Weird Forest (Dead Populus Forest)

怪树林

A vast stand of desert poplars killed when the river changed course. They neither rot nor fall, “dead for a thousand years without falling, fallen for a thousand years without decay”, forming a natural sculpture garden in the desert.

Weird Forest lies about 20 km southwest of Dalaihubu town, beside the road to Khara-Khoto. This was once a dense desert poplar forest as well. Decades ago, after the Ejin River changed course and upstream water use increased, the groundwater table dropped and large numbers of poplars died. In the extremely dry desert climate, however, the dead trunks neither rot nor topple. They form a vast forest of dead wood. Some trunks are twisted like dragons, and others lie sprawled like beasts. Nearly every tree is a natural sculpture, desolate and striking, and it bears out the saying about desert poplars: “alive for a thousand years without dying, dead for a thousand years without falling, fallen for a thousand years without decay.” The scenic area has a loop wooden boardwalk and viewing platforms. A full circuit takes about 1–1.5 hours. The best time to visit is dusk, when the setting sun turns the dead wood red and the silhouettes contrast sharply with the evening glow. After dark, during peak season, the site turns on lights and projection shows, and under colored lights the dead trees take on an eerie beauty of their own. Weird Forest and Khara-Khoto are combined as the “Khara-Khoto Ruo Shui Poplar Scenic Area.” A joint ticket costs about CNY 120–150, including the shuttle bus. Usually visit Khara-Khoto in the afternoon, then return to Weird Forest in the evening for sunset and night views. Notes: sand and wind are strong in the desert, and temperatures drop sharply after sunset, so bring a warm coat. Don’t wander off the boardwalk onto the sand, and don’t climb the fragile dead trees. Taxis are hard to find when leaving the site at night, so driving yourself or hiring a car is best. The coordinates given here are estimates for the Weird Forest area.

Weird Forest (Dead Populus Forest)

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby