Jinhu Populus Euphratica National Forest Park is located in Yasidun Forest Farm, 40 kilometers southwest of Zepu County Seat, Kashi Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is situated on the upper edge of the alluvial fan of the Yarkand River and is close to the Kunlun Mountains. The scenic area is a national forest park with a unique landscape integrating "populus euphratica, water, oasis, and gobi". It covers an area of 26.66 square kilometers (40,000 mu), of which the area of the natural populus euphratica forest reaches 13.33 square kilometers (20,000 mu). In 2013, Jinhu Populus Euphratica National Forest Park was approved as a 5A-level tourist scenic area.
History and Culture
The Tamu'ali Cemetery is located 500 meters southwest of the park. With a history of 1,200 years, it currently has a preserved area of more than 11,000 square meters and over 100 tombs. It is a key cultural relic protection unit at the autonomous region level and an important cultural relic site for studying the history of Zepu, Kashi, and even the whole of Xinjiang during the Han and Tang dynasties. The natural villages in the scenic area are the inheritance places of the "Twelve Mukams" and the art of walking on a tightrope of Davaz. There will be activities such as instrumental music performances of intangible cultural heritages and Davaz performances in the scenic area. In the middle of the Qing Dynasty, the strange stones from the Yarkand River were deeply favored by the royal family because of their large size, excellent quality, and pure color. The rare national treasures such as the large-scale jade carvings in the Qing Dynasty, "The Picture of Yu the Great Taming the Flood", "The Picture of Autumn Mountain Travel", and "The Picture of the Nine Elders of Huichang", which are currently preserved in the Palace Museum in Beijing, were all carved from the jade of the Yarkand River.
Main Attractions
Populus Euphratica Forest
The scenic area has a natural populus euphratica forest of 13.33 square kilometers. Compared with the populus euphratica in the desert, this forest is more slender, tall, and moist, and is known as the "populus euphratica in the water town". 200 meters northeast of the scenic area, there is a populus euphratica tree with a height of 10.05 meters and a breast diameter of 1.2 meters. It has been identified as male and has a growth history of 1,400 years. It is respectfully called the "King of Populus Euphratica" by the locals.
Two Bridges Reflecting Snow
Located at the entrance of the scenic area, it is the first scenic spot when entering Jinhu Populus Euphratica Park. It is composed of the Golden Cable Bridge and the Silver Cable Bridge. The Golden Cable Bridge is 2-6 meters wide and more than 120 meters long, with a drop of about 5 meters at both ends. The water of the Yarkand River is under the bridge, and the Kunlun Snow Mountains are in the distance. The bridge got its name because it echoes with the snow scenery.
Boat Island in the Middle of the Lake
To the north of "Two Bridges Reflecting Snow", it is a small island independent in the lake, surrounded by water on all sides. Only one bridge is connected to it, and the vegetation on the island is dense.
Elaeagnus Angustifolia Homestead
Located in the northwest of the gate, it got its name from the "Elaeagnus Angustifolia Corridor", an Elaeagnus Angustifolia shelter forest about 2 kilometers long built by Shanghai educated youths in 1970. The Elaeagnus Angustifolia trees bend in the same direction to form an arch. Every April in spring, the Elaeagnus Angustifolia flowers bloom, and the fragrance is refreshing.
Longevity Folk Culture Village
Located in the northwest of the gate, it is a simple village in the Jinhu Populus Euphratica scenic area. It is a southern Xinjiang village famous for longevity and developed because of tourism. There are 86 households with a total of 386 people in the village, of which 98% are Uyghur and 2% are Han. There are unique Western Region folk houses here. Tourists can experience the making of Uyghur handicrafts. There are also traditional handmade tapestries, earthenware products, iron products, and characteristic food of ethnic minorities. There are Maxrap song and dance performances on the rural stage every night.
Delicacies
Big Plate Chicken
There is authentic Big Plate Chicken in the Jinhu Populus Euphratica Food Plaza. The chicken is tender, and it is paired with chewy belt noodles. The belt noodles absorb the soup of the Big Plate Chicken, which is smooth, delicate, and full of elasticity.
Roasted Fish
The roasted fish in the scenic area is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Paired with fragrant shredded potatoes, it allows tourists to feel the unique charm of Xinjiang cuisine.
Hand-Pulled Rice
It is a characteristic food in Xinjiang. The rice grains are distinct, and it is paired with tender mutton, carrots, etc., with a rich taste and a fragrant aroma.
Copper Hot Pot
The characteristic copper hot pot in the Wooden House Restaurant of the Jinhu Populus Euphratica scenic area selects fresh local mutton, which is hand-cut on the spot with uniform thickness. It is paired with fresh vegetables, soft and glutinous potato and sweet potato vermicelli, and there is also a unique secret dipping sauce, which is hot, spicy, and fragrant.
Ticket Prices
The adult ticket is 38 yuan, and the round-trip sightseeing bus ticket is 20 yuan.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "金湖杨国家森林公园", to get the latest information or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
It is usually open from 09:00 to 20:00.
You can get the latest information on the official WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
Start from Kashi City in the morning and take a car to Zepu Jinhu Populus Euphratica scenic area. After arrival, first take a walk along the walking path around Jinhu Lake, and enjoy the harmonious beauty of the lake water and the surrounding environment. You can also rent a boat to row on the lake. At noon, find a scenic place near Jinhu Lake for a picnic or go to the restaurant in the scenic area to taste the food. In the afternoon, you can visit the nearby cultural sites or ethnic villages to learn about the local history and folk customs. End the day's tour by enjoying the beautiful scenery of Jinhu Lake under the setting sun in the evening.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Start from Kashi City, head west along Renmin East Road to Zepu County, and then follow the signs to Jinhu Populus Euphratica National Forest Park.
- Public transportation: Get off at Kashi Railway Station by train, then take a bus to Zepu County, and take the bus bound for Jinhu Populus Euphratica National Forest Park at Zepu County Bus Station to arrive at the scenic area.
Must-visit Attractions
- Populus Euphratica Forest: It is the core scenic spot of the scenic area. Tens of thousands of mu of populus euphratica forest changes with the seasons. In autumn, the golden leaves shine brightly in the sun, which is very spectacular.
- Longevity Folk Culture Village: Tourists can experience the making of Uyghur handicrafts, admire traditional handmade tapestries and other products, and watch the Maxrap song and dance performances every night.
Tour Tips
- Autumn (October-November) is the best tourist season. At this time, the leaves of the populus euphratica turn golden yellow, and the scenery is extremely beautiful.
- The scenic area is large. It is recommended to take the sightseeing bus to save physical strength and time.
- You can stay at the Jinhu Populus Euphratica Dery Resort Hotel in the scenic area to better feel the tranquility and beauty of the scenic area.
Notes
- The ultraviolet rays in the Kashi area are strong, so take sun protection measures.
- Do not pick or damage the populus euphratica forest at will.
- Respect the local ethnic culture and customs.