Ejina Travel Guide

Friends, you must come to Ejina for a soul-stirring journey to the Northwest! Located at the westernmost tip of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, bordering Mongolia to the north, it's like a dazzling pearl lost in the vast desert. Here, you'll find boundless Gobi Desert and the world-renowned 450,000-mu primeval Populus euphratica forest. Every year from late September to mid-October, the Populus euphratica trees rapidly change their attire within just 20 days, transforming from lush green to a brilliant golden yellow, complementing the azure sky and white clouds, creating a dreamlike and enchanting scene, truly a stunning masterpiece of nature. In addition, the mysterious and ancient Black City Ruins of the Western Xia Dynasty and the magnificent sunrise at Juyan Lake quietly tell Ejina's thousand-year-old stories, waiting for you to unveil its mysterious veil. 🕘【Opening Hours】Opening hours vary slightly for different scenic spots. During peak season (September 25 - October 24), Ejina Populus Euphratica Tourist Area is open from 7:00 - 19:00 for day sessions and 19:30 - 22:30 for night sessions; during off-peak season (January 1 - September 24), it's open all day from 7:00 - 21:00. Damo Populus Euphratica Scenic Area is open daily from 8:30 - 18:00. It is recommended to spend 3 - 5 days to fully appreciate the unique charm of each scenic spot. The best season to visit Ejina is September - October, when the Populus euphratica trees turn golden and the climate is pleasant. However, there is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, so pay attention to keeping warm. When visiting historical sites, do not touch or engrave cultural relics, and protect the environment. 💴【Ticket Prices】Ticket prices vary for different scenic spots. Ejina Banner Populus Euphratica Forest 240 RMB, Damo Populus Euphratica Forest 150 RMB, Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest 190 RMB, Juyan Lake 60 RMB, Ceke Port 30 RMB, Ancient Juyanze 80 RMB. Starting from August 25, 2024, tickets for major scenic spots within the banner are valid for 30 days from the date of first entry, with unlimited entries. Trip.com often offers discounted packages covering multiple scenic spot tickets, with potential additional benefits like hotels and transportation, making them more cost-effective than purchasing tickets separately. Remember to check Trip.com carefully before departure. Special groups such as students, seniors, and military personnel can enjoy corresponding discounts; remember to bring valid identification. ⛺【Activities】 Admire the stunning Populus euphratica forest: The Populus Euphratica Tourist Area is a core attraction, divided into eight bridges. Yidaoqiao Taolai Forest offers your first Populus euphratica experience; Erdaoqiao Reflection Forest, where the golden Populus euphratica trees are reflected in the clear water at sunset, forming a beautiful scene with the yurts and sand dunes on the shore, is a paradise for photographers; Sidaoqiao Hero Forest, with its tall and sturdy Populus euphratica trees exuding a heroic spirit, was a filming location for the movie 'Hero'; Qidaoqiao Dream Forest, where young and dense Populus euphratica trees intertwine to create a dreamlike scene. Additionally, within the Damo Populus Euphratica Scenic Area, attractions such as Damo Tianyuan (Desert Farmland), Shuijing Huyang (Water Mirror Populus Euphratica), and Shamo Yizhan (Desert Post Station) are scattered like stars, outlining a magnificent natural scroll. Explore historical relics: Within the Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area, the 1:1 reconstructed Heishui Ancient City recreates the appearance of a frontier military, economic, and trade hub during the Western Xia Dynasty. The Prince's Mansion stands majestically, Nalinyizhan (Nalin Post Station) bustles with people, military flags flutter at the drill ground, and the streets are vibrant with commerce, as if you've traveled through a thousand years and are immersed in the historical scroll of the Western Xia Dynasty. Encounter the sunrise at Juyan Lake: Juyan Lake is an excellent place to watch the sunrise. In the early morning, stand by the lake and wait for the first ray of sunlight to fall on the shimmering water. Reeds sway in the wind, and flocks of migratory birds dance gracefully, vividly presenting the magnificent scene of 'A lone wild duck flies with the setting sun, and the autumn water merges with the vast sky'. Experience desert charm: Badaoqiao