Self-driving on the 139 Populus euphratica Highway, deeply experiencing the secret realm of southern Xinjiang

🚘 The '139 Populus euphratica Secret Highway' stretches 139 kilometers from west to east, running alongside the Tarim River and through dense Populus euphratica forests. The entire journey takes about 3-5 hours to drive and enjoy the scenery. 🚘 The western entrance of the secret highway is 90 kilometers from Aral City, about a one and a half hour drive. The eastern entrance is 200 kilometers from Luntai County, about a 3-hour drive. 🚘 The western section of the secret highway, from the Tarim River Bridge to the Tarim River Wetland Scenic Area (abandoned, see picture), is about 86 kilometers. The road is winding and narrow, flanked by dense Populus euphratica trees, with many strange willows and blooming red flowers. Sheep wander through the forest, and flocks of birds fly over the clear waters of the Tarim River. This scene is a rare sight in the deserts and Gobi of southern Xinjiang! 🚘 The eastern section of the secret highway, from the Tarim River Wetland Scenic Area (at the signpost of Gaizikumu Village, see picture) eastward to the Hadedun Bridge, is about 53 kilometers. The road is relatively wide, and the Populus euphratica trees are relatively sparse. 🚘 The 139 Secret Highway is a rural road, especially the western section, which is narrow. When stopping to enjoy the scenery, choose spots that do not obstruct other vehicles. 🚘 I drove through in the summer. If it's autumn or winter, the Populus euphratica scenery will be even better! 🚘 If you want to see the Populus euphratica forest and don't know where to go, then take the '139 Populus euphratica Secret Highway'!