The Wetland Ancient Poplar Scenic Area is located in Nilka County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 2 kilometers away from the county seat. It is a national 4A-level tourist scenic area and also an autonomous region-level eco-tourism demonstration area. The total area of the scenic area is 213,000 mu, with a core area of 2,000 mu. The ancient poplar forest stretches along both banks of the Kashi River for a length of 110 kilometers. The scenic area is characterized by its rich plant landscape (especially the large expanse of ancient poplar forest) and beautiful water scenery. It is one of the largest, most completely preserved, and most ecologically beneficial original ancient poplar forests in western China. In the scenic area, ancient trees tower into the sky, the air is fresh, the average concentration of negative oxygen ions exceeds 2,000 per cubic centimeter, and there is a rich variety of wild animals and plants, earning it the reputation of a "natural oxygen bar". In addition, a 10-kilometer wooden plank road has been paved in the scenic area, a rest corridor has been built, 21 viewing platforms have been set up, there are also 3 flower seas, as well as facilities such as a 3D interactive cinema, a 4D dynamic cinema, and a 360° circular screen cinema.
History and Culture
The Nilka County where the Wetland Ancient Poplar Scenic Area is located has a long history. This place was once one of the important passages of the ancient Silk Road, witnessing the migration and integration of multiple ethnic groups. The ancient poplar forest holds a special position in the hearts of the local people. Having gone through hundreds of years of wind and rain, it is a precious gift bestowed by nature on this land, carrying the local people's awe and love for nature. There are also some cultural relics related to ancient nomadic ethnic groups remaining around the scenic area, further adding to the historical and cultural heritage of the scenic area, allowing tourists to feel the profound historical and cultural atmosphere while enjoying the natural scenery.
Main Attractions
Ancient Poplar Forest
The ancient poplar forest is the core attraction of the scenic area, and many ancient poplar trees are over a hundred years old. These ancient poplar trees are tall and sturdy, with trunks that require several people to embrace. The dense branches and leaves block out the sky and sun. Sunlight shines through the gaps in the leaves, forming dappled light and shadow, demonstrating the magic of nature and the tenacity of life.
Kashi River
The Kashi River meanders like a jade belt, and the clear river water sparkles under the sunlight. It is the mother river of the scenic area, nourishing all things on both banks. There are rich aquatic plants growing in the wetland by the river. The reed marshes sway in the wind, and the water plants move with the current, full of vitality and vigor, forming a beautiful natural picture scroll.
Small Lakes
There are some small lakes distributed in the scenic area. The lake water is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the ancient poplars, blue sky, and white clouds. Water birds often fly over the lake, and fish swim freely in the lake, adding a touch of agility to the scenic area and creating a serene and vibrant atmosphere.
Ecological Wooden Plank Road
The ecological wooden plank road in the scenic area is 10 kilometers long and shuttles through the ancient poplar forest and wetland. Tourists can stroll along the wooden plank road, enjoy the beauty of the scenic area up close, and feel the charm of nature. At the same time, the wooden plank road also provides a safe and convenient sightseeing route for tourists.
Viewing Platforms
21 viewing platforms have been set up in the scenic area. Tourists can stand on the viewing platforms to overlook the ancient poplar forest, Kashi River, and the surrounding wetland scenery, taking in all the beautiful scenery, which is an excellent shooting spot for photography enthusiasts.
Delicacies
Smoked Horse Sausage
Smoked horse sausage is a local specialty. It is made by stuffing horse meat and then smoking it. After smoking, it has a unique flavor, with firm meat quality and rich taste. It is a traditional delicacy of the Kazakh ethnic group.
Naren
Naren is a delicacy of the Kazakh ethnic group. Boiled mutton is cut into small pieces and placed on noodles or dough slices, and then meat broth is poured over it. It has a delicious taste and rich nutrition, reflecting the local food characteristics.
Baershake
Baershake is a deep-fried noodle food of the Kazakh ethnic group. It has a unique shape, a crispy taste, and a sweet flavor. It can be eaten directly or paired with milk tea, and it is a common local delicacy.
Roast Whole Lamb
Roast whole lamb is a characteristic delicacy of the Uygur ethnic group. Fat sheep are selected, marinated specially, and then roasted in a special oven. The outer skin is golden and crispy, and the inner meat is tender and juicy. It is an excellent dish for entertaining guests.
