A Month-Long Populus Euphratica Viewing Trip in Xinjiang (Part 2)

The Populus euphratica forests in Hotan are mostly hidden away in remote areas, making them difficult to reach. Mazar Tagh, also known as the Red and White Mountain, is located on the western edge of the Taklamakan Desert. In addition to its own scenic beauty, it is also the best viewing platform for the Populus euphratica forest across the Hotan River. Daliyabuyi Village, located deep in the desert north of Yutian, is another little-known viewing platform for Populus euphratica. The desert Populus euphratica trees along both sides of the Keriya River are full of vitality. The best time to visit the Populus euphratica forests in Hotan is from late October to mid-November. Both of the above-mentioned viewing spots require venturing deep into the desert, especially Daliyabuyi Village, which is 250 km south of Yutian County. There are no existing roads, and most of the journey follows the Keriya Riverbed. It is recommended to find a reliable local guide, equip yourself with a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle, and travel with at least two vehicles for mutual assistance in case of emergencies. Kashgar Populus Euphratica Forest The most famous Populus euphratica viewing spot in Kashgar is in Bachu County. In addition to grilled fish, the Red Sea Bay Scenic Area, developed around the Honghaizi Reservoir, is the most well-known water park. The reflection of the Populus euphratica forest by the water in autumn is particularly outstanding. If you arrive as part of a group, there are also ethnic-style welcome performances in the scenic area. The Bachu Populus euphratica National Forest Park consists of three forest farms, among which the Xiahe Forest Farm has rare thousand-year-old wind-fallen trees and primitive forest groups. The best time to visit the Populus euphratica forests in Zepu is around the National Day holiday. The Jinhu Yang Forest Park is located on the upper edge of the Yarkant River alluvial fan, covering an area of nearly 2,000 hectares. In addition to the Populus euphratica forest, visitors can enjoy the integrated landscape of Populus euphratica, oasis, Gobi, and Yarkant River, as well as several small cultural exhibition centers with diverse styles. On clear days, you can even see the Kunlun Snow Mountain in the distance. If you are short on time, you can take a small horse-drawn carriage for a tour, or spend a leisurely half-day exploring on foot. Aksu Populus Euphratica Forest Many people have visited the end of the Duku Highway in Kuqa and been captivated by the Kucha cultural sites, but few have had the chance to see the stunning Populus euphratica forest in Shaya County, south of Kuqa. The Populus euphratica landscape in Shaya is not mainstream in Xinjiang, but it is one of the least tourist-visited places along the Tarim River. The road to get here is not difficult, but the scenic area is almost undeveloped, with few traces of human presence, making it a 100% exclusive experience. You only need to focus on the wild Populus euphratica forest and the Tarim River dotted with swans.