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Top 6 Attractions in Ejin Banner - Things to Do in Ejina

What will come into your mind first when you think of Ejin Banner? It must be Populus euphratica! Euphrates poplar or desert poplar, is a magical species of poplar tree that survives in the desert which is unfriendly to other plants. In every autumn, the leaves turn to an incredible golden color, catching the eyes of numerous photographers. Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest is a symbol of Ejin Banner, but Ejin Banner’s beauty is not only shown in the forest. There are some other attractions in Ejin Banner worthy of your time. If you are an enthusiastic shutterbug, you will get a precious opportunity to create many great works here.

Check our top attractions in Ejin Banner and make a better arrangement during your Ejin Banner trip. No matter which one you want to visit, feel free to contact us to customize a private tour in your own style.

Ejin Banner Tourist Attractions MapEjin Banner Tourist Attractions Map (Zoom in to enlarge map)

No. 1 Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest - One of the Largest Poplus Euphratical Forest

Ejin Banner Attractions

Populus Euphratica with Beautiful Reflection in the Second Bridge

Ejin Banner Attractions

Desert View of the Eighth Bridge

  • Type: Historical & Natural Sites, Forests
  • Recommended Visiting Time: 1~2 Days
  • Best Seasons: Late September to Middle October
  • Address: Dalaihob Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia (内蒙古自治区阿拉善盟额济纳旗达来呼布镇), about 2.5 km to the town center

Without the Populus euphratica forest, there would be no oasis. Without oasis, there would be no survival and development of human beings. Populus euphratica is closely related to the life here and is highly cherished by people.

As one of the three largest Populus euphratica forests in the world, Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest covers an area of 300 square kilometers. In summer, the green leaves of Populus euphratica seem wearing verdant crowns. In autumn, especially from late-September to mid-October, the golden color of the forest under the blue sky and in the vast desert makes Ejina a paradise for photographers and sightseers. Annual Populus Euphratica Festival is taken place in early October as well.

In the scenic area of Ejina Populus Euphratica, there are eight spots named from the First Bridge to Eighth Bridge. The biggest highlights are the Second Bridge, the Fourth Bridge, the Seventh Bridge and the Eighth Bridge. The Second Bridge features in a primitive style with waterways, yurts and sand dunes. Many photographers come there to shoot the refection of the Populus euphratica. The Fourth Bridge is one shooting location of the famous Chinese film – Hero and many travelers visit to view the Hero Tree here. The Seventh Bridge is a dreamland forest where lots of younger Populus euphratica trees can be enjoyed. Combining the splendor of Populus euphratica and desert landscape, the Eighth Bridge offers quite a distinctive view.

No. 2 Strange Forest - Bleak Populus Euphratica Forest with Breataking Sunset

Ejin Banner Attractions

Featured Populus Euphratica Trunk in Strange Forest

Ejin Banner Attractions

Strange Forest Sunset

  • Type: Historical & Natural Sites, Forests
  • Recommended Visiting Time: 2~3 hours
  • Best Seasons: May ~ October
  • Address: Dalaihob Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia (内蒙古自治区阿拉善盟额济纳旗达来呼布镇), 27 km (about 40 minutes’ drive) to the center of the town and Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest

In fact, Strange Forest is a vast area with numerous dead Populus euphratica. Populus euphratica is a preculiar tree species with strong vitality. Though the trees were dead, their bodies with black trunks and branches in different postures still stand firmly on the Gobi desert. Remember to visit Strange Forest at nightfall and treat your eyes with the unique view of spectacular sunset. Against the background of the setting sun, there is a feeling of tragic and majestic.

There is a moving story about the Heicheng City and Strange Forest. According to legend, there was a general named Harabatel (Black) in old Heicheng (Black City). General Back was well-known for his vigour, wisdom, loyalty and strategy of fighting. In one war, the tricky enemy invaded the Back City and cut off the source of water. In the predicament that there was no reinforcements and drinking water, General Black led his troops to break through. They had fought for several days and finally died in Strange Forest which is not far from the city. The local people believe that the immortal souls of the Black General still linger in the forest and protect them.

No. 3 Juyan Lake - Best Place to Shoot Sunrise in Ejina

Ejin Banner Attractions

Juyan Lake Sunrise

Ejin Banner Attractions

Birds in Juyan Lake

  • Type: Historical & Natural Sites, Grasslands, Lakes
  • Recommended Visiting Time: 2~3 hours
  • Best Seasons:May ~ October
  • Address: Dalaihob Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia (内蒙古自治区阿拉善盟额济纳旗达来呼布镇), 60 km (about 1 hour’s drive) to the center of the town and Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest

Literally meaning lake of heaven, Juyan Lake is named after Juyan tribe. In ancient times, Juyan Lake was one of the largest lakes in northwestern China. Affected by the weak water replenishment, Juyan Lake’s area changes irregularly. So many people think it is a magical wandering lake. In late spring (May), Many birds will gather on the lake, waiting for tourists to feed. In summer (June ~ August), the grass in Juyan Lake becomes luxuriant, the birds fly to and fro and the llama roam in the grassland, making people unwilling to leave. The autumn view is enjoyable as well. You are able to admire the yellow grass and reeds under the blue sky. What’s more, Juyanhai is the most beautiful place in Ejin Banner to watch the sunrise. When the sun rises from the east, the warm sunlight will shine on the sparkling lake. In order to watch an astonishing sunrise, you have wake up early and drive about 1 hour to Juyan Lake from Dalaihob Town.

