Yiwu Populus Euphratica Forest Ecological Scenic Area is located in Naomaohu Town, Yiwu County, Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers an area of 476,000 mu, one of the three remaining major populus euphratica forest areas in the world. The populus euphratica forest here features the most unique tree trunk shapes, the highest tree ages, and the closest distance to cities on earth, possessing extremely high tourism and appreciation value. The scenic area is mainly composed of "one main body, six regions", with the core tourist area centered around "one heart, one core, five regions", and has developed a 38-kilometer tourist loop mainly for sightseeing experiences by Thomas small trains and classic cars.
History and Culture
The Yiwu populus euphratica forest has a long history. Populus euphratica has existed on earth for 60 million years, known as the "living fossil of the Tertiary Period". In 2005, Chinese paleontologists discovered a new pterosaur population near the scenic area and found the world's first three-dimensional pterosaur egg fossil, making this place known as the Eden of pterosaurs in academic circles. Living in harsh environments for a long time, Yiwu populus euphratica has formed characteristics of cold resistance, heat resistance, alkali resistance, waterlogging resistance, and drought resistance, standing unyielding for thousands of years and showing its elegance on the Silk Road. In addition, during festivals, the scenic area invites local actors to hold folk culture performances, such as the national intangible cultural heritage Twelve Mukams performance and ethnic characteristic wedding customs of the Kazakh and Uyghur minorities.
Main Attractions
Ten-thousand-year Root Carving Area
This is a museum of populus euphratica root carving art. Due to the diversion of underground rivers, trees seem to have their lives extracted instantly, becoming condensed statues that embody the immortal spirit of populus euphratica. It is also the best place to watch the sunrise.
Pterosaur Homeland
In 2005, a new pterosaur population and pterosaur egg fossils were discovered here. By implanting Hami pterosaur elements into the populus euphratica forest, visitors seem to be in an ancient mysterious land, exploring the magical world of populus euphratica and dinosaurs.
Six-thousand-year Area
Populus euphratica trees here have resolute and ever-changing lines. Some resemble camels carrying loads, some curl like dragons and snakes on the ground, some stand like lions and tigers, and some neigh like horses, being natural masterpieces of nature.
One-thousand-year Area
Populus euphratica here is dense, vigorous, and full of vitality. Tree trunks are tough and straight, canopies are green, forming neatly arranged teams, guarding the desert Gobi.
Camel Bell Bazaar
A characteristic area in the scenic area full of ethnic customs, where visitors can feel the local cultural atmosphere and purchase special souvenirs.
Agate Mountain
Suitable for sunrise time-lapse photography. When the sun rises, golden sunlight spills on Agate Mountain, setting off against the populus euphratica forest, creating a breathtaking view.
Food
Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken
Made from fresh local chicken and potatoes, the chicken is tender, potatoes are soft, paired with rich soup, spicy and delicious, a classic Xinjiang dish.
Hand-grabbed Mutton
Tender and original-flavored mutton, served with seasonings like onions when eating, allowing you to feel the rich mutton aroma, one of the local specialties.
Populus Euphratica Mutton Soup
Using local mutton as the main ingredient, stewed with populus euphratica wood, the freshness of mutton blends with the unique aroma of populus euphratica wood, forming a rich soup with high nutrition.
Red Willow Barbecued Meat
Tender mutton skewered with red willow branches and grilled over charcoal, the aroma of red willow branches infuses into the mutton, making the meat crispy outside and tender inside, full of fragrance.
Yogurt Zongzi
Zongzi paired with rich yogurt, sweet and sour, soft and glutinous, a refreshing special dessert.
Baked Naan
A traditional local pasta with various flavors, golden and crispy, fragrant, easy to carry and store.
Tickets
Admission: 35 RMB/person.
Admission + Sightseeing Bus: 125 RMB/person.
Self-driving Car Ticket: 120 RMB/vehicle.
Search the official WeChat public account "新疆伊吾胡杨景区" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Peak season: 09:00 - 20:00; Off-season: 09:30 - 18:00. Subject to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
Self-driving Tour Route: Visitor Center—Camel Bell Bazaar—Old Populus Euphratica—Agate Mountain—Pterosaur Homeland—Wanbow Mountain—Populus Euphratica Art Creation Base—Populus Euphratica Post—West Gate Exit (enter from South Gate, exit from West Gate, full length 25.4 km).
Sightseeing Bus Route: Visitor Center—Camel Bell Bazaar—Old Populus Euphratica—Sunrise East Mountain—Pterosaur Homeland—Wanbow Mountain—Ten-thousand-year Root Carving Area—Visitor Center (enter and exit from South Gate, full length 22.9 km).
Transportation
- Self-driving: Start from Hami City, go to Naomaohu Town, Yiwu County along the highway, then follow the scenic area signs to reach, with good road conditions.
- Public Transportation: Take a long-distance bus to Yiwu County first, then transfer to local buses or take a taxi to the scenic area.
Must-visit Attractions
- Ten-thousand-year Root Carving Area: With unique root carving landscapes, it's an excellent spot for sunrise viewing and photography, allowing you to feel the immortal spirit of populus euphratica and the magic of nature.
- Six-thousand-year Area: peculiarly-shaped populus euphratica trees, like a natural art palace, demonstrating nature's uncanny craftsmanship.
- Pterosaur Homeland: With unique elements of pterosaur fossil discovery sites, it allows exploring the magical world of populus euphratica and dinosaurs, full of mystery.
Tour Tips
- For enjoying the golden populus euphratica scenery, it is recommended to visit from September 28 to October 23, the best viewing period for yellow leaves.
- Prepare sunscreen products such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats, as sunlight is strong in the scenic area.
- Choose to take a sightseeing bus or self-drive for convenient visits to each attraction, while paying attention to safety and abiding by scenic area regulations.
- If you like photography, carry professional photography equipment, as different attractions and time periods have different light and shadow effects for beautiful photos.
Notes
- The climate in the scenic area is dry with strong ultraviolet rays; take sun protection and moisturizing measures.
- Abide by scenic area regulations and do not arbitrarily damage natural landscapes like populus euphratica or cultural relics.
- When visiting desert areas, pay attention to environmental protection and do not litter.
- If self-driving, inspect the vehicle condition in advance and prepare sufficient water and food for emergencies.