Xinjiang's desert poplar forests shine with autumn tourism

Updated: Nov 4, 2025 By Mao Weihua and Fang Aiqing in Shaya county, Xinjiang chinadaily.com.cn Print

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Autumn has transformed the desert poplar forests of Shaya county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, into a golden spectacle. The county is home to one of the world's largest and best-preserved desert poplar forests. [Photo by Mao Weihua/chinadaily.com.cn]

He noted that the desert poplar-themed event series aims to create a platform for exchanges and cooperation, applying the forest landscapes and cultural festival as a medium to foster new friendships.

During the opening ceremony, Shaya county and Ctrip, a leading Chinese travel agency, co-launched a dedicated tourism route along the 139-kilometer scenic highway traversing the approximately 313,500 hectares of desert poplar forests, which highlights smart tourism and high-end self-driving facilities.

Wang Shenglan, a visitor from Guangdong province who had been in Shaya for three days, spoke highly of the organization of the cultural events. "The 139-km scenic highway is particularly stunning," he said. "It features desert poplar trees in both watery and arid landscapes, which makes the scenery exceptionally majestic. This is the perfect time to come."

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