10 questions you must know about the Ejina Populus euphratica forest route!

Autumn is not yet deep, and I have been stunned by all the so-called world-class autumn scenery!

Among the many autumn scenes, the Ejina Populus euphratica forest alone captured my heart at a glance.

My first impression of Populus euphratica came from the fight scene between Maggie Cheung and Zhang Ziyi in "Hero". It was super beautiful. The red gauze clothes shuttled through the golden Populus euphratica forest, which was absolutely visually shocking.

The body has not moved, but the mind is far away.

This autumn, I have to go to Ejina to see it.

Yu Yingmei carefully compiled 10 common questions about traveling to Ejina for the reference of friends who also want to go to Ejina.

1. Where exactly is the "Ejina" that everyone is talking about?

Ejina is a border town in northwest China!

It is a banner under the Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region!

It is located in northern China, in Inner Mongolia The westernmost part of the autonomous region borders Outer Mongolia to the north, Xinjiang to the west, and Gansu to the south.

Ejina belongs to the Mongolian language, meaning: secluded and desert

Gobi Oasis, Millennium Populus euphratica, Hanhai Desert, Ancient County and Town, Guanshi Port, Juyan Han Slips, Heicheng Documents ...All these labels attached to Ejina have made people who like traveling have a special liking for this place for hundreds of years.

2. Why do you have to go to "Ejina" to see the Populus euphratica forest?

At present, there are four major Populus euphratica forest viewing areas in China, namely: Populus euphratica forest in Mulei, Xinjiang, Populus euphratica forest in Luntai, Tarim, Xinjiang, Populus euphratica forest in Golmud, Qinghai, and Populus euphratica forest in Ejina Banner, Inner Mongolia. Each of the four Populus euphratica forests has its own merits and strengths.

Among them, Ejina Populus euphratica forest is the most beautiful and spectacular, and has the highest reputation. The reasons are as follows:

① Large area and high coverage. There are large areas of Populus euphratica trees in the 380,000-acre protected area;

②The density is high. A large area of ??Populus euphratica forest is concentrated between Yiyiqiao and Badaoqiao, which has a great visual impact;

③The trees are long in age and beautiful in shape. At present, most of the photos of Populus euphratica forest on the Internet are from Ejina;

④The landscape is rich and diverse. Just from Yiyi Bridge to Badao Bridge, it includes the Reflection Forest (Populus euphratica and water), the Red Willow Sea, the Hero Forest (the most beautiful tree shape), the Dream Forest (the trees are young and yellow early), and the Sand Sea Kingdom (Badain Jaran Desert). On the edge, you can take pictures of camel shadows in the desert in the morning) and other unique scenic spots.

Basically it can be said: Ejina Populus euphratica forest represents the pinnacle of Populus euphratica landscape!

Ejina Populus euphratica forest is a natural landscape with very strong seasonal nature. The yellowing of Populus euphratica leaves is related to temperature, humidity and tree age. Generally speaking, yellow leaves begin to appear when the minimum temperature drops to about 5 degrees. Areas with less moisture will turn yellow first, and younger trees will turn yellow first.

According to experience, some yellow leaves begin to appear around September 10th every year, and nearly one-third of the forest turns yellow around September 20th. The best viewing time is September 25th-10th every year. During the 15th day of the month, most of the woods are yellow. If the weather is stable, the yellow leaves can last until around October 20th. If cold snaps are frequent, most leaves will fall after October 15th, so if you have enough time off, the best time to go is from October 5th to 15th. If you have to ask me the exact day it turns yellow, only God knows, hehe

3. What are the must-see scenic spots in "Ejina"?

At present, there are three major scenic spots in Ejina Banner: Populus euphratica (Yidao Bridge to Badao Bridge) Scenic Area, Heicheng Strange Forest Scenic Area, and Juyanhai Scenic Area. These three major scenic spots are basically must-sees in Ejina Banner.

There are also some attractions, such as the Sacred Tree and Ceke Port. There are also newly built scenic spots in the past two years, such as the Laoren Lake Populus euphratica Scenic Area, the Weak Water Jinshawan Scenic Area, and the Desert Populus euphratica Forest Scenic Area, each with Populus euphratica, desert, and water as the main themes to create different styles. You can choose whether to play or not based on personal circumstances.

Here we mainly talk about the three must-see scenic spots.

