Dunhuang Populus Euphratica Forest Guide: You Haven't Seen Autumn's Beauty Until You've Seen Dunhuang's Populus Euphratica

Three thousand years of waiting, just for your arrival. When it comes to populus euphratica forests, people often think of Ejina Banner, but Dunhuang also has populus euphratica forests, no less magnificent and stunning. Today, Dunhuang秘境 (Mijing) lists several populus euphratica forests around Dunhuang and provides a guide. These lesser-known spots are also秘境 (hidden gems) for tourists during the National Day holiday.

1. Dunhuang Airport Populus Euphratica Forest

After arriving in Dunhuang, open Amap, search for "Populus Euphratica Forest," and you will find the forest near the airport. It is 16 km from the city center, east of the airport, on the north side of Provincial Highway 314. The scenic area is small, with an entry fee of 20 yuan per person. This forest is a combination of Kazakh ethnic-style yurts and natural populus euphratica scenery. There are many populus euphratica trees along the roads outside the scenic area, but they are younger. Inside, the trees are more spectacular and taller. This populus euphratica forest has cheap tickets, convenient transportation, and is the closest one to Dunhuang.

2. Dunhuang Xihu Town Populus Euphratica Forest

Halfway from Dunhuang to Liuyuan, there is a small village called Xihu Town (administratively under Guazhou County). Drive north from Dunhuang for about one hour, covering about 40 km. On the east side of Xihu Township, along the Shule River Basin, there is a large populus euphratica forest. This forest is very vast, stretching for dozens of kilometers along both sides of the river, with water and bridges, very similar to the Eight Bridges Populus Euphratica Forest in Ejina Banner. Currently, it is not a scenic area and is free of charge. In autumn, it turns golden like a tide, very spectacular, no less than Ejina. Many tourists (even locals in Dunhuang) don't know this place. It is an undeveloped秘境 (hidden gem) and a super recommended spot by Dunhuang秘境 (Mijing).

3. Dunhuang Xihu Nature Reserve Populus Euphratica Forest

There is a large populus euphratica forest in the Dunhuang Xihu Nature Reserve, but since it is within the reserve, it is not open to tourists. The populus euphratica forest is the only arbor forest resource in the Xihu Reserve, covering a large area, mainly distributed around wetlands such as Huoshao Lake, Mamitu, Tianqiaodun, and Wanyao Dun. It is the most concentrated and largest populus euphratica forest distribution area in the Shule River Basin, the largest populus euphratica forest in Gansu Province, and a vital habitat for rare and endangered wild animals such as wild camels and wild horses.