Time stands still 9,000 years for Xinjiang’s beautiful Euphrates poplars

Euphrates poplars, the only variety of arbors in desert, are a masterpiece of nature. They doggedly stand there and withstand severe climate conditions, coloring the boundless desert.

Euphrates poplars near the Yardang landform in Karamay, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Euphrates poplar forests in Karamay in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region can be found in three different locations, Baikouquan Lake area, Urho district and Xiaoguai area, the latter being only 30 kilometers away from the city center. Unlike its local residents throughout ages, the Euphrates poplars have been living in those areas for thousands of years.

Euphrates poplars blossom in May and their seeds mature in August. Their powerful root system enables them to draw the water from 6-meter-deep down under the ground. In the presence of enough water, they can grow up to 30 meters tall.

Strong wind blows onto a Euphrates poplar in the Gobi Desert in Karamay, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Euphrates poplar can live for 3,000 years, after which it would not fall down for another 3,000 years. It will not decompose for yet another 3,000 years even after its falloff, taking its tally to a remarkable 9,000 years.

People in Karamay praise Euphrates poplars because they are strong and brave even under extremely harsh climate conditions. Their tenacity is regarded as an enlightenment and inspiration for human beings.

Euphrates poplars turn golden in October. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Edited by Mevlut Katik