Yiwu Populus Euphratica Forest Ecological Park Scenic Area is located in Naomaohu Town, Yiwu County, Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers 476,000 mu and is one of only three remaining major populus euphratica forest areas in the world. The populus euphratica forest here has the most unique trunk shapes, the oldest trees, and is the closest to a city on Earth, offering extremely high tourism and appreciation value. The scenic area is mainly composed of "one main area and six zones," with the core sightseeing area developed around "one center, one core, and five zones." It has developed a 38-kilometer grand tourism loop centered on sightseeing experiences by Thomas train and vintage cars.
History and Culture
Yiwu Populus Euphratica Forest has a long history. Populus euphratica has existed on Earth since 60 million years ago and is known as a "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 pterosaur egg fossil still in three-dimensional form. As a result, this place is called the "Pterosaur Eden" by the academic community. Living long-term in harsh environments, Yiwu populus euphratica has developed tolerance to cold, heat, alkali, waterlogging, and drought. For thousands of years it has remained unyielding and has shown its elegance along the Silk Road. In addition, during festival activities, the scenic area invites local performers to hold folk cultural performances, such as the nationally intangible cultural heritage Twelve Muqam performance and Kazakh and Uygur wedding custom performances with ethnic characteristics.
Main Attractions
Ten-Thousand-Year Root Carving Area
This is a museum of populus euphratica root carving art. Because the underground river changed course, the trees seem to have had their lives instantly taken away, becoming congealed sculptures. It embodies the immortal spirit of populus euphratica and is also the best place to watch the sunrise.
Pterosaur Homeland
In 2005, a new pterosaur population and pterosaur egg fossils were discovered here. Hami pterosaur elements have been integrated into the populus euphratica forest, making visitors feel as if they are in an ancient secret realm where they can explore the wonderful world of populus euphratica and dinosaurs.
Six-Thousand-Year Zone
The lines of the populus euphratica trees are firm and varied. Some look like camels carrying loads, some like dragons and snakes coiled on the ground, some like lions and tigers crouching, and some like horses neighing. They are natural masterpieces.
One-Thousand-Year Zone
The populus euphratica here is dense and vigorous, full of life. The trunks are tough and upright, and the crowns are lush and green, like neatly arranged troops guarding the vast desert and Gobi.
Camel Bell Bazaar
A distinctive area within the scenic spot, full of ethnic flavor. Visitors can experience the local cultural atmosphere here and buy specialty souvenirs.
Agate Mountain
Suitable for sunrise time-lapse photography. When the sun rises, golden sunlight falls on Agate Mountain and complements the populus euphratica forest, creating a breathtaking scene.
Food
Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken
Made with fresh local chicken, potatoes, and other ingredients. The chicken is tender, the potatoes are soft, and the rich sauce makes it spicy and delicious. It is a classic Xinjiang dish.
Hand-Grabbed Mutton
The mutton is tender and retains its original flavor. It can be eaten with onions and other seasonings to enjoy a rich mutton aroma. It is one of the local specialty foods.
Populus Euphratica Mutton Soup
Using local mutton as the main ingredient and stewed with populus euphratica wood, the freshness of the mutton blends with the unique aroma of the wood. The soup is rich and nutritious.
Red Willow Skewer Barbecue
Fresh tender mutton is skewered on red willow branches and grilled over charcoal. The aroma of the red willow branches blends into the mutton, producing meat that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, full of fragrance.
Yogurt Zongzi
Zongzi paired with rich yogurt. It has a sweet-and-sour, soft-and-glutinous taste and is a distinctive dessert that cuts through richness.
Nang
A traditional local staple food with multiple flavor options. It is baked golden and crispy, with a fragrant aroma, and is easy to carry and preserve.
Tickets：
Ticket: 35 yuan/person.
Ticket sightseeing bus: 125 yuan/person.
Self-driving vehicle ticket: 120 yuan/vehicle.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "Xinjiang Yiwu Populus Euphratica Scenic Area" to get the latest updates or buy 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 sightseeing route: Visitor Service Center — Camel Bell Bazaar — Populus Euphratica Old Man — Agate Mountain — Pterosaur Homeland — Bow-Drawing Mountain — Populus Euphratica Art Creation Base — Populus Euphratica Station — West Gate Exit (enter from the South Gate, exit from the West Gate, total route 25.4 kilometers).
Sightseeing bus tour route: Visitor Service Center — Camel Bell Bazaar — Populus Euphratica Old Man — Sunrise East Mountain — Pterosaur Homeland — Bow-Drawing Mountain — Ten-Thousand-Year Root Carving Area — Visitor Service Center (enter from the South Gate, exit from the South Gate, total route 22.9 kilometers).
Transportation：
Self-driving: Depart from Hami City, drive along the highway to Naomaohu Town in Yiwu County, and then follow the scenic area signs to arrive. The road conditions are relatively good.
Public transportation: You can first take a long-distance bus to Yiwu County, then transfer to a local shuttle bus or take a taxi to the scenic area.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Ten-Thousand-Year Root Carving Area: It has unique root carving landscapes and is an excellent place for watching the sunrise and photography. It allows people to feel the immortal spirit of populus euphratica and the wonders of nature.
Six-Thousand-Year Zone: The shapes of the populus euphratica trees are peculiar, like a natural art palace, showing the uncanny workmanship of nature.
Pterosaur Homeland: It features unique elements from the place where pterosaur fossils were discovered. Visitors can explore the wonderful world of populus euphratica and dinosaurs, full of mysterious charm.
Travel Suggestions：
If you want to enjoy the golden scenery of populus euphratica, it is recommended to go between September 28 and October 23, which is the best period for viewing yellow leaves.
Prepare sun protection items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat, because the sunlight in the scenic area is strong.
You can choose to tour by sightseeing bus or self-driving to conveniently enjoy each attraction. At the same time, pay attention to safety and abide by the scenic area regulations.
If you like photography, you can bring professional photography equipment. Different attractions and time periods have different lighting effects, allowing you to take beautiful photos.
Precautions：
The climate in the scenic area is dry and the ultraviolet rays are strong, so take good sun protection and moisturizing measures.
Observe the scenic area regulations and do not damage natural landscapes such as populus euphratica or cultural relics at will.
When visiting a desert area, pay attention to protecting the environment and do not litter.
If you choose to drive yourself, check the vehicle condition in advance and prepare enough water and food in case of emergency.