The Populus Euphratica Forest is a natural wonder in Urumqi, where golden desert poplars stand tall against harsh conditions like timeless sentinels. In autumn, the entire forest transforms into a blazing golden spectacle, creating surreal contrasts with the desert. Walk along wooden trails to witness these 'live for millennia, then stand for millennia after death' marvels, often accompanied by wild camels and rare birds. Don't forget your camera – this is the Silk Road's most breathtaking fall foliage show!

This hotel is a perfect choice for families! With a kids' play area and children's amenities, your little ones will have a blast. Adults can enjoy the fitness center and executive lounge, ensuring everyone's happy. Its prime location near the subway and free parking make it super convenient. Newly opened, the facilities are modern and Instagram-worthy, plus there's a snack bar and café to keep you energized. Whether for family trips or business travel, it offers great value!

This hotel is the perfect blend of family-friendly and business-ready! Just a 5-minute walk to the subway, with a 24-hour gym and self-service laundry for ultimate convenience. Traveling with kids? The children's play area and kid-friendly meals will keep them entertained. Unwind with spa massages or relax in the executive lounge. Nearby attractions like the Botanical Garden and Great Buddha Temple add to the appeal. With German-branded quality service, it’s ideal for both family vacations and business trips!

Perfect for family trips with its kid-friendly amenities and pet-friendly policy! Just steps from the high-speed rail station and subway, this hotel makes travel effortless. Stay productive with business center and fitness center, or unwind with laundry services and 24-hour front desk. Business travelers love the executive floor and meeting rooms. Don’t miss their summer special deals – book now!

This hotel boasts a prime location near Hongshan Park and the Lin Zexu Memorial Statue, with easy access to shopping at MM Shopping Center. The rooms feature a simple Chinese-style design, offering spacious comfort and complete amenities, including 24-hour hot water and private bathrooms. With a range of thoughtful services like kids' play areas, a fitness center, and a business center, it’s perfect for both family vacations and business trips. Free parking and car rental services make it even more convenient for travelers. Everything you need is right here!

This hotel is family-friendly and smart-tech equipped, perfect for both business trips and family vacations! Designed with a California sunshine theme, the spacious rooms feature 60-inch LCD TVs and voice-controlled smart devices for ultimate convenience. Double-glazed windows ensure a peaceful night's sleep, while 24-hour robot delivery service and fusion breakfast add a unique touch. Enjoy free mini-fridge access and separate wet-dry bathrooms, complete with natural orange-scented toiletries. Located near the Railway Bureau商圈 and Botanical Garden, with free parking available. Don’t miss out on this gem!

This hotel offers great value for money, perfect for both business trips and family vacations! Its convenient location near the airport and shopping centers, along with free parking and airport shuttle services, makes transportation a breeze. The rooms are well-equipped with 24-hour hot water and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay. Kids will love the play area and family cinema, while adults can relax in the tea room or garden. Additional services like car rental and luggage storage make exploring Urumqi even easier. With its clean environment and friendly staff, it’s the ideal choice for your next trip!

This hotel is perfect for family trips and business travel! Located near the airport with free shuttle services, it’s incredibly convenient. The rooms are spacious and bright, featuring modern and minimalist decor with complete amenities, including laundry services and a dryer, ideal for long stays. The hotel has a cozy courtyard that makes you feel at home. Surrounding areas offer local eateries and 24-hour supermarkets for added convenience. With attentive service, friendly front desk, and great value, it’s even pet-friendly—a truly thoughtful choice!

This hotel is a family-friendly gem! With a kids' play area and childcare services, plus children's amenities, it makes traveling with little ones a breeze. The location is super convenient—just 5 minutes walk to the subway and close to attractions like the International Grand Bazaar and Red Mountain Park. The hotel offers great facilities, including a café, snack bar, dryer, and laundry services. The rooms are modern and smart, with high value for money, and the front desk staff are warm and welcoming. Perfect for both family vacations and business trips!

This hotel beautifully blends Ili folk style with modern elegance, making it perfect for both business trips and family vacations. Conveniently located near the subway, it's just a short drive to the high-speed rail station and airport. With amenities like a fitness center, meeting rooms, and family-friendly facilities, plus 24-hour front desk and laundry services, all your needs are covered. The restaurant serves authentic Xinjiang cuisine for a true local flavor. With excellent service, a cozy environment, and great value, it’s the perfect home away from home!