① Ejina Populus euphratica forest scenic area: see the golden Populus euphratica forest

There are eight bridges (eight parts) in Ejina Populus euphratica forest scenic area, and the scenery of each bridge is very different. Outside Badaoqiao is the third largest desert in China: the Badan Desert in Jilin. Once outside the forest, you can enjoy sandboarding, desert surfing, gliders, desert cross-country and other exciting activities.

The first bridge is called Taolai Forest, the second bridge is called Reflection Forest, the third bridge is the sea of ??red willows, the fourth bridge is Hero Forest, the fifth bridge is Turgut Manor, the sixth bridge is not open for the time being, and the seventh bridge is Dreamland Forest, Badaoqiao Shahai Forest. The most worth visiting are Erdao Bridge, Sidao Bridge and Badao Bridge. Among them, the famous movie "Hero" was shot in Sidaoqiao, and the wonderful fighting scenes were completed under the Populus euphratica forest.

Live for a thousand years without dying, die for a thousand years without falling, and fall for a thousand years with immortality. This is the magical Populus euphratica forest.

②Heicheng Strange Forest Scenic Area: Take photos of silhouettes of Populus euphratica withered trees

Heicheng Strange Forest Scenic Area includes Heicheng Ancient Ruins and Strange Forest.

The Black City is the most complete and largest ancient city ruins existing on the Silk Road. It is now in ruins. The long yellow sand and five ancient pagodas are its main attractions.

Picture: Long stretches of yellow sand and ancient pagodas

The Black (Water) City ruins are located in the Gobi Desert about 25 kilometers southeast of Dalaihubu Town. It was first built in the Xixia period, when the Xixia Dynasty set up the "Heishui Town Yan Army Division" here. In 1286 AD, Kublai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty, expanded the city and established the "Yiji Nai Road General Manager's Office". Black City is 470 meters long from east to west and 384 meters wide from north to south, with a total area of ??180,500 square meters. Even after more than 700 years, the Black City still retains its grandeur and grandeur.

A large number of cultural relics have been unearthed here, among which the "Pearl in the Palm of Fan and Han Dynasty" from the Western Xia Dynasty, the painted double-headed Buddha and Yuan Dynasty banknotes are unique in the world. In 2001, it was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit and included in the Juyan Site Protection Area.

Regardless of whether it was once glorious or not, today's Black City has become a veritable "Black City". Among the black ruins, layers of quicksand spread over the place, and only the sound of the wind howling across the desert told us about our unknown past.

The strange forest is full of dead Populus euphratica trees, either tall and straight or rickety. It is the best place to take photos of the silhouette of Populus euphratica in the sunset. Each Populus euphratica forest seems to be telling a distant historical story, each Populus euphratica forest seems to be telling the joys and sorrows on the Silk Road, and each Populus euphratica forest seems to be telling the magnificent events that have been forgotten for a long time.

The most suitable time to go to the strange forest is in the afternoon, especially for taking silhouette photos against the light. At sunset, the sky is getting dark. At this time, the silhouette of the strange woods in the lens is filled with a ferocious and terrifying atmosphere, making people shudder. This is also the time when the strange woods are at their most beautiful, the indescribable tragic and poignant beauty that directly touches the soul.

③ Juyanhai Scenic Area: Sunrise Reed Marsh

At sunrise, the flowers are as red as fire, and the reeds stretch to the sky like the south of the Yangtze River!

This is a paradise-like desert oasis!

Legend has it that this is also the place where I cultivated myself and became an immortal!

Whether it is the misty mountains in the distance at sunrise, the silent flat sand, the reeds inlaid with gold, or the "falling clouds and solitary swans flying together, the autumn water and the sky are the same color" at sunset; Juyanhai There is always a kind of fairy spirit that is free from dust and an unparalleled purity, which makes people admire endlessly.

Juyanhai is a large lake in the northwest region. It is not Jiangnan, but better than Jiangnan. The most beautiful moment here is at sunrise, when seagulls, reeds and the rising sun form a moving picture. You must watch the sunrise when you come to Juyanhai. The sunrise here has been rated as one of the top ten most beautiful sunrises in China by the China Photographers Association. The desolation of the vast land and the softness of the falling geese on the flat sand complement each other and make you Amazed.

4. What mode of transportation should I choose to go to "Ejina"?

Here is a brief introduction to planes, trains, cars and free travel. You can choose according to the starting point and your own situation.

① Aircraft

Ejina Banner Taolai Airport currently only operates one route to and from Xi'an, stopping at Alxa Zuo Banner, with one flight per day.

