Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park is located in Luntai County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at the edge of the Taklimakan Desert. It is one of the top ten most beautiful forest parks in China, a national 4A-level scenic area, and an autonomous region-level scenic spot. The park covers a total area of 100 square kilometers, integrating natural landscapes of the Tarim River, Populus euphratica landscapes, desert landscapes, and petroleum industrial landscapes. It is a natural scenic tourist destination for sightseeing, leisure and entertainment, outdoor exploration, and scientific investigation. Each attraction in the park is connected by a 17-kilometer internal landscape road and a 13-kilometer circular light rail train around the attractions.
History and Culture
Luntai County has been the center of the ancient Silk Road since ancient times. Today, it has become the main battlefield for oil exploration and development in the Tarim Basin, serving as the core oil and gas field base for PetroChina and Sinopec, as well as the starting point of China's "West-East Gas Transmission" project. The county is home to numerous historical and cultural relics, including the Laisu Han-Tang Beacon Tower Ruins and the Western Regions Protectorate (Xiyu Duhu Fu). Populus euphratica trees, appearing 135 million years ago, are known as "living fossils of the Tertiary Period." Due to their remarkable ability to withstand drought, resist sandstorms, and tolerate salinity and alkalinity, they tenaciously survive and thrive in deserts, hence being hailed as the "Desert Hero Tree."
Main Attractions
Populus Euphratica Forest Landscape
It has one of the world's oldest, largest, best-preserved, and most primitive Populus euphratica forest reserves. Each Populus euphratica tree is like a masterpiece of nature, with a thick trunk and lush branches and leaves, showing an indomitable vitality.
Desert Highway (0 km Marker)
The world's longest mobile desert highway, with Populus euphratica and sand seas interwoven along the way, forming a unique landscape.
Tarim River
It is an excellent shooting spot for Populus euphratica forests, rivers, and deserts. The river water, Populus euphratica, and desert set off each other, forming a magnificent picture.
Sightseeing Small Railway
With a total length of 13 kilometers, it has beautiful scenery along the way, and both sides of the road are tall and spectacular Populus euphratica. Taking the small train, you can leap over green grasslands, pass through red willow bushes, cross reed marshes, span the Qiaoyang River, and circle around the forest lake, fully enjoying the beautiful scenery of the desert and the south of the Yangtze River.
Viewing Tower
24 meters high, climbing to the viewing tower and looking far into the distance, the entire horizon is full of Populus euphratica forests. The golden leaves are dyed in layers under the sunlight, beautiful and magnificent.
Delicacies
Roasted Buns
A local special food, with a crispy outer skin and a fresh and fragrant inner filling, generally with mutton as the filling, with a per capita consumption of 10-20 yuan.
Big Plate Chicken
Tender chicken, paired with ingredients such as potatoes and green peppers, with a rich taste, suitable for sharing among multiple people, with a per capita of 30-40 yuan.
Nang Pit Meat
Mutton is roasted in a nang pit, with tender and juicy meat and a fragrant smell, with a per capita of 20-30 yuan.
Hand-Grabbed Rice
Steamed with mutton, carrots, raisins, etc., together with rice, it has a rich taste, nutritious and delicious, with a per capita of 20-30 yuan.
Lamb Skewers
Selected fresh mutton, roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sprinkled with seasonings, with a fragrant smell, with a per capita of 20-30 yuan.
Admission Tickets
The ticket price is 40 yuan/person. Five-seat self-driving cars cost 125 yuan/car. Seven-seat self-driving cars cost 175 yuan/car.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "轮台塔里木胡杨林公园" on WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
It is open from 08:00 to 20:00. Subject to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Route
Set off early in the morning to go to Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park, take the sightseeing small train to cross the Populus euphratica forest, and enjoy Populus euphratica trees in different forms. Have lunch in the restaurant within the park, or bring your own picnic food to eat in the designated area. In the afternoon, you can continue to explore the park on foot or by sightseeing vehicle, and do not miss the characteristic attractions such as the Populus Euphratica Sculpture Garden and the Desert Highway. Wait for the sunset in the park in the evening and enjoy the Populus euphratica forest dyed golden by the setting sun.
Transportation
- Self-driving: You can start from Luntai County and drive about 70 kilometers along the Desert Highway to reach the scenic area.
- Tourist Special Line: There may be tourist special lines from Luntai County to the scenic area, and you can consult the local tourism department or travel agency for details.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Populus Euphratica Forest Landscape: One of the world's largest Populus euphratica forest reserves. Populus euphratica "lives for a thousand years without dying, stands for a thousand years after death, and does not rot for a thousand years after falling". In autumn, it is golden, forming a magnificent picture with the desert and the river.
- Sightseeing Small Railway: Take the small train to shuttle through the Populus euphratica forest, passing through multiple attractions, and you can enjoy the beauty of Populus euphratica in all directions.
- Viewing Tower: Climb the 24-meter-high viewing tower to overlook the large area of Populus euphratica forest, with a spectacular view.
Tour Tips
- The best viewing season is autumn, especially from mid-October to early November, when the Populus euphratica leaves are golden and the scenery is the most beautiful.
- Choosing self-driving can allow you to explore freely, stop and take photos at any time, and better enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Carry sunscreen products and warm clothes, as the temperature difference between morning and evening is large in autumn.
- Prepare a camera or mobile phone with sufficient memory and battery power to record beautiful moments.
Notes
- Respect local religious beliefs and customs.
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area and do not damage vegetation and the environment at will.
- When playing in desert areas, pay attention to sand prevention and protect electronic devices such as cameras and mobile phones.
- If you choose to hike, pay attention to taking measures to prevent snakes and insects.
- Signal may be poor in some areas of the scenic area, so inform family or friends of your itinerary in advance.