Basic Overview
Guertu Populus Euphratica Forest is situated in Guertu Town, Usu City, Tacheng Prefecture, northern Xinjiang, 84 km west of downtown Usu, on the southern rim of the Junggar Basin and within the buffer zone of the national Ganjiahu Haloxylon Ammodendron Nature Reserve. The place name “Guertu” derives from Mongolian, meaning “a resting spot for chestnut-red horses” or “bridge”, once an ancient courier station and the summer retreat for Mongolian nobles. Covering a total area of 800,000 mu, it ranks among Xinjiang’s oldest and best-preserved primitive euphrates poplar woods, integrating desert poplars, lakes, wetlands, grasslands, snow-capped mountains and gobi deserts in one zone.
Core Landscape & Natural Features
Known as the Hero Tree of the Desert, Populus euphratica carries the well-known legend: lives a thousand years without dying, stands a thousand years after death, rots not for another thousand years after collapsing. Twisted, rugged trunks stand firmly against harsh wind and drought, showcasing astonishing vitality.
Autumn Golden Scenery (Prime Viewing Season)
From mid-September to mid-November, especially mid-to-late October, poplar leaves shift into layered hues of golden yellow, light orange and cream yellow. Countless golden trees reflect perfectly on the clear water of Kezigar Lake and Swan Lake, forming breathtaking mirror landscapes. Reeds, wild swans and wild geese often linger by the lakeside, adding vivid vitality to the quiet woodland中国新疆网.
Winter Rime & Snowy Huyang Views
In deep winter, snow blankets the vast gobi, while hoarfrost clings to the gnarled branches. The snow-draped poplars look solemn and poetic, like a pure white fairyland, a highly popular theme for landscape photography.
Diverse Landform Combination
Unlike single desert poplar scenic spots, Guertu concentrates multiple Xinjiang classic landscapes within a small range: primitive poplar forest, large-scale white haloxylon forest, freshwater lakes, wetland swamps, alpine grasslands and distant Tianshan snow peaks. Visitors can experience varied northern Xinjiang landforms without long-distance transfers.
Local Specialties & Folk Customs
Liuhua Tea: A royal tribute tea appointed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty with a 200-year history. It tastes slightly bitter with a lasting sweet aftertaste and is a precious local specialty with an extremely short picking period中国新疆网.
Kazakh & Mongolian Customs: Local pastoral culture is well preserved; visitors can taste authentic stewed beef and mutton, experience yurt accommodation and watch traditional ethnic dances.
Travel Guide
Best Visiting Period
Autumn golden poplars: Mid-October – Late October (peak)
Winter snow & rime scenery: Late November to early December
Transportation
Locate beside National Highway G30 (mile marker 4499), around 100 km from Kuitun City; self-driving is the most convenient way to travel here.
Ecological Value
The forest stabilizes desert dunes, conserves water sources and shelters dozens of wild bird species. It serves both as an important ecological barrier on the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and a natural outdoor classroom for ecological science popularization.
Short Version (for brochure / exhibition board)
Guertu Populus Euphratica Forest is a primitive desert poplar scenic area in Usu, Xinjiang. Boasting 800,000 mu of ancient euphrates poplars matched with crystal alpine lakes, it delivers stunning golden autumn reflections and magnificent snow poplar views in winter. Embedded with Kazakh pastoral culture and rare tribute Liuhua Tea, this spot perfectly gathers desert, wetland and snow mountain views, being a top photography and ecological tourism destination in northern Xinjiang
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