Desert poplars turn gold in Xinjiang, China

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The desert poplars in the Tarim Populus Euphratica National Forest Park recently turned gold, bringing vigor and vitality to the arid desert.

The Populus euphratica, commonly known as desert poplar or Euphrates poplar, is a magical species that can survive in extremely dry and cold areas. In China, the desert poplar are considered to be able to “live for a thousand years, then stand for a thousand years after death, then stay imperishable for another thousand years.”

Glamorous desert poplar forest along the Tarim River. /VCG Photo

Aerial view of Tarim Populus Euphratica National Forest Park. /VCG Photo

Sheep herds in the desert poplar forest. /VCG Photo

Aerial view of the desert poplar forest along the Tarim River. /VCG Photo

Aerial view of the desert poplar forest. /VCG Photo

The Tarim Populus Euphratica National Forest Park is located on the Tarim River on the northeast border of the Taklamakan Desert. It is the oldest, largest and most complete reserve for desert poplars in the world.