HOHHOT — 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.

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.