HOHHOT, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- A strip of populus euphratica forest in Alxa League (prefecture) of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has turned the desolate area into a hot tourist destination, with yellow autumn foliage charming visitors.

Photo: VCG

According to the meteorological bureau in the league, the forest has the best autumn scenery from Oct. 4 to 17, coinciding with China's ongoing National Day golden travel week from Oct. 1 to 7.

Dubbed as a living fossil of plants, populus euphratica trees in desert areas are known for their vitality -- drought tolerance and salt-alkali resistance.

The 440,000-mu (about 29,333 hectares) natural stretch of populus euphratica trees in Ejina Banner (county), Alxa, is one of the world's three largest populus euphratica forests.

The endangered species has become a symbol of local tourism. The local government will hold the 22nd Golden Autumn Populus Euphratica Eco-tourism Festival, featuring a series of cultural and sports activities during the travel peak.