This hotel is a hidden gem! Located in a bustling commercial area, it’s super convenient with easy access to the subway and schools, plus free parking and charging stations for road trippers. The serene environment, lush greenery, and music fountain with fitness facilities make it perfect for post-travel relaxation. Don’t miss their authentic Xinjiang barbecue in one of the 32 yurts for a unique dining experience. Whether it’s for business meetings, weddings, or a casual get-together, this hotel is ideal. With thoughtful service and a late check-out at 2 PM, it’s the perfect stay!

This hotel is perfect for family and friends gatherings! Whether you're traveling with two generations or three, their suite designs cater to all needs, and the specially designed kids' room with slides will keep the little ones entertained for hours! The hotel is filled with rich Xinjiang ethnic vibes, from the blue and white of Ili to the rustic charm of Kashgar, every corner is Instagram-worthy, and they even provide free ethnic costumes for photos! Memory foam mattresses and Xiaomi smart home devices ensure a comfortable and convenient stay, while the self-service laundry and parking lot take care of all your travel hassles. Newly opened with great value, don't miss out on this experience!

This hotel is a perfect choice for family trips with an impressive 4.9 rating! Kids will love the table football and bike rental, while adults can relax at the fitness center or enjoy the executive floor. With 24-hour front desk, laundry service, and free parking, convenience is guaranteed. Its prime location near Degang Wanda makes it ideal for exploring. Great value for money – don’t miss out!


Everything you need to know about Populus Euphratica Forest
Near the Poplar Forest in Xinjiang, stay at Kalsak Poplar Forest Eco Resort, which offers unique desert starlit tents and traditional wooden cabins inspired by Uyghur architecture. The resort features a private viewing deck for breathtaking sunrise views over the golden poplars, and exceptional stargazing under the clear desert sky. Located about 2 hours from Ürümqi city center, it's accessible via private car or guided day tour packages, making it ideal for immersive eco-tourism experiences.
Traveling from Ürümqi to the Poplar Forest is best done via private car hire or a guided day tour package along the Tian Shan northern route, offering scenic views of deserts and oases. Many resorts like Kalsak Poplar Forest Eco Resort provide complimentary shuttle services from designated pickup points, ensuring convenient access. During peak season (June–September), temporary bus routes are also added for independent travelers. HopeGoo transport in advance is highly recommended to avoid scarcity during high-demand periods.
Visitors can enjoy authentic ecological experiences such as hiking through the miles-long ancient poplar trails, marveling at the twisted trunks that resemble dragons. Guided poplar ecology tours reveal how these trees survive extreme aridity and salinity. Photography enthusiasts can join sunset photography workshops to capture the golden silhouettes of the forest against the desert sky. Some resorts host stargazing storytelling nights, blending astronomy facts with local legends, deepening understanding of life in the desert. All activities promote sustainable tourism practices, preserving the fragile ecosystem.
Yes, the area offers numerous family-friendly activities: Kids can participate in fossil treasure hunts that combine science education with fun exploration, learning about ancient plant evolution. There are also desert sand art workshops using natural materials to create unique artworks. Safe, child-sized walking paths and designated family camping zones allow parents and children to share unforgettable nights under the stars. All activities are led by trained guides, emphasizing safety and educational value, making them perfect for meaningful family travel.
The optimal time to visit the Poplar Forest is during autumn (late September to mid-October), when the leaves turn golden and orange, creating a breathtaking "golden mile" panorama. Temperatures range from 15–25°C, ideal for outdoor exploration. The annual Poplar Festival in early October features cultural performances, photography contests, and ecological lectures, enriching the experience. Avoid peak holiday weeks like National Day for a quieter visit. Winter, though cold, offers a poetic scene with snow-covered poplars, perfect for photographers seeking serene beauty.
Strict ecological protection measures are enforced: visitor access to core zones is limited, and ecological monitoring stations track soil and moisture levels in real time. The Poplar Seed Regeneration Program plants hundreds of thousands of native seeds annually to restore degraded areas. Government and NGOs collaborate on carbon offset initiatives, encouraging low-impact tourism. All accommodations must meet green building standards, utilizing solar power and rainwater recycling systems. These efforts ensure the Poplar Forest remains not only a tourist destination but also a vital biodiversity corridor, safeguarding ecological balance across Northwest China.
See what other travelers say about Populus Euphratica Forest