Hand-Pulled Rice
Hand-pulled rice is a traditional staple food of the Uygur ethnic group. It is made by stewing rice, mutton, carrots, raisins, and other ingredients together. The rice grains are distinct, with the aroma of mutton and the sweetness of carrots, and it is deeply loved by people.
Roast Buns
Roast buns are a traditional noodle food of the Uygur ethnic group. Mutton, onions, and other ingredients are used as fillings, wrapped in dough to form buns, and then roasted in a nang pit. The outer skin is crispy, and the inner filling is fragrant, and it is a common street delicacy in the local area.
Lung Noodles
Lung noodles is a special snack of the Uygur ethnic group. The sheep lungs are cleaned, filled with seasoned noodle paste, cooked, and then sliced and served with spicy sauce. It has a smooth and chewy texture.
Big Bread
Big bread is a traditional noodle food of the Xibe ethnic group. It is usually made from fermented flour and roasted into a flat shape. It has a soft texture and a rich wheat aroma, and it is a staple food commonly eaten by the Xibe people.
Flower Vegetables
Flower vegetables are a homemade dish of the Xibe ethnic group. It is stir-fried with various vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, carrots, potatoes, etc., with rich colors and a refreshing taste, and it is a common dish on the local dining table.
Stir-Fried Mutton Offal
Stir-fried mutton offal is a delicacy of the Xibe ethnic group. The mutton heart, liver, lungs, tripe, and other internal organs are cleaned and cut, and then stir-fried with seasonings such as chili peppers and onions. It has a spicy and delicious taste, with a strong local flavor.
Pumpkin Buns
Pumpkin buns are a characteristic bun of the Xibe ethnic group. Pumpkins are used as fillings and wrapped in leavened dough and steamed. They have a sweet taste and the fragrance of pumpkins, and they are one of the popular local delicacies.
Admission Tickets
The admission ticket price of the scenic area is 40 yuan per person, and the shuttle bus costs 6 yuan per person (one way, from the scenic area service center to the scenic area). Subject to the actual ticket price of the scenic area.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of the scenic area are from 09:30 to 20:00. Subject to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
Tourists can first take the shuttle bus to reach the core area of the scenic area, then stroll along the ecological wooden plank road, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ancient poplar forest, Kashi River, etc., and can stop at the viewing platforms for rest and taking photos. Then go to the flower seas to admire various flowers and feel the colorful nature. If there is enough time, you can also experience the 3D interactive cinema, 4D dynamic cinema, and 360° circular screen cinema in the scenic area to understand the natural scenery and historical culture of the scenic area from different angles.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from the Yili Prefecture direction, take the Yidun Expressway → G218 → S315 → X776 to reach; starting from the Urumqi direction, leave from the Dushanzi exit of the Wu Kui Expressway, and drive along G217 → S315 → X776 to reach the scenic area.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Ancient Poplar Forest: As the core of the scenic area, the large area of century-old ancient poplars are tall and straight, with dense branches and leaves, showing the magic of nature and the tenacity of life. It is an attraction that cannot be missed.
- Kashi River: The clear river water meanders, and the wetland ecology by the river is rich. The beautiful scenery is intoxicating, and it is a great place to enjoy natural landscapes.
- Viewing Platforms: The 21 viewing platforms allow tourists to overlook the entire scenic area from different angles, taking in all the beautiful scenery of the ancient poplar forest, Kashi River, etc., and it is very suitable for photography and leaving memories.
Tour Suggestions
- It is recommended to spend half a day to a day visiting. Summer and autumn are the best seasons to visit, when the scenery of the scenic area is the most beautiful and the climate is relatively pleasant.
- Since there are no catering facilities in the scenic area, tourists can bring some snacks and water with them, or go to the county seat for a meal after the visit and taste the local specialties.
- It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes during the visit to facilitate walking on the wooden plank road and better explore the scenic area.
- Bring a camera or mobile phone. The natural scenery and cultural landscapes in the scenic area are all very worthy of being recorded to leave beautiful memories.
Notes
- Comply with the regulations of the scenic area, cherish the vegetation and facilities in the scenic area, and do not damage them casually.
- Pay attention to environmental protection, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean and tidy.
- When walking on the wooden plank road, pay attention to safety, and do not approach dangerous areas, especially be careful of slipping in wet and slippery places.
- When visiting in summer, take sun protection and mosquito prevention measures to avoid sunburn and mosquito bites; when visiting in winter, pay attention to keeping warm to prevent frostbite.