Bachu Populus Euphratica National Forest Park

　　The Populus euphratica, or desert poplar, is a remarkable tree. In the Uyghur language, it is called "tokhrak," meaning "the most beautiful tree." It is renowned for the saying: "Three thousand years of life, three thousand years after death, and three thousand years of standing after falling." Bachu’s unique geographical environment has created stunning natural scenery. With over 3.16 million acres of pristine desert poplar forests—represented by the Xiamale, Xihe, and Golden Poplar Island forests—it forms the Bachu Populus Euphratica National Forest Park, home to the world’s largest contiguous natural stand of desert poplars. The forest is rich in wildlife, often inhabited by animals such as goitered gazelles, wild deer, pheasants, rabbits, and foxes. Local specialties like Bachu mushrooms, cynomorium, and apocynum are also widely known. The ancient Yarkand River carves out mirror-like small lakes across the flat forest landscape. Stepping into the desert poplar forest, you are greeted by an untamed atmosphere where you can feel the pulse of primal life. The majestic upward thrust of these trees showcases an indomitable spirit, while their uniquely sculpted forms reveal the grandeur of nature. It’s astonishing that these iron-hard trunks, dead for thousands of years, remain unrotted and stand proudly to this day. With tenacious will, they resist the encroachment of the desert, and in their presence, we can’t help but feel deep reverence.