Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Xie Huibian) news: "Looking around, the populus euphratica forest has expanded significantly, wildlife sightings have become commonplace, and we're seeing a steady influx of tourists." On June 12, 2025, at the Ahekuer Management Station of the Populus Euphratica Forest Conservation Center in Shaya County in Aksu Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, director Eshan Ayit described the most striking transformations in the forest ecosystem.

"In the past, we often saw villagers collecting dead populus euphratica branches to use as firewood, but now that's almost a thing of the past," Eshan Ayit said, pointing to the canal in front of the management station. "It's this water that has revived this forest and steadily improved our lives."

About 40 kilometers south of Shaya County lies the Taklimakan Desert, the second-largest drifting desert in the world. "In spring and autumn each year, billowing sandstorms could blot out the sun. Now, such occurrences are rare," recalled Qiang Limin, director of the Shaya County Populus Euphratica Forest Conservation Center.

Though the local people once endured great hardships from wind and sand, they now consider themselves fortunate to witness this transformation.

Photo shows vast areas of poplar forests are lush and verdant in the upper reaches of the Tarim River within Shaya County, Aksu Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (File photo provided by the Media Convergence Center of Shaya County)

The meandering Tarim River stretches across Shaya County for 266 kilometers. Along its banks thrives the world's largest primitive populus euphratica forest, spanning 4.7 million mu (about 313,333 hectares). This ancient forest stands as a formidable barrier, effectively halting the northward march of the Taklimakan Desert.

Qiang Limin explained that in the past, due to the Tarim River's course changes and other factors, certain sections of the populus euphratica forest suffered severe water shortages. This led to a gradual decline in the forest's natural regeneration capacity, self-regulation mechanisms, and self-repair capabilities, resulting in stunted growth and signs of degradation.

As a critical upstream area of the Tarim River, Shaya County bears the responsibility of restoring the populus euphratica forest ecosystem. In recent years, the county has actively implemented the philosophy that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," employing comprehensive conservation measures including ecological water diversion, returning farmland to wetlands, reforestation efforts, and pest control. These initiatives have significantly strengthened ecological restoration and protection efforts for the upper Tarim River wetlands.

Photo shows waterfowls play in the upper reaches of the Tarim River wetland located within Shaya County, Aksu Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (File photo provided by the Media Convergence Center of Shaya County)

The floodwater diversion project, implemented through ecological water diversion initiatives in the Tarim River Basin Populus Euphratica Forest Reserve, has proven pivotal in catalyzing ecological recovery here. From 2016 to 2024, Shaya County coordinated a cumulative 689 million cubic meters of ecological water resources, irrigating over three million mu (about 200,000 hectares) of populus euphratica forest. For 2025, the county plans to secure an additional 71 million cubic meters of ecological water allocation, targeting irrigation of 200,000 mu (about 13,333 hectares) of populus euphratica forestland.

Beyond water management, Shaya County has implemented integrated ecological restoration strategies. Combining aerial seeding with manual broadcast methods, they've sown 20,000 mu (about 1,333 hectares) of flood-inundated areas with resilient grass species including Glycyrrhiza inflata, melilotus, and ceratoides. To address deadwood accumulation, pruning operations have been conducted across 32,000 mu (about 2,133 hectares) of populus euphratica forest, significantly improving forest health and canopy density.

"Through sustained large-scale flood irrigation, wetland areas have gradually expanded, accompanied by marked increases in both wildlife species diversity and population numbers within these ecosystems," Qiang Limin emphasized.

Having worked at the management station for nine years, Eshan Ayit and his colleagues have patrolled forests, grasslands, and wetlands day after day, year after year, witnessing the rebirth of this populus euphratica forest.

"From scattered patches of green to vast expanses, and then to the breathtaking golden waves in autumn—that kind of beauty defies description," Eshan Ayit said, his voice filled with emotion.

Photo shows the Tarim River Wetland Tourist Scenic Area located in Shaya County is picturesque. (File photo provided by the Media Convergence Center of Shaya County)

Ecological restoration has also ignited a green economy boom. Leveraging its revitalized environment, Shaya County has cultivated innovative tourism models. The Tarim River Wetland Scenic Area, integrating populus euphratica forests, lakes, wetlands, and waterbirds, serves as the core attraction of Shaya's World Populus Euphratica Forest Park, drawing over 300,000 visitors annually.

Jin Zhiliang, chairman of Shaya Desert Populus Euphratica Tourism Development Co., Ltd., noted that the peak tourism season spans October to November each year. "During this period, countless tourists flock here to witness the spectacle," he said. "The direct economic benefits generated by the scenic area exceed 10 million yuan annually."

Last May, 25-year-old Iliham Tuhti graduated from Bayingolin Vocational and Technical College and chose to return to Shaya County, taking up a position as a forest ranger. "As the ecological environment continues improving, more investors are coming here," he explained. "I wanted to be part of my hometown's transformation and contribute to its development."

Once a desert frontier battered by sandstorms, this region now throbs with new life thanks to the revival of its populus euphratica forests. A vivid tapestry of ecological and economic progress is unfolding across this ancient land, where human ingenuity and nature's resilience intertwine in perfect harmony.

This is not merely an environmental success story, but a testament to humanity's ability to heal and coexist with the natural world.

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