Sand Sea Kingdom offers both vast desert natural scenery and unique sand-based recreational activities. You can ride a camel to stroll through the sand sea and feel the grandeur of the desert; you can also drive an off-road vehicle to speed through the dunes and experience thrilling excitement. Suggested itinerary: Day 1: Head to Juyan Lake for sunrise, then visit the Sacred Tree, check in at Ejina Museum in the afternoon, and enjoy local cuisine and culture at Juyan Cultural City in the evening. Day 2: Visit Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Scenic Area to appreciate the unique charm of the ancient city and Populus euphratica trees. Day 3: Go to Damo Populus Euphratica Scenic Area and stroll to admire the beauty of Populus euphratica trees at different times of the day. Day 4: Visit the Populus Euphratica Tourist Area and explore the bridges in order. Day 5: In the morning, you can choose to visit Ceke Port, take photos in front of Boundary Marker 572, and explore the China-Mongolia Mutual Trade Market. 🚌【Transportation Guide】 Advantages of Trip.com Group Tours: Hassle-free and effortless: Ejina is remotely located with complex transportation routes, and independent travel with transfers can be time-consuming and strenuous. Trip.com group tours arrange professional drivers who operate comfortable buses, are familiar with the routes, and provide one-stop direct access from the departure point to the scenic area, eliminating transfer hassles. Professional commentary: Tour guides accompanying the group are well-versed in Ejina's history, culture, and scenic spot features. Whether it's ecological knowledge of the Populus euphratica forest or historical anecdotes of the Black City Ruins, they can explain it vividly, allowing you to gain a deep understanding of this land and acquire abundant knowledge. Reasonable itinerary planning: Trip.com's team meticulously plans itineraries based on traveler feedback and scenic spot characteristics. They cleverly avoid peak crowds for a more comfortable experience; they also logically connect popular scenic spots to make full use of time and ensure you don't miss any highlights. Independent Travel Transportation Options: By plane: You can arrive at Ejina Banner Taolai Airport, but there are few routes, currently only one daily flight to and from Xi'an, with a stopover in Alxa Left Banner. Nearby civil airports include Jiayuguan Airport, about a 5-hour drive away; Yinchuan Airport is further, about a 10-hour drive away. After arriving at the airport, you will need to transfer to a bus to reach the scenic area. By train: You can first go to Jiuquan, which is about a 5-hour journey. Then transfer to a shuttle bus or take a taxi to Ejina Banner. Train schedules and times need to be checked and booked in advance to avoid delaying your trip. By car: Friends driving themselves should plan their route in advance and prepare ample food and drinking water, as there are few supply points along the way. Especially on desert sections, drive cautiously and pay attention to traffic safety. The scenic area has parking lots, making parking relatively convenient. 👉【Itinerary】 Nearby recommendations: Dongfeng Aerospace City (Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center): The cradle of China's space dream, where you can observe rocket launch towers up close and experience the spirit of aerospace. Mozhong Populus Euphratica Scenic Area: Continuous sand dunes and captivating light and shadow make it an ideal place for photography, and you can also experience thrilling off-roading, camping, and other activities. 🧡【Pre-trip Preparation】 Documents: ID card is essential for purchasing tickets, checking into hotels, etc. If you qualify for preferential policies, such as students, seniors, or military personnel, bring relevant documents. Clothing: For visits in September - October, wear light and breathable clothing during the day. Due to large temperature differences between morning and evening, bring a thick jacket. Choose comfortable sports shoes for easy walking. Prepare sun-protective clothing, a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect against strong sunlight. Other items: Prepare enough drinking water and small snacks to replenish energy. Bring mosquito repellent, as there are many mosquitoes in the grasslands. For photography enthusiasts, fully charge your camera and phone, and bring a power bank and memory card. Learn about local history, culture, and customs in advance to better enjoy your trip.