I stayed at this Intercity Hotel in Urumqi for a short business trip, and while it's technically a solid option for work travel, it’s not really suitable for leisure or those seeking a more relaxing experience. The hotel opened in 2024, and the design follows a clean, minimalist German-style aesthetic—simple but functional. There are no major flaws in build quality or layout, which is nice. However, small issues popped up quickly: out of three rooms booked, one had a TV constantly displaying Java errors, and another room’s scale had no power. It’s surprising that after just one year, these details aren’t fully sorted. Breakfast was decent for a Huazhu four-star property—better than average—but still feels underwhelming compared to other brands in the same tier. What stood out? No free coffee machine in the lobby, no tea service at all—something I’ve never seen in a mid-range chain before. The building is converted from an older structure, with 18 floors and nearly 30 rooms per floor, but only two elevators and a tiny common area. The space lacks privacy—no partitions, oversized tables, and zero ambiance whether you're working or trying to unwind. Service was basic and responsive when needed, but the parking perks were confusing: free parking requires scanning a QR code filled with ads, and the hotel never proactively informed guests about it. After switching rooms, we were given a main card and an electric key initially, but the second room didn’t come with a new electric key—very inconvenient. Overall, this place works if you’re just passing through for business, but don’t expect comfort or thoughtful touches. Not worth recommending for families or longer stays.

Staying at Yulong Xicheng Hotel Urumqi (Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum Hongshan Park Branch) was an absolute delight! From the moment I checked in, the staff went above and beyond—offering a complimentary room upgrade without hesitation. That small gesture really made my trip feel special. Even more impressive was when I accidentally left my glasses behind after checkout; they not only found them but arranged to send them back to me. Such thoughtful service is rare and truly appreciated. The hotel’s location is fantastic—just steps away from the Xinjiang Museum and Hongshan Park, making it super convenient for exploring the city. My room was spotless, comfortable, and well-appointed, offering a peaceful retreat after a long day. The lobby is a real highlight—lush greenery, gentle water features, and fish swimming calmly in the fountain. Sitting there felt like a mini mindfulness break, instantly calming my travel fatigue. Every staff member I interacted with was friendly, attentive, and genuinely warm. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, this place stands out as one of the best options in Urumqi. I’ll definitely be coming back—and recommending it to everyone I know.

Staying at Orange Hotel (Urumqi Railway Bureau Ergong Gymnasium Branch) was an absolutely fantastic experience! The view from the panoramic room was breathtaking—wide open spaces and great natural light made every morning feel refreshing. The lobby and public areas were spotless and well-maintained, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk in. The front desk staff went above and beyond—friendly, attentive, and always ready to help with any request. Room cleanliness was excellent, and the space felt brand new with modern amenities. I especially loved the smart assistant (Duer) for easy control of lights and climate. Breakfast was a highlight too—great variety with both Chinese and Western options, fresh and delicious. Everything about this stay was top-notch. If you're visiting Urumqi, this hotel is a must-book. A perfect 10/10—highly recommend!

Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight! The room was beautifully designed, spotlessly clean, and everything felt fresh—especially the disposable towels and face cloths, which gave me peace of mind. The soundproofing was excellent; I slept so deeply without any noise disturbance. Being just a short distance from the airport made everything super convenient—getting there or leaving was effortless, and the complimentary airport shuttle saved me so much time and hassle. Nearby dining options were great too—the breakfast buffet offered delicious local treats like warm buns and creamy milk tea that made my mornings extra special. Overall, it’s a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and value. I’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it to fellow travelers.

I had a quick overnight stay during a flight transfer, and calling the hotel got me an immediate pickup arranged. The driver was prompt, friendly, and even helped carry my luggage—such a thoughtful touch! Honestly, I didn’t expect much at this price point—I just wanted a clean place to rest. But the room exceeded expectations: spotless, well-maintained, and surprisingly cozy. They even provided laundry detergent—a nice little detail. Noise insulation was excellent; I slept soundly with no disturbances from outside. The cleanliness, service, and location were all top-notch. Being right near the airport makes it super convenient for early flights or late arrivals. I’d definitely choose this hotel again for any transit stop. It’s a hidden gem with great value.

This stay at CHEERMAY Hotel completely exceeded my expectations! The room was spotlessly clean—every corner looked like it had just been sanitized—and the bedding was so soft and comfortable that I fell asleep the moment I lay down. The front desk staff were incredibly attentive: check-in was quick, and they even handed me a handwritten map of nearby metro lines and local food spots. That kind of personal touch made such a difference, especially since this was my first time visiting Urumqi. Location-wise, it's unbeatable—just a 5-minute walk to the subway station, making it super easy to explore the International Grand Bazaar and Zhongshan Road area. With such great value, comfort, and convenience, I’ll definitely be booking here again on my next trip to Xinjiang. Highly recommend!

