At the foot of the Kunlun Mountain range
The Kunlun Mountains are one of the longest mountain chains in Asia, extending more than 3,000 km. (more…)
The pristine trees of a silk road poplar forest
The Taklimakan Desert is located in the largest inland basin in China-the Tarim Basin and it is the second largest desert in the world, which is surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, the Kalakunlun Mountains, and the Kunlun Mountains.
The Tarim Basin is the world’s core area of these poplar trees which cover 352,200 ha, accounting for 90% of their total area in China and 54.29% of the global distribution.
Sand movements are frequent and intense throughout the year. The sandstorm days make up one third of a year, and maximum wind speed is up to 300m/s. The geography of the sand dunes in the nominated site is complicated and includes many dune types.
The poplar trees in the vicinity of the Tarim River are the oldest poplar trees in the world, emerging with the upheaval of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. This kind of poplar tree has existed for more than 60 million years.
During the past 50 years, because of immoderate utilization of water resources by humans, water flows have been reduced in parts of the Tarim River, causing die-offs of poplar trees.
Fortunately, since 1990, steps have been taken to address these problems. Increased awareness of the need for environmental protection, the establishment of nature reserves and the implementation of enhanced water management, have enabled the poplar trees to thrive.
The Populus Euphratica or Hero Tree… (more…)
Chicken Tonight!
Chicken is the most common type of poultry in the world (more…)
Yona Photo 