Tianshan Shenmu Garden

Historical Overview
The grove’s history spans:

• 8th Century: Buddhist monks planted the first trees as a symbol of enlightenment.
• 14th Century: Uyghur king Tughluq Temür declared the grove a protected "sacred forest."
• 1900: Russian botanist Nikolai Przhevalsky documented its unique flora in Mongolia and the Tarim Basin.
• 2007: Discovered fossilized tree rings dating to 300 BCE, proving continuous growth for 2,300 years.
• 2020: Infrastructure upgrades, including elevated walkways to protect root systems.

Structural Layout
The reserve follows a circular trail system with three zones:

1. Ancient Tree Core Zone:
   • Century-Old Poplars: A cluster of 500+ trees aged 500–1,500 years, with trunks exceeding 5 meters in diameter.
   • Sacred spring: A natural pool fed by mountain meltwater, believed by locals to cure ailments.
2. Ecological Education Zone:
   • Botanical Museum: Interactive exhibits on desert flora adaptation.
   • Greenhouse Lab: Cultivates endangered Ephedra przewalskii plants.
3. Cultural Integration Zone:
   • Uyghur Folk Village: Reconstructed adobe huts showcasing traditional music and carpet weaving.
   • Silk Road Caravanserai: Ruins of a 12th-century inn for merchants traveling between Kashgar and Turpan.

Major Attractions

1. Grandfather Poplar: A 1,500-year-old tree with a hollowed trunk large enough to fit 10 people.
2. Phoenix Tree: A rare conjoined twin poplar resembling mythical phoenix wings.
3. Moonlight Canopy: A nighttime light show illuminating the forest canopy (May–September).
4. Eco-Trail: A 2.5 km boardwalk with viewpoints over the Taklamakan Desert.
5. Uyghur tea House: Serves traditional kuymak (bread) and herbal teas beneath ancient trees.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2 hours):
   Entrance → Ancient Tree Core Zone (Grandfather Poplar, Sacred Spring) → Uyghur Tea House → Exit.
   Highlights: Iconic trees and cultural refreshment.

2. Extended Route (4 hours):
   Entrance → Ecological Education Zone (Museum, Greenhouse) → Eco-Trail → Moonlight Canopy → Exit.
   Highlights: Botanical learning and nighttime ambiance.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   Entrance → All zones above + Cultural Village (folk dance, carpet weaving) → Sunset at Taklamakan Viewpoint → Overnight in Eco-Lodge.
   Highlights: Full cultural and ecological immersion.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Book via Ctrip or the official Xinjiang Tourism Website (www.xjtour.gov.cn).
• On-Site: Tickets at the Visitor Center (¥80 peak season, ¥50 off-season).
• Prices:
  Combined Ticket (Trees + Culture): ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (students/seniors).
  Guided Tours: ¥200/group (includes Uyghur guide).
  Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and journalists.

Transportation

• By Plane: Fly to Aksu Airport → Taxi to Aral City (¥100, 1 hour) → Transfer to grove shuttle (¥20, 30 minutes).
• By Train: High-speed rail to Kuqa Station → Taxi to grove (¥150, 1.5 hours).
• By Car: Self-drive from Ürümqi via the G314 Highway (6 hours, 650 km).
• Local Transport: Electric buggies (¥30/hour) within the reserve.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: April–October (mild weather, foliage blooms).
• Avoid Crowds: Visit early morning (9 AM opening) or late afternoon (3–5 PM).
• Essentials:
  • Sunscreen and hat (limited shade).
  • Binoculars for birdwatching (peacocks, sparrows).
  • Photography: Use polarizing filters for canopy shots.
  • Prohibited: Climbing trees, picking leaves.