The nearest civil aviation airport is in Jiayuguan, about 5 hours’ drive from Ejina Banner; followed by Yinchuan Airport, about 10 hours’ drive from Ejina Banner.

②Train

Ejina Railway Station only has round-trip trains to Hohhot, and only one train per day.

③Car

Take a long-distance bus to Ejina Banner, usually starting from Jiuquan, Zhangye, or Yinchuan.

It is worth noting that the headquarters of Ejina Banner is Dalaihubu Town, referred to as Dazhen. When buying tickets and asking for directions, be sure to understand that Da Town is Ejina Banner.

① Departure from Jiuquan: There are two departures every day, at 8:30 in the morning (arrival in Ejin is 13:30 noon) and 11:00 noon (arrival in Ejin is 16:30 in the afternoon), the journey is about 5 hours, ticket price 119 yuan.

②Departure from Zhangye: Departs from Zhangye East Bus Station at 10:00 every day, the journey takes about 7.5 hours, and the fare is 134 yuan.

③ Departing from Yinchuan: There is no direct shuttle bus. You need to take the shuttle bus to Alxa Left Banner at Yinchuan West Bus Station (200 meters south of Yinchuan Railway Station). The journey takes about 2 hours and the fare is 20 yuan. There is one almost every half hour.

There are three buses from Alxa Left Banner to Ejina Banner every day, all departing from 8:00-8:30 in the morning. The drive from Alxa Left Banner to Ejina Banner takes about 8 hours and the fare is 140 yuan.

Note: The above bus frequency only represents the general situation. For example, during the Populus Populus Festival, the bus frequency will be increased.

④ Free travel

Self-driving is a good choice, but self-driving is more worrying, and the road conditions are unfamiliar and can be frustrating. It is recommended to charter a car or choose a more reliable outdoor pure play organization. This way you can spend more time playing, and transportation, accommodation and tour guides are all included. It is more worry-free and you are only responsible for playing. If you have any needs, please contact: Yingtushe Outdoor.

5. Go to "Ejina" to see the main gathering place of Populus euphratica forest?

As shown in the picture, it is currently more convenient to go to Ejina Populus euphratica forest from these locations.

Why is it better to go to Ejina from these places?

(1) Close distance. Greatly reduce traffic time.

(2) The scenery along the way is charming. The Mogao Grottoes and Mingsha Mountain in Dunhuang; the city towers of Jiayuguan, the golden pagoda and Populus euphratica forest; the colorful Danxia in Zhangye, and you can also go to the Badain Jaran Desert nearby; the Qinghai Lake, Qilian Grassland, and the most beautiful National Highway 227 in Xining; Yinchuan travel You can walk in the Tengger Desert.

(3) It has obvious characteristics, outstanding humanities and customs, multi-ethnic integration, and a strong sense of history.

6. The best itinerary guide for "Ejina"

The itinerary needs to be formulated according to personal holidays.

If your travel time is relatively concentrated, it is recommended to choose the fast and convenient high-speed rail line; if you have enough time and it is your first time to visit the northwest, you can stay a few more days and visit nearby classic attractions, such as Zhangye Danxia, ??Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes and Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring, etc. In addition, Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake can also be visited together with Ejina.

Here are 2 recommended routes, which are especially suitable for those who have a short vacation and want to experience the autumn scenery of Populus euphratica forest in depth.

Ejina High-Speed ??Railway

D1: One-day trip to Jiayuguan

D2: Jiayuguan City—Golden Pagoda Populus euphratica Forest—Black City (Mysterious Western Xia)—Strange Forest Sunset

D3: Badain Jaran Desert (sunrise of camel caravan) - Ejina Populus euphratica forest (full day viewing)

D4: Charming Juyanhai - Zhangye Colorful Danxia

D5: One-day trip to Zhangye City

Recommended reasons:

①Tour three major Populus euphratica forests in two days, enjoy the Populus euphratica forest in the water of the Golden Pagoda, and the immortal Populus euphratica forest with strange trees. And the Ejina Populus euphratica forest in its prime;

②The graceful moment of light and shadow. Sunset in the strange forest, sunrise in the Badain Jaran Desert, sunrise in the Juyan Sea and colorful Danxia sunset;

③ Not only does it have a rich history in Jiayuguan, but you can also experience the mysterious Xixia Heishui City in the desert up close;

Ejina·Yinchuan Line

D1: One-day trip to Yinchuan

D2: Yinchuan City-Ejina Banner

D3: Ejina Banner- — Weushui Jinsha Bay — Blackwater City’s strange forest

D4: Badain Jaran Desert (sunrise of camel caravan) — Ejina Populus euphratica forest (full day viewing)

D5: Charming Residence Yanhai - Yinchuan City

Reasons for recommendation:

Reasons for recommendation:

① Cross the Helan Mountains and enter the desert. Along the way, there are endless Gobi deserts, herds of camels, and more Populus euphratica is growing all over the place, and the beautiful scenery is trapped in weak water conditions;

②The theme of the desert camel caravan on the northern edge of the Badain Jaran Desert, the theme of the sand sea pagoda in Heishui City, and the golden poplar forest for thousands of miles, with the sheep herding back. The themes are all good materials worthy of photography;

③The charming Juyan Sea, with gulls flying in the reeds and the sun rising in the east.

There are also some long-term tours, including Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring, Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake and other classic scenery around Ejina. You can consult Yingtushe Outdoor for free travel guides.

7. About "Ejina" accommodation reservation

Since the best viewing period of Ejina is from mid-September to mid-October, the price of ordinary standard room accommodation during this period ranges from 300 to 800. There are many family hotels, which are easier to find. If you look for them early, the prices will be cheaper.

Camping is currently available in Ejina. There are three unified designated campsites: Yiyiqiao, Badaoqiao and Juyanhai. A bridge is 50 yuan per person, and the campsite has charging rooms, water, and toilets. Badaoqiao is 30 yuan per person, does not allow charging, and has water and toilets. A tent in Juyanhai costs RMB 60 for three people or less, and RMB 100 for a tent with more than three people. There is a charging room, water room, and bathroom.

Regarding accommodation in Ejina during the peak season, you still need to make some mental preparations.

①The house prices in Ejina are determined by supply and demand, so the prices will fluctuate greatly, but it is also possible to stay in a room with high cost performance after arrival.

② Although camping is possible in Ejina, tents are not recommended. The wind and sand here are strong at night, the temperature is low, and there is more bad weather. After all, rest and safety must be ensured.

③The number of tourists in Populus euphratica forest during the peak season exceeds the town’s load, so water and power outages are common.

8. Things to note when traveling to "Ejina"

① Clothing

When entering the grasslands and Gobi in October, the daytime temperature will be around 20 degrees. The temperature at night can reach as low as 10 degrees Celsius or even lower. There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening here, so there is a saying of "wearing cotton-padded jackets in the morning and wearing yarn in the afternoon". Be sure to bring a thick coat.

At the same time, you can prepare some colorful clothes such as red, blue, and white, which will look very good when taking photos.

②A must-have magic towel

Gobi, desert and other areas often have dusty weather. You need to wear a scarf or magic towel to cover your mouth and nose. Although sand will still fly into your mouth, But much better. Shadow Club will give away a magic towel outdoors, which is very convenient.

③Sun protection

Don’t ignore sun protection just because the weather forecast says the temperature will be low. Ultraviolet rays during the day are very strong and can easily cause skin peeling.

④ Hydrating skin care products and lip balm

Please be sure to bring hydrating skin care products, and you can also prepare a lip balm. Your mouth will be dry and chapped in minutes.

9. "Ejina" photography must-have scenes

From the sunrise at Juyanhai to the sunset at the strange forest in Black City, from Badao Bridge to the desert camels at the northern edge of Badain Jaran Shadows and scenes and portraits in the Populus euphratica forest... There are many subjects that can be photographed in Ejina. Here are a few briefly introduced.

① Populus euphratica themed portrait shooting

Shooting time: around 11:00 in the morning / around 18:40 in the evening

Shooting skills: Shoot portraits under side light, use Shooting with a large aperture highlights the subject, and uses ambient light to illuminate the model's face to highlight the atmosphere of the shooting scene.

Special tip: Go deep into the Populus euphratica forest and use the mottled light and shadow under the shadow of the trees to create a better atmosphere.

② Juyanhai Birds

Shooting time: around 7:30 in the morning

Shooting skills: Many swans, wild geese, cranes, teal, etc. often come here Perching nearby, you need to take pictures as soon as you land.

Special reminder: In autumn, this is the peak season for tourism, and there will be a lot of people. There will be a sea of ??people before dawn, and it is not easy to find a fixed location. It is recommended to hold it with your hand to find the angle, and you can also prepare some bread and biscuits. Feeding will make it easier to attract waterfowl.

③ Sunrise at Juyanhai

Shooting time: around 5:40 in the morning

Shooting skills: Make reasonable use of the interface between the reeds and the water surface. Visual guide line, place the rising sun as close to the golden section as possible.

Special tip: Use the neutral gray gradient filter to achieve light ratio balance.

④ Camel shadows in Badaoqiao Badain Jaran Desert

Shooting time: around 7:00 in the morning

Shooting skills: Not always when shooting camel shadows When shooting silhouettes, you can choose the first ray of light projected on the top of the sand dune to compose the shot from an overhead perspective. Using a large light ratio under the light and dark contrast will also have a visual impact.

Special reminder: When shooting in the desert, the wind and sand are heavy, so you need to use a sandproof cover to protect the camera and lens.

⑤ Evening scene in the Black City

Shooting time: around 19:30 in the evening

Shooting skills: Most of the shots in the Black City are lonely, desolate and sad, so it is recommended to use With a wide-angle lens, you can use lines to increase the sense of depth.

Special tip: The sunset silhouette of the strange forest is the focus of photography, so plan your time reasonably in the Black City.

⑥ Silhouette of strange woods

Shooting time: around 19:50 in the evening

Shooting skills: Silhouette shooting can best express the desolate beauty of the different shapes of strange woods.

Special reminder: The strange forest is located in the Gobi zone, and winds often blow up in the evening. Be sure to protect your camera from sand and dust.

The shooting of some large-scale themed scenes in Ejina is also difficult for individuals to arrange, such as the themed portraits mentioned above, the silhouette of camels in the desert, etc. Therefore, it is more reliable to have a professional photography instructor lead the team. Yingtu Club Outdoors has professional photographers leading the tour from time to time, so you can pay attention.

10. Recommended specialties of "Ejina"

There are many delicacies in Ejina, and everyone has different tastes. Here we only introduce some of the attractions and features, and more delicacies are waiting for you to discover.

① Braised lamb

Braised lamb is a traditional Alxa dish and an authentic Mongolian meal. Choose Alxatan lamb, chop it into small cubes, add a small amount of soy sauce, seasonings, etc., then add egg yolk, flour noodles, and corn starch, mix it with oil, fry until golden brown, put it in a bowl, add broth, Add soy sauce, green onions, Sichuan peppercorns, and aniseed, steam for about 20 minutes, take out, invert it into a soup plate, strain the soup into the pot, add MSG, pour it on the lamb, and add some fungus, spinach leaves, etc. Can be seated.

② Camel paws

Camel paws are camel paws. Camels are mainly produced in the desert grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Camel paws are extremely delicious and can be eaten to strengthen muscles and bones. "Braised Camel Palm" is paired with cabbage sum, which is both meat and vegetable. It is fat but not greasy. It is one of the tonics in autumn and winter. This dish is light in color, neither fat nor greasy, the meat is tender and delicious, and has high nutritional value.

This dish can be eaten in restaurants in Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner. Some camel meat is weighed by the pound, which costs about 60 yuan per pound.

③Scallions

Scallions are also known as Mongolian onions, Mongolian leeks, and wild onions. The Mongolian name is Humuli. Vegetables are very common in areas with widespread deserts like Ejina. The simplest thing is to put the shallots in a crock pot and sprinkle salt on it, and it will be a delicious side dish in two days. In addition to salting, it can be used to make dumplings, steamed stuffed bun fillings, stir-fries, stir-fried dried mutton with shallots, and enema with shallots. Use the scallion stems to pound into a small mud pot and make a great seasoning for mutton shabu-shabu and cold dishes.

④Juyan Honeydew Melon

Ejina Oasis is located deep in the Gobi. Honeydew melons grow without pollution and have few pests and diseases, making it an ideal green food. Due to drought and little rain, abundant light and heat, and a large temperature difference between day and night, Juyan honeydew melons are not only large, beautiful in shape, and bright in color, they are also famous for their high sugar content, pure taste, and crisp and sweet flesh. "Juyan honeydew" produced in Ejina is a well-known honeydew brand throughout the country.

Finally: Special Tips for "Ejina"

Foreigners traveling to Alxa Right Banner or Ejina need to apply for a "Foreigner Travel Permit" in advance. The road from Ejina to Jiuquan is restricted to foreign tourists. ;Each visitor must bring an ID card.

The above are 10 frequently asked questions and answers about Ejina compiled by Yingtushe Outdoor.

Are there any friends like me who can’t help but want to go?

Ejina, this autumn, I will only tease you!