A 3,000-Year Golden Promise: The Ultimate Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Guide, Miss It and Wait Another Year

When the Gobi wind sweeps over the sand dunes, the 450,000 mu of Populus euphratica in Ejina shed their youth and transform into a golden ocean stretching across the sky and earth. As one of the world's last three original Populus euphratica forests, it tells a life legend of "living for a thousand years without dying, standing for a thousand years after death, and remaining immortal for a thousand years after falling," creating the most magnificent autumn scenery. This super detailed guide will help you precisely capture every inch of gold and awe. 1. Golden Window Period: Find the Right Time to Encounter Peak Autumn Colors The autumn scenery in Ejina is never a long feast but a precise journey. Influenced by the temperate continental climate, the huge temperature difference between day and night produces highly saturated golden hues. The best viewing period in 2025 is concentrated from October 4 to 22, with October 5 to 15 being the golden period when over 85% of the leaves are golden and the leaf fall rate is low. The scenery is even more spectacular within a week after the frost. To avoid crowds, you can choose to visit around October 4 or around the 20th; photography enthusiasts should not miss the golden light 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset, when the Populus euphratica shows more layered texture in soft light. It is recommended to check the local weather before traveling to precisely capture the best leaf condition. 2. Transportation Guide: The Right Way to Cross the Gobi Ejina Banner is in a remote location, and efficient arrival is key to a smooth trip: - Flight transfer: Prioritize flying to Jiayuguan Airport or Hohhot Airport, then transfer by bus or charter car, about 6-8 hours by road, enjoying the gradual change of Gobi scenery along the way. Local airport flights are very limited, and tickets are hard to get during peak season, so direct flights are not recommended. - Train travel: Take the train to Dongfeng South Station, then transfer to a dedicated shuttle. This route is more suitable for deep travelers who want to experience the unique scenery of the Linha Railway. - Drive cautiously: The route mostly passes through uninhabited areas with weak signals and scarce supply points, easy to get lost or fatigued. Only experienced drivers are recommended, and it is essential to plan the route and prepare supplies in advance. 3. Core Activities: From the Golden Secret Realm to the Desolate Epic (1) Populus Euphratica Forest Core Scenic Area: A Golden Feast of One Bridge, One View The core scenic area covers from First Bridge to Eighth Bridge. The ticket price is 240 yuan including sightseeing bus fare. In 2025, a 350 yuan three-day ticket will be launched, allowing unlimited entries within 30 days. Photography enthusiasts can purchase an 80 yuan discounted ticket with an ID card. - Second Bridge · Reflection Forest: In the early morning when the mist has not yet dissipated, the golden Populus euphratica reflects in the clear river water, with light and shadow interlacing like a fairy tale world. It is an excellent spot for sunrise photography; it is recommended to arrive before 5:30 to secure a spot. - Fourth Bridge · Hero Forest: The filming location of Zhang Yimou’s "Hero," where thousand-year-old Populus euphratica branches are strong and vigorous, with sunlight filtering through the leaves casting mottled shadows, fully displaying the vitality of life. - Seventh Bridge · Red Willow Beach: Golden Populus euphratica and large patches of red willows complement each other, creating richer color layers. Every shot is a rich autumn scene. - Eighth Bridge · Sand Sea Kingdom: Connected to the Badain Jaran Desert, you can see the unique landscape where Populus euphratica coexists with sand dunes and enjoy the fun of camel riding along the desert edge. (2) Must-Visit Surroundings: Dual Shocks of Nature and History - Juyan Lake · Desert Sunrise: Depart at dawn to the end of this ancient Juyan marsh, watch the sunrise gild the reed marshes, water birds fluttering over the lake surface, and every shot is a magnificent painting of "vast sky and earth." - Heicheng Ruins · Silk Road Treasure: Cross the Gobi to visit the Western Xia ancient city ruins, climb the city wall to overlook the sand-buried pagoda and remaining inscriptions, and touch the thousand-year vicissitudes of the Silk Road. - Strange Forest · Death’s Poem: At sunset, the dead Populus euphratica take on various shapes, standing like a tragic sculpture group on the Gobi, with desolate and shocking light and shadow. It is called "the best backdrop for sunset," but climbing dead trees is prohibited. - New Experiences: This year, the scenic area added a sightseeing mini train and night tours, capturing the gradual beauty of Populus euphratica from dusk to blue hour. At night, there are light shows and iron flower performances, creating a full atmosphere. 4. Food, Accommodation, and Tips: Pitfall Avoidance Guide + Practical Checklist (1) Food and Accommodation Recommendations: Gobi Comfort for Taste and Rest - Accommodation Guide: Lodging around the scenic area is concentrated in Dalaihubu Town. During peak season, rooms are tight and prices soar (800-1500 yuan/night), sometimes even resulting in "sofa surfers." Be sure to book half a month to a month in advance. Some homestays offer shuttle services, and some starry sky rooms allow naked-eye viewing of the Milky Way. - Food List: Avoid overpriced tourist meals inside the scenic area; head straight to local restaurants in town. Recommended dishes include hand-held meat, camel meat dumplings, dried mutton hot pot (the longer it cooks, the more milky the flavor), salty milk tea with fried rice, as well as dairy products like yogurt and cheese. Roasted whole lamb, crispy outside and tender inside, is a local specialty. (2) Pitfall Avoidance and Essentials: Make Your Trip Smoother - Pitfall Reminders: Beware of "low-price tour" traps; do not trample the Gobi casually as the local ecology is extremely fragile; dining inside the scenic area is low in cost performance, so bring some snacks. - Essentials: Large temperature difference between day and night (5℃-25℃), bring a windbreaker and warm hat; strong UV rays require sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat; thermos and power bank are "life-saving tools" for Gobi travel. - Dressing Suggestions: Bright-colored scarves paired with camel coats can resist the cold wind and stand out against the golden background, creating a great photo atmosphere. 5. Suggested Itinerary: 3 Days 2 Nights Highlights - Day 1: Arrive at Ejina Banner, stay at a homestay in Dalaihubu Town, watch the sunset at Ruoshui Riverbank · Golden Sand Bay, and have dinner with hand-held meat and milk tea. - Day 2: Full day touring the Populus euphratica core scenic area, focusing on sunrise at Second Bridge and Hero Forest at Fourth Bridge, then head to Strange Forest for sunset photography, and join a homestay bonfire party at night to experience Mongolian songs and dances. - Day 3: Early morning visit to Juyan Lake for sunrise, shoot highway photos along Provincial Road S312 on the way back, enjoy salty milk tea and naan for lunch, stroll the commercial street at the scenic area exit in the afternoon, buy souvenirs like Populus euphratica wood carvings and handmade leather paintings, or bring back jars of Populus euphratica honey and a pack of cistanche as gifts. From the golden Populus euphratica secret realm to the desolate Gobi epic, autumn in Ejina is not just ordinary scenery but a life dialogue that happens once every three thousand years. Keep this guide, and while the autumn colors are just right, embark on this golden promise spanning thousands of miles.