I happened to be passing through Urumqi and booked a standard room at this hotel—while the room was in a different building, the experience was absolutely excellent. The elevator had an issue, but the staff promptly arranged a room change with zero hassle and great attitude. The room itself was well-equipped, clean, and comfortable, with reliable air conditioning and modern bathroom facilities. Even better, they included a complimentary breakfast—plenty of food, fresh and tasty! The location is convenient, close to public transport and local attractions. I appreciate the thoughtful service and attention to detail. If I ever return to Urumqi, this will definitely be my first choice.

I ended up staying at Shengyue Hotel in Urumqi on short notice due to a last-minute change, and I was pleasantly surprised by the entire experience. The hotel’s interior design is warm and elegant, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you step in. The security staff and front desk team were genuinely friendly and attentive—such a nice touch. Once inside the room, I was impressed by how clean it was, down to the smallest detail. There were complimentary tea bags and bottled water available, which made the stay even more convenient. Whether you're here for a quick rest or a business trip, this place truly stands out. Plus, it's just a 10-minute walk to two popular local food streets packed with authentic Xinjiang dishes and street snacks—perfect for food lovers. Overall, my stay was exceptional, and I’ll definitely be returning to this hotel next time I visit Urumqi. It’s a great value, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed.

Staying at Juman Hotel near Zhongshan Road South Gate Subway Station was an excellent experience overall. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from the metro, making it easy to explore downtown Urumqi and nearby attractions. The room facilities were modern and well-maintained, and cleanliness stood out; everything felt fresh and spotless. The ambiance was quiet and welcoming, with a nice balance of comfort and simplicity. Staff were friendly and helpful, always ready to assist with any request. The only minor issue I noticed was that the hairdryer kept cutting out during use—might be worth checking the electrical setup in the rooms. Aside from that, every aspect was top-notch. Great value for the price, and I’d definitely choose this hotel again when visiting Urumqi.

Stayed at Universal Hotel Urumqi and was truly impressed from start to finish. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and fully equipped with modern amenities—everything you'd need for a comfortable stay. The staff went above and beyond with their hospitality; every interaction felt warm and genuine. Located right on the main city thoroughfare, it’s incredibly convenient for getting around. Just a short walk from the hotel, you’ll find bus stops and a metro station, making travel within the city a breeze. It’s also close to parks, hospitals, a science museum, and a lively food street—perfect for exploring without needing to go far. The airport is just a 20-minute drive away, which is super helpful if you're traveling. The buffet breakfast and dinner were outstanding—huge variety, excellent quality, and fresh ingredients across multiple cuisines. And let’s not forget the indoor pool! If you’re in the mood to relax or work out without leaving the hotel, this is the ideal spot. Overall, an exceptional experience that exceeded expectations. I’d absolutely recommend this hotel and plan to return soon.

Staying at Ibis Hotel Wulumuqi Nanhu Square Branch was an excellent experience. The hotel is exceptionally clean and well-maintained, with modern facilities that meet all my needs. I appreciated the free laundry access and the convenient location—just a short walk from local attractions and public transit. The lobby has a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere, and the breakfast buffet offered a good variety of options, including both local and international favorites. My room was bright, spacious, and tastefully decorated. The front desk staff were friendly and helpful, and I even used their computer for some quick work—very convenient. Overall, the service, comfort, and value for money are outstanding. I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Urumqi and highly recommend it to fellow travelers.

A friend recommended this place and I’m so glad they did—my stay exceeded all expectations. I was in town for a short business trip, and since it was conveniently located near my office, I decided to book here. The hotel offers free parking, which was a huge plus. As soon as I walked into the lobby, I noticed a subtle, pleasant fragrance that instantly made me feel welcome. Although check-in was busy and the lobby was full of guests, the front desk staff were incredibly warm and welcoming—they asked us to take a seat while they attended to others. When it was our turn, the agent was calm, patient, and explained every detail clearly with genuine care. The room was clean, spacious, and well-maintained, with everything I needed. Around midday, just before check-out, a staff member passed by and kindly asked if I needed a tote bag to carry my belongings—such a thoughtful touch! Even though the rate was slightly higher than other options I’d seen, the service quality made it totally worth it. They even gave me some great local food recommendations, and my friends and I went out for dinner that night—delicious and authentic. I especially want to highlight the amazing service from Kelmis at the front desk—her professionalism and kindness made the whole experience special. If you’re visiting Ürümqi, don’t miss this gem!
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