Populus euphratica forest

　　Introduction     The Golmud Populus euphratica Forest is situated in the Tolaihai area of the northwestern Ardonchuke Grassland. Tolaihai, meaning “a place with many populus euphratica trees” in Mongolian, lies about 60 kilometers from downtown Golmud. It is the only populus euphratica forest in Qinghai and also the highest-altitude one in the world.

　　    The forest is bordered by the majestic Kunlun Mountains to the south and vast Gobi salt flats to the north. Nestled within this desertifying zone, it stands out as particularly precious. A seasonal river called the Tolahai meanders through the sandy land, flowing in graceful curves around the woods. The forest is accompanied by sand-tolerant plants such as reeds, saxaul, tamarisk, saltwort, and camel thorn, and is home to wildlife including pheasants, foxes, wolves, and hares, together forming a unique ecosystem.

　　    In deserts and on sandy land, the populus euphratica is the only tree species capable of naturally forming forests. With a history of 3 to 6 million years, its roots can grow up to 15 meters long, spreading outward and reaching down some 13 meters underground to absorb moisture in extremely arid conditions. The populus euphratica withstands both high and low temperatures, surviving in climates ranging from -39°C to +39°C; it tolerates drought, growing where annual precipitation is below 50 millimeters; it resists salinity and alkalinity as well as wind and sandstorms, enduring winds of up to 26 meters per second. As a natural oasis, it is one of the most widely distributed arboreal species across Asia’s arid plains and hills.

　　 Golmud, Qinghai