Golden Mirrors in the Badain Jaran: Exploring Jinta’s Desert Populus Forest

A Green Sentinel in the Badain Jaran

Located on the northwestern edge of the Badain Jaran Desert in Jinta County, Jiuquan City, the Jinta Desert Populus Euphratica Forest is a breathtaking ecological miracle. Spanning a total area of 80,000 mu, with a core scenic area of over 10,000 mu, this destination represents a successful decades-long struggle by the local people to stabilize shifting sands and protect the Hexi Corridor. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters, it is celebrated as one of the most magnificent water-mirrored populus forests in western China.

The "Golden Dream" of Jinxiu Lake

1.The defining feature of: Jinta’s forest is the Jinxiu Lake (Golden Lake), a man-made body of water that acts as a vast desert mirror. During the peak of autumn, the emerald lake transforms into a liquid gold basin, reflecting the brilliant yellow foliage of the surrounding Populus euphratica trees. This visual harmony between the arid desert dunes, the vibrant forest, and the serene water creates a "Golden Dream" landscape that is exceptionally rare in the parched landscapes of Northwest China.

Biodiversity and the "Desert Hero"

The forest is not limited to populus trees; it is a diverse ecological belt featuring various desert-stabilizing plants such as sand dates (Elaeagnus angustifolia), desert willow, and tamarisk. The Populus euphratica, known as the "Desert Hero," is famous for its legendary resilience: "living for a thousand years without dying, standing for a thousand years without falling, and remaining for a thousand years without decaying". Visitors can walk through the "Forest of Life" area to witness these ancient trees in various states of growth and decay, illustrating a profound narrative of survival against the elements.

A Node on the Ancient Silk Road

Jinta was historically a critical passage on the Ancient Silk Road, specifically within the Golden Sector of the Hexi Corridor. The presence of nearby archaeological ruins and ancient fortress remains adds a layer of historical weight to the natural scenery. This intersection of natural splendor and ancient frontier culture makes Jinta a premier destination for those tracing the history of cultural exchange between the East and West.