Published : 2024-11-21
Entering November, Hong Kong is just starting to cool down, but many places in Mainland China are already in late autumn.
They are drenched in rich autumn colours, creating a fascinating landscape, including the golden sea of forests - the "living fossil" poplar forest.
Every autumn, it is the best period to enjoy the poplar forests. Where can the most beautiful views of the poplar forests be captured?
Ejina Banner, Inner Mongolia
Poplar (胡楊), also known as "Taolai" (陶來) in Mongolian, is one of the oldest tree species in the world. It is said to date back to 65 million years ago, and along with the ginkgo, it is regarded as a "living fossil of plants."
In China, poplar trees are mainly distributed in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Gansu.
The Ejina Poplar National Forest Park (額濟納胡楊國家森林公園) in Ejina Banner, Inner Mongolia, is one of the three remaining original poplar forests in the world. It is also the most spectacular poplar forest belt in China, covering an area of over 30,000 hectares.
From late September every year, lush and uniquely shaped poplar trees turn from green to golden yellow, with layers of forest bathed in colour.
Under the blue sky, the reflection of poplar trees in the water contrasts wonderfully with the surrounding desert, forming a magnificent golden picture. This is undoubtedly the most beautiful season in Ejina.
Such enchanting golden autumn scenery has attracted numerous film crews to Ejina Banner for shooting, including the movie Hero (《英雄》) directed by Zhang Yimou (張藝謀) and the popular Chinese drama Tomb of the Sea (《盜墓筆記少年篇·沙海》).
Jinta, Gansu
Besides Ejina Banner in Inner Mongolia, the Chaohu Forest Farm (潮湖林場) in Jinta County, Jiuquan, Gansu, is also a great spot to find the most beautiful poplar forest.
When the autumn wind arises, the golden forest and the azure lake together form a breath-taking picture.
The poplar forest in Jinta, Gansu is not only considered the most beautiful autumn scenery in Gansu Province, but it is also part of China's largest ecological project, the "Three-North Shelterbelt," playing a significant role in environmental improvement and sandstorm control since the 1970s.
Currently, it has formed a desert oasis with a forest area extending 20 kilometres east-west and 5 kilometres north-south, with the forested area exceeding 5,333 hectares, and the poplar forest area surpassing 666 hectares, located within the core tourist area of Poplar Forest-Jinbo Lake.
Additionally, the Chao Lake Forest Farm includes attractions such as the Sand Date Tree Sightseeing and Leisure Area, the Han Hai Red Willow Conservation Area, the Desert Health and Therapy Area, and the Reed Wetland Maze Area for visitors to explore in person.
Read more: Travel to Xinjiang Hemu Village in Autumn
Tarim, Xinjiang
Located southwest of Yuli County in Xinjiang, Luobu Villagers' Village (羅布人村寨) is one of the largest villages in the western region of China, covering an area of over 7,200 hectares.
In addition to having a rich ethnic atmosphere, it also features numerous natural attractions such as the Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉瑪干沙漠), Tarim River (塔里木河), and Lop Nur (羅布泊).
Among them, the Tarim Poplar Forest National Park (塔里木胡楊林國家森林公園) is the largest poplar forest in China and the world, covering over 371,000 hectares. It is also one of the three remaining original poplar forests in the world, along with Ejina Flag in Inner Mongolia.
In late autumn, the Poplar Forest along the Tarim River Basin is dressed in gold, resembling a continuous golden sea, which is very stunning.
It contrasts beautifully with the blue sky, green water, desert, and villages, making it feel like stepping into a world of oil paintings, breathtakingly beautiful.
Read more: "Natural Gallery" Ulan Butong
