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The Tarim River Basin in southern Xinjiang boasts approximately 15 million mu (approximately 1.5 million hectares) of poplar forest, making it the world's largest. Approximately 4.7 million mu (approximately 1.5 million hectares) of this area lies within Shaya County in Aksu Prefecture, making it the world's largest and best-preserved pristine poplar forest and known as the World Poplar Forest Park. These widely distributed vegetation along the riverbanks is not only resilient but also serves as a barrier to the invasion of my country's largest desert, the Taklamakan Desert. Ten percent of the world's poplar forests are located in China, and 90 percent of China's poplar forests are located along the Tarim River in Xinjiang.
Shaya County, part of Kuqa, was once part of the ancient Kingdom of Kucha. The Shaya region is a fusion of Central Plains Han culture, South Asian Buddhism, Persian culture, and Greco-Roman culture. It boasts the Thousand Buddha Caves, the Grand Canyon, and the world's largest pristine poplar forest. Located on the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, the poplar forest covers a total area of 1.9879 million mu (approximately 1.9 million hectares), with 80% of the trees boasting a canopy projection exceeding 20% per mu.
The climate in Shaya County falls within the warm temperate desert edge zone, significantly influenced by the sandy deserts of neighboring counties like Baicheng and Kuqa to the north and the Taklamakan Desert to the south. The county enjoys abundant sunshine and heat year-round, but rainfall is scarce. The climate is dry, with large temperature swings between day and night. The prevailing wind direction is northerly or northeasterly year-round. The average annual sunshine hours are 3,031.2, reaching a maximum of 308.3 hours in July, with a daily average of 9.9 hours. The shortest is just 202.5 hours in January, with a daily average of 6.58 hours. The average temperature in Shaya County is 10.7°C, reaching a high of 24.9°C in July, with a maximum of 41.6°C and a minimum of -28.7°C. The average annual precipitation is 47.3MM, and the average annual evaporation is 2000.7MM. The evaporation is 42.3 times the precipitation. There is more precipitation in summer. The first snow day occurs at the earliest at the end of December, and the last snow day is at the latest on February 21. The maximum snow depth is 10 cm. The early frost usually occurs around March 30, and the late frost occurs at the end of October.
Best time to travel: All seasons, but summer and autumn are the best.
There are two Populus euphratica forest parks in Shaya, one is the Moon Bay Populus euphratica forest and the other is the Shayanzhou Populus euphratica forest.
Free and open
9:00-19:00
The Shaya Populus euphratica forest in Xinjiang is one of the largest and oldest of its kind in China. It holds ecological significance due to the adaptability of the Populus euphratica trees, which thrive in harsh desert conditions. The forest plays a key role in preventing desertification and maintaining the local ecosystem.
The Shaya Populus euphratica forest is located in the Shaya County of Aksu, Xinjiang. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from Aksu city, which is around 50 km away. Public transportation options may be limited, so hiring a local guide or renting a car is recommended.
The forest is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from late September to early November when the trees turn golden, creating a striking landscape. The best time of day for photography is early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is soft.
There is a small entrance fee for visiting the forest, typically paid on-site. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through local tour operators. It is recommended to buy tickets on-site, especially if you are traveling independently.
Booking tickets in advance is not generally required for the Shaya Populus euphratica forest. However, during peak tourist seasons, it may be helpful to reserve tickets a few days in advance, especially if traveling as part of a group or tour.
It typically takes 2-3 hours to explore the forest and its surroundings. If you plan to take a guided tour and photograph the area, allocate about half a day (4-5 hours) for a more relaxed experience.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin Chinese, and some tours may offer translations in English. It’s recommended to arrange for a guide in advance if you prefer a language other than Mandarin.
Start by walking through the main forest area, then head toward the Aksu River to enjoy the contrasting landscapes. Finish with a peaceful spot along the river or within the forest for a rest and picnic. Consider a loop trail to explore the most iconic parts of the forest.
Night visits are not typically available due to the remote location and lack of facilities for nighttime tourism. The best experience is during daylight hours, particularly in the morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and photography.
The forest is relatively quiet, especially during weekdays or off-peak months. The least crowded times are typically in early spring or late autumn, outside of national holidays and peak tourism seasons.
Basic facilities like public toilets are available near the entrance. However, there are limited food and water services in the immediate area, so it’s advisable to bring your own provisions. Rest areas are available for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The terrain in the forest can be uneven and may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, the main paths around the forest are accessible, and children will enjoy the natural environment. It’s recommended to bring a stroller or assistance for those with mobility issues.
Cash is often preferred in remote areas like this, although mobile payments (like Alipay and WeChat Pay) are becoming more common. It’s best to carry cash for small purchases and any local fees.
There are a few local restaurants offering traditional Xinjiang cuisine, such as lamb skewers, polo (rice pilaf), and naan bread. These are located in Aksu city, which is about an hour’s drive from the forest.
Halal food is widely available in Xinjiang, with a variety of lamb, chicken, and vegetarian dishes served at local restaurants. Vegan options may be more limited but can still be found at many restaurants offering traditional Uyghur cuisine.
Souvenir shops are available in Aksu city, offering local products like Uyghur textiles, handwoven carpets, and traditional handicrafts. Local spices, dried fruits, and nuts are also popular souvenirs.
