forest? That’s why people often say, “Missing the Populus euphratica forest is like missing autumn.”
90% of the world’s Populus euphratica trees are in China. The beautiful implication of the Populus euphratica, which is said to “live for a thousand years without dying, die for a thousand years without falling, and fall for a thousand years without decaying,” has also made it the “hero tree” in the hearts of the Chinese people.
Yellowing leaves, red-leaved forests, lakes reflecting the colorful world between heaven and earth… The ultimate beauty of the world is presented before your eyes. The vast land is dyed golden yellow by the Populus euphratica forest, and the beauty of autumn is fully reflected here, just like a paradise on earth!
I still remember the movie “Hero” from many years ago, where yellow leaves were flying all over the sky, and both the sky and the earth were covered with gold. The hot and intense colors soaked the entire northwest land.
Every autumn, the Populus euphratica, or desert poplar, becomes a hot topic, and the Ejin Banner is the most well-known among travelers. However, little do people know that apart from the 400,000 acres of golden Populus euphratica in Ejin Banner, 90% of China’s desert poplars are hidden in Xinjiang. The Taklamakan Basin in Xinjiang boasts more than 6 million acres of Populus euphratica, which is 15 times larger than that in Ejin Banner, making it the largest Populus euphratica forest in the world.
The majestic desert poplars have been growing in the vast desert of the northwest for over a thousand years. From the ultimate splendor of their blooming to the silent beauty of their decline, they perform a symphony of life.
According to the latest news, the autumn scenery of Ejin Banner will reach its peak in beauty at the beginning of October, while the Populus euphratica forest in southern Xinjiang will change to “golden attire” slightly later than Ejin Banner, generally from mid-October to mid-November.
Travelers who want to enjoy the autumn scenery early can fly to the border areas during the National Day holiday this year to meet the purest autumn scenery in the country.
So, which is more worth visiting, Ejin Banner or southern Xinjiang? The editor has selected the following five recommended places for viewing the Populus euphratica forest, including famous ones and unique ones. Let’s first look at the overall introduction and then talk about each one one by one.
Ejina is recognized both nationwide and worldwide for its Populus euphratica forest. Despite having a permanent population of only 30,000 in the northern frontier, it boasts a total of 400,000 acres of immortal Populus euphratica forest.
Ejina was selected as one of the top three most beautiful autumn colors in China by the “China National Geography” magazine. Only through in-depth and leisurely appreciation can one truly appreciate the beauty of the Populus euphratica. Recommended viewing points include Erdaoqiao, Sidaoqiao, and Badaoqiao.
It is the true king of the desert and the soul of the vast northwest. The poplar forests adorn every corner of Ejin Banner, transforming this perennially desolate area into a dazzling spectacle! Even travelers who have been to many places will be moved when they touch the poplar trees.
Erdaoqiao has water, and with its clear water waves and graceful reflections, it also has a touch of beauty in the desolation.
Sandaoqiao’s red willow forest has a unique charm, making it feel as if one is in a sea of red.
The Si Dao Qiao Populus euphratica forest features thick and ancient tree trunks with a variety of shapes and forms! This place is also the filming location for the movie “Hero”.
The Ba Dan Ji Lin Desert, the third largest desert in China, is the northern part of the Ba Dan Ji Lin Desert, where the Populus euphratica forest and desert landscapes are combined. This is an excellent place to photograph the sunrise and sunset in the desert, and you can experience the desert and oasis scenery without going deep into the desert.
You can sand slide and ride camels here, feel the rough and magnificent desert, and also see sand sculptures of different styles.
The “Strange Tree Forest” was once a dense poplar forest. Due to the river changing its course, the water source was cut off, causing a large area of trees to die. The dead trees have various shapes and forms, which is why it is named the “Strange Tree Forest”. The poplar forest, which has been immortal for thousands of years, is either tall and straight or hunched, resembling a soaring dragon, exuding a terrifying yet intoxicating atmosphere.
When the colors of the sunset spread across the western sky, the sky and the air are dyed with warm hues, and the light and shadow constantly change, creating magical transformations every moment. The air is also dyed with warm hues. The immortal poplar deadwood, the shocking life landscape, and the excellent light and shadow conditions make this a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
In addition, there is the Juyan Sea, a must-visit place for sunrise photography. The boundless reed fields, with the sunlight after sunrise sprinkling on the reeds, seem to be inlaid with a layer of gold, making it an excellent scene for shooting backlit portraits. Beauty lovers must not miss it.
Xinjiang – Southern Xinjiang
How beautiful is the autumn in Xinjiang, enough to overshadow the autumn of the whole world. It’s a pity to come all the way here and not see the Populus euphratica.
The autumn in Southern Xinjiang, wearing its most brilliant golden attire of the year, is extremely gorgeous and gives the most visual impact and inner touch. Anyone who experiences it will have an exclusive experience that is hard to describe in words.
The Tarim Populus Forest National Park is the world’s oldest, largest, and most well-preserved original Populus forest conservation area, featuring a variety of natural landscapes such as the Tarim River, Populus trees, and deserts. Every year in mid to late October, the golden Populus trees of the Tarim Basin display their beautiful and elegant charm, either reflected in the water or rooted in the desert, creating a picturesque and brilliant scene.
Shaya Populus Forest Park
The world’s largest Populus forest. The original Populus forest on both banks is full of various postures, running along the river direction until it reaches the vast horizon. In such a landscape, enjoying an afternoon tea is a beautiful and magnificent experience.
Huludao Water Poplar
The water poplars along the banks of the Tarim River. The Tarim River crosses the Taklamakan Desert here, so there are not only golden poplar forests standing in groups in the desert, but also the elegant and dreamy water poplars. Especially when you take a small boat to drift on the river, it will be an exclusive experience that is difficult to describe in words.
Zepu Golden Poplar National Forest Park
The “Soul of Life” in the desert, either reflected in the water or standing in the desert, gives people a sense of mystery while fully displaying the brilliance and glory of life.
The Yarkand River flows through the Populus euphratica forest, with the majestic Kunlun Mountains in the distance. The snowy Kunlun and the Yarkand River jointly nurture this magical land. Large areas of Populus euphratica present a fascinating golden yellow, and visitors walking in the forest seem to be in a fairy tale world, together forming a magnificent picture.
The charm of southern Xinjiang in October is not only about the Populus euphratica, it is truly an endless visual feast! For example, in addition to enjoying the autumn scenery from every angle, you can also… admire the quiet forests of the Karakorum Mountains in full splendor, experience the inner joy of the Tajik people at their traditional weddings, and listen to the loud and clear sound of the Dao Lang Muqam spreading throughout the oases in the desert…
Far from the crowded tourist destinations, explore the pristine autumn colors and authentic local culture. From Kashgar to Korla, from the Populus euphratica forest in the Tarim Basin to the Pamir Plateau… immerse yourself in the rich Western Region colors and feel the exotic atmosphere that envelops you.
How beautiful the autumn in the northern part of the motherland is, enough to make the autumn of the whole world pale in comparison. A visual feast that only blooms for 21 days a year, it is worth travelers coming from thousands of miles away!
