The Jinta Desert Populus Euphratica Forest (金塔沙漠胡杨林), located in Jinta County, Gansu Province, is a prominent part of China’s Three-North Shelterbelt System. Spanning over 8,000 hectares, it comprises five distinct functional zones: the Populus Euphratica Forest-Jinbo Lake core scenic area, the jujube forest sightseeing area, the Haloxylon ammodendron conservation area, the desert entertainment experience area, and the desert reed maze area.
This forest is renowned for its dense and thriving Populus Euphratica trees, which are among the largest in Gansu Province and stand out as the finest of its kind. In the golden autumn of October, the Populus Euphratica trees, known for their green leaves turning yellow, gleam brightly under the clear blue sky amidst the desolate desert landscape, making it a celebrated autumn destination in Gansu Province.
Populus Euphratica, also known as the desert poplar or grey willow, is a deciduous tree species that has survived since the Tertiary period. It adapted to desert conditions and is mostly wild, earning the admiration as the “desert warrior.” These trees are resilient to extreme temperatures, alkaline soils, flooding, and drought. Many Populus Euphratica trees exhibit unique and peculiar shapes due to the effects of wind and sand, presenting a miraculous natural and cultural landscape. They are often referred to as “living for three thousand years without dying, dead for three thousand years without falling, fallen for three thousand years without decaying.”
Each year, in September and October, as the first autumn frost arrives, vast swathes of Populus Euphratica forests transform from green to golden yellow. The spectacle of golden leaves dancing in the wind against the backdrop of a deep blue sky creates a stark contrast and vivid color palette that transcends mere words. The Populus Euphratica has survived through millennia of natural evolution, embodying both the grace of nature and the resilience of life.
Throughout history, the Populus Euphratica has become a symbol of spiritual significance, inspiring countless poems and philosophical reflections. Its enchanting beauty, steadfast character, and tumultuous history evoke profound emotions and admiration from people around the world. The Jinta Desert Populus Euphratica Forest stands as a precious natural heritage and a testament to the enduring spirit of life in the face of harsh desert conditions.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB (1st July – 31st October) 65 RMB (1st November – 30th June) |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 19.00 (1st July – 31st October) 8.00 – 18.00 (1st November – 30th June) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0937-4570902 0086-0937-5903228 |
Location and Transportation
The Jinta Desert Populus Euphratica Forest is located approximately 6 kilometers west of Jinta County, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, within the Chaohe Forestry Farm. To reach the forest, visitors have a few transportation options:
- From Jiayuguan Airport (JGN):
- Distance: Approximately 80 kilometers.
- Travel: Visitors arriving by plane at Jiayuguan Airport can take a taxi directly to Jinta County, which takes about 90 minutes.
- From Jiuquan:
- Distance: Approximately 48 kilometers.
- Travel: Visitors arriving by train at either Jiuquan Railway Station or Jiuquan High-speed Railway Station can transfer to a taxi or bus heading directly to Jinta County, with a travel time of about 40-60 minutes.