As a historical part of the Hexi Corridor, Juyan Lake Basin played a significant role in ancient times. It once was a supply point for the northwest garrison and a means of rejecting this prosperous region from the nomads in the north. For history lovers, Juyan Lake is a wonderful site to probe into the old history.

No. 4 Heicheng Historic Site

Ejin Banner Attractions

Pogodas in Heicheng Historic Site

Ejin Banner Attractions

Ruins in Heicheng Historic Site

  • Type: Historical Sites, Ruins
  • Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00 in April - October / 08:00-14:00 in November - Next March
  • Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hours
  • Best Seasons: May ~ October
  • Address: Dalaihob Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia (内蒙古自治区阿拉善盟额济纳旗达来呼布镇)

Heishui City was an important frontier fortress in the Xixia Dynasty (1038~1227) and an important post in the Hexi Corridor. Some people also thought it was the ancient capital of Xixia. As Heishui River passed this city, it was called Heishui City, also known as Heicheng (Black City). The ancient city wall of Heicheng was about 240 meters long on each side. Later in the Yuan Dynasty (1271~1368), Heishui City was occupied by the Mongolian army led by Genhis Khan and then the city wall expanded to 284 meters from north to south, 435 meters from east to west, and one gate on each side. The former Heishui City was full of beautiful water plants, rivers and lake. However, it was gradually surrounded by wind and sand, and finally submerged under the endless yellow sand. Till today, only the ruins of Heicheng Historic Site was a solitary city remnant in the sand sea.

As an important part of Juyan Culture, Heicheng Historic Site enjoys high archaeological value now. To the southwest of the city, there is still an ancient church with a relatively complete appearance. Among them, the chapel is in the dome style, and the roof and walls are the same as the current Islamic chapel. There is a bowl-covered tower on the northwest corner of the city wall, with a remaining height of 12 meters, which can be seen from the desert 10 kilometers away. Outside the city, not far from the big earth tower, there are two groups of earth towers with only the remaining foundations. The important value of Heicheng lies not only in its appearance, but also in the precious cultural relics buried in it. Archaeological experts have unearthed many valuable cultural relics in it.

No. 5 Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest - Young Poplus Euphratica Forest with Waterscape

Ejin Banner Attractions

Ruoshui Popolus Euphratica on the Bank of Ruoshui River

Ejin Banner Attractions

Ruoshui Popolus Euphratica Trees

  • Type: Forests, Rivers
  • Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hours
  • Best Seasons: May ~ October
  • Address: Dalaihob Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia (内蒙古自治区阿拉善盟额济纳旗达来呼布镇)

Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest is a recently developed scenic spot, located on both sides of the upper reaches of Ruoshui River. Because of the famous Chinese words that No matter how much Ruoshui (water) there is, I just take on scoop which shows the loyalty to love, many travelers visit Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest with their spouses. In fact the word “Ruoshui” has nothing to do with Ruoshui River. However, Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest is still a beautiful place worthy of your visit. It closely combines the natural beauty of the desert, the river and the Populus euphratica. Besides, it is less-crowded compared with Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest.

In the tourist walking area on the west bank of the Ruoshui River, you can find a distinctive landscape: the most beautiful reflection of Populus Euphratica, the largest tree trunk and the largest leaf. The line of Populus euphratica by the lake are all reflected in the lake. Walking into the forest and looking up, the vast sky is blue like a thick flannel for painting and the Populus euphratica forest is painted on the flannel.

There are other plants in the forest except Populus euphratica, including Tamarisk, Haloxylon ammodendron, Achnatherum splendens, Populus euphratica is golden, tamarisk red, and Achnatherum splendens becomes white after withered. The forest is colorful and beautiful.

No. 6 Ejina Museum - Interesting Museum to Show Ejina in Different Aspects

Ejin Banner Attractions

Ejina Museum Appearance

Ejin Banner Attractions

Ejina Museum Exhibition

  • Type:Forests, Rivers
  • Recommended Visiting Time: 2 hours
  • Best Seasons: May ~ October
  • Address: Dalaihob Town, Ejina Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia (内蒙古自治区阿拉善盟额济纳旗达来呼布镇)

Ejina Museum is a multifunctional modern museum that records the natural environment, social, cultural and historical changes in Ejina. In spite of its small scale, this museum takes advantages of the exhibitions, scene simulation, sound and light to exhibit Ejina in different aspects. It has a building area of 10,000 square meters and an exhibition area of more than 3,000 square meters. There are 6 conventional exhibition halls including Mysterious Wonders, Juyan Spring and Autumn, Heishui Liulan, Ethnic Customs, Desert Sunrise, and Flying to the universe. In order to further enrich the collection in the museum, the museum staff recently added ironware, stoneware, and porcelain on the original basis. At the same time, they also added household products produced by residents in the Juyan area during the Han Dynasty and the Xixia Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty. If you want to get better understanding of the past of Ejin Banner, Ejina museum is an informative place to