Luntai Huyang Poplar Forest [Bayingolin / Bayinguoleng]

"One of Top Ten Most Beautiful Forests in China"
Ranked by China National Geography Magazine

Luntai Huyang Poplar Forest in Luntai County, Bayiguole Mongolia Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Luntai County, lying at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and the northern edge of the Tarim Basin, boasts the world’s largest, densest and best-surviving 'living fossil of the Tertiary Age'----a natural Huyang (diversiform-leaved) poplar forest of over 27,000 hectares. The Huyang poplar forest is common desert forest, meadow vegetation in the Tarim Basin, growing from upper to lower reaches of the Tarim River valley. Despite a rather simple structure, the forest has distinct ecological markings of the bio-zone in which it grows. The forest, in the rosy dawn or in the sunset glow, radiates vigor, hope, and mystery, too. The Tarim Basin contains the world’s largest area of natural Huyang poplar forest and this roadside forest of over 2,700 hectares is only a tiny part of the whole. The forest grows along the meandering course of the silt-laden Tarim River, and stretches to the remote horizon. A beautiful small lake in the forest attracts swans and other precious waterfowl. Hares and corsac foxes often haunt the depths of the dense woods.

Huyang poplars grow only in the desert and have always been engaged in struggle with it. Faced with cruel broiling heat and drought, only these diversiform-leaved poplars still stand in the desert, brimming with energy and life force. In Uygur, its name means 'the most beautiful tree.' It is also acclaimed as the 'desert hero' for its indomitable life force and amazing ability to put up with drought, sandstorms, and saline and alkali soils. Folk have made heroes of them for their ability to grow erect for a thousand years, live for a thousand years after falling, and life and remain undying after death for another thousand years. In autumn, Huyang poplars in the wild dress in their most splendid attire of the year. The sturdy trunks and gigantic crowns indicate that they have stored up ample energy. The poplars will withstand the harsh approaching winter with their tenacity and vigor, which is how they have always survived.

The tree goes all out to achieve the pinnacle of brilliance. It is passionate living of life as gloriously and fully as possible before dying is the best tribute to time.

Best time to go
Only half month in October
Its annual average temperature is 51.62F.

Ticket
RMB 10/person

Around Landscape
Bayanbulak Grassland, Swan Lake, Tiemen Pass, Luobu Nationality Village, Lop Nur, Loulan Old City, Bosten Lake, The Altun Mountain Nature Reserve, Luntai Huyang Poplar Forest, and Gunaisi National Forest, etc.

Local Snacks and Specialties
Kuerle Aromatic-pear, Luobu Hemp, Tomato, Fig, Grape and Liquorice, etc.

Travel Tips
Pay attention to the time! Beijing time here means that the sun does not rise until 09:00 and it is still light at midnight in the summer months.
Be sure to take warmer clothes for the nights and always carry plenty of drinking water even in the cooler months. Be sure to respect local ethical customs and traditions.
Please take enough food, water and compass.
Please take sunbonnet, sunglass, canteen, respirator, muffler and suntan oil in summer.

Distance
Beijing (3768 km) Urumqi City ( 600 km) Kuerle City ( 180 km) Luntai County (70 km) Luntai Huyang Poplar Forest