Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park

Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park

Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park is a cultural tourism attraction.

Luntai County is situated at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and the northern edge of the Tarim Basin, with a total area of 14,789 square kilometers. Also known as Bugur, the name Luntai comes from the Uyghur word meaning "eagle." Since ancient times, it has been a center of the ancient Silk Road and is now a major hub for oil exploration and development in the Tarim Basin, hosting key oil and gas fields for PetroChina and Sinopec.

It is the starting point of China’s “West-East Gas Pipeline” project. The area boasts the world’s oldest, largest, best-preserved, and most pristine Populus euphratica forest reserve, the world’s second-largest desert—the Taklamakan Desert, the longest graded road built in a shifting desert—the Desert Highway, China’s longest inland river—the Tarim River, a Shangri-La in the desert—Caohu Lake, as well as numerous historical and cultural sites such as the Laysu Han-Tang Beacon Tower ruins and the Western Regions Protectorate, along with vibrant ethnic customs.

Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park: Located 70 kilometers along the Desert Highway south of Luntai County, it covers a total area of 100 square kilometers. It combines the natural landscapes of the Tarim River, Populus euphratica forests, deserts, and the petroleum industry, making it a natural scenic destination for sightseeing, leisure, outdoor adventure, and scientific exploration. The Tarim Nature Park is divided into three zones: Visitor Services, Sightseeing, and Sightseeing.

Visitor Service Area: A comprehensive service zone integrating dining, accommodation, entertainment, and shopping.

Sightseeing Area: Accessed via a scenic road approximately 17 kilometers long with 126 bends, leading into the ancient Populus euphratica forest. Along the way, you can admire the majestic beauty of the oldest and most pristine poplar trees in various forms across different seasons.

Leisure and Entertainment Area: Connected by a 13-kilometer-long circular sightseeing railway that links 4–5 larger forest lakes. The lakeshores are lined with lush poplar trees that turn golden in autumn, creating stunning reflections on the water. Riding the sightseeing train, you’ll traverse green grasslands, red willow thickets, reed marshes, the Qayang River, and forest lakes, offering you a full view of the desert’s Jiangnan-like charm.

Explore ancient cities and the Silk Road, cruise the Tarim River and admire the poplars, visit Lunnan to see the oil fields, and venture into Tazhong to witness the vast desert. Only by visiting Luntai can you grasp the magnificence of the poplars; only by seeing the poplars can you understand the brilliance of life. The warm-hearted people of all ethnicities in Luntai County warmly welcome you to visit the Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park in Luntai.