Basic Overview
Yiwu Populus Euphratica Forest Ecological Park is a National AAAA-level tourist attraction, situated 10 kilometers east of Naomaohu Town, Yiwu County, Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It sits at the intersection of the ancient Silk Road and Jade Road, boasting profound historical heritage and distinctive local ethnic customs伊吾县人民....
Regarded as one of the world’s three remaining concentrated primitive populus euphratica forests, it ranks as China’s most densely distributed wild euphrates poplar woodland. It is also globally celebrated for its primeval features, wildly varied tree shapes and convenient transportation access. Covering a total land area of 476,000 mu, the scenic zone has built a 38-kilometer self-driving sightseeing loop running through the whole forest areaTrip.com.
Scientific Value of Populus Euphratica
Known as Tokela in Uyghur (literally “beautiful tree”), the euphrates poplar originated 135 million years ago and is honored as a Tertiary Period living fossil by biologists去哪儿网. Enduring extreme cold, intense heat, severe drought, high salinity and sandstorms, populus euphratica guards desert oases and builds an ecological barrier against desertification, safeguarding the prosperity of ancient Silk Road civilizations. Locals praise it with a timeless motto: Alive for one thousand years without withering; standing upright for another thousand years after death; remaining intact for a thousand years even after collapsing.
Zonal Layout & Core Scenic Zones
The 38km sightseeing route divides the park into five themed areas sorted by tree age, forming a magnificent time tunnel witnessing tens of thousands of years of natural evolution:
1,000-Year Poplar Area: Vigorous young poplars with straight trunks and lush foliage, presenting thriving vitality.
3,000-Year Poplar Area: Mature forest with thick trunks and layered canopies, showing the graceful charm of grown poplars.
6,000-Year Poplar Area: Aged trees with twisted branches and rugged bark, bearing the marks of long-term wind erosion.
9,000-Year Poplar Area: Ancient veteran poplars with weathered figures, recording vicissitudes of geological changes.
Ten-Thousand-Year Root Carving Zone: Hailed as an open-air poplar root carving museum and the “Pompeii of trees”. Dead trunks and exposed roots form countless natural sculptures resembling phoenixes, cranes and wild animals, showcasing uncanny natural craftsmanship.
Four-Season Unique Views (Core Feature of the Scenic Spot)
Yiwu Forest is China’s first scenic area themed on all-season poplar landscapes, with totally different charms in four seasons:
Spring: Pale yellow sprouts and purple blossoms bloom on dry branches, wrapping the desert in soft purple mist.
Summer: Dense poplar canopies form a cool shade, accompanied by wild plants and migratory birds building habitats here.
Autumn (Best viewing period: Mid-October to early November): The whole forest is dyed brilliant golden yellow, the most stunning classic landscape favored by photographers worldwide.
Winter: Bare poplar silhouettes stand tall against snowfields and snow-capped peaks, displaying unyielding fortitude amid bitter cold.
Honors & Supporting Facilities
The park has obtained multiple authoritative titles: National Desert Park, National Research & Study Education Base, National 4C-level Campsite for Self-driving Vehicles & Caravans. Complete supporting facilities include a comprehensive tourist service center, poplar-themed hotel, sightseeing shuttle buses and small tourist trains. The annual China Xinjiang International Poplar Festival is held here, integrating poplar sightseeing, photography contests, self-driving rallies and Uyghur Muqam intangible cultural heritage performances.
Transportation & Travel Tips
Accessible via expressways G7, G30 and G331; it is a key node on the Round Tianshan Mountain Tour and China Border Self-driving Route.
Recommended visiting duration: 4–5 hours; self-driving is the optimal travel method along the loop road.
Fire and open flames are strictly forbidden inside the forest to protect the fragile desert ecological environment.
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