Mori Primeval Populus Euphratica Forest
木垒胡杨林
A primeval Populus euphratica forest on the eastern edge of the Gurbantünggüt Desert. In autumn the golden trees are scattered across the saline wasteland. It is often visited together with the Mori Singing Sand Dunes.
The Mori Primeval Populus Euphratica Forest lies in the eastern part of the Gurbantünggüt Desert, about 170 to 180 kilometers northeast of Mori Kazakh Autonomous County seat. It covers more than 30 square kilometers and is said to be one of the oldest primeval poplar forests in the world. Among the trees is a giant known as the 'King of the Populus.' The poplars are scattered across the saline Gobi, their gnarled forms standing among saxaul, tamarisk and camelthorn. The scenic area has wooden boardwalks. The classic route is to leave Mori County town and head north for about an hour to the Mori Singing Sand Dunes, then continue about 30 kilometers north to the forest. The two sites are often visited together. Admission prices vary; combined tickets for the two sites have previously cost about 70 to 80 yuan, so check on site. From Qitai the trip takes about 4 hours one way, so set out early and return late, and bring enough fuel and water. There is no public transport on the desert roads, so it is best to hire a vehicle or drive an off-road car.
Opening hours
All day (follow scenic area announcements)
Nearby sights
- Qitai Petrified Wood & Dinosaur National Geopark
- Qitai Devil City (Yardang)
- Tangchaodun Ancient City Site
- Qitai Museum
- Jiangbulake Scenic Area
- Tianshan Wheat Sea (Jiangbulake Dry Farmland)
- Tianshan Gravity Hill
- Shichengzi Site (Han Dynasty Shule City)