Populus euphratica forests hit peak flowering season along Tarim River

Spring arrives at the Tarim, and the poplars burst into new bloom. Approximately 4.5 million mu (1 mu equals about 0.067 hectares) of Populus euphratica forests in Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture have entered their flowering season. Along the Tarim River in April, the poplar forests on both banks are blooming in succession. These trees flower before they leaf out, with purple-red and yellow-green catkins hanging from the branches, displaying tenacious vitality and creating a striking ecological landscape along the Tarim River Basin.

Photo shows poplar forests bloom one after another.

On April 7, 2026, aerial views of the Luntai section of the Tarim River revealed the meandering river as a jade belt embedded in the vast desert. On both banks, millions of mu of poplar forests stretch continuously. Their sturdy branches reach toward the clear blue sky. Though not yet fully leafed out, the trees are already laden with clusters of flowering catkins, casting a gentle reddish-brown hue in the warm spring sun. During this peak blooming period, local forestry authorities have launched multiple initiatives to protect the unique spring colors of these pristine poplar forests.

Photo shows the Tarim River section in Luntai County.

"The flowering period of Populus euphratica typically runs from early April to early May, with the peak bloom lasting about 10 to 15 days. During this window, we focus on two main tasks," explained Iskander Turdi, a local forestry official. "First, pest and disease control. We carry out aerial spraying operations to combat spring cankerworm and ensure leaf preservation rates stay above 95 percent. Second, ecological water replenishment. We clear flood diversion channels and build flood control dams to channel Tarim River water precisely into the forest zones, securing the moisture needed for flowering, pollination, and seed setting."

Currently, the poplar flowering season coincides with the critical period for spring forest fire prevention and pest monitoring. Forestry authorities at all levels in Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture have stepped up patrol efforts, organizing forest rangers to carry out regular inspections and strictly controlling fire sources in forest areas. They are also monitoring poplar flowering and growth patterns, issuing pest and disease early warnings, and taking comprehensive measures to ensure successful blooming and reproduction. These efforts help fortify the ecological security barrier of the Tarim River Basin.

Photo shows staff members conduct routine patrols.

Mewlan Ibraim, member of the forest and grassland fire emergency response team, explained: "This is the flowering season for the poplars, and visitors come to take photos. During this period, we provide fire prevention and safety briefings to all personnel and tourists entering the poplar forests. At the same time, 250 forest rangers and 20 management stations conduct full-coverage patrols to strictly control fire sources and ensure forest safety."

In recent years, Luntai County has continued implementing the poplar forest rescue initiative, with cumulative flood irrigation exceeding one million mu and aerial pest control operations covering over 850,000 mu. Today, the poplar forests are thriving, with continuously enhanced ecological functions. They serve as a critical barrier against wind and sand, help regulate the climate, and maintain biodiversity, while also providing the ecological foundation for integrated cultural and tourism development.

(Source: The Media Convergence Center of Luntai County, Correspondents: Shen Kailong, Hou Xianwei and Kang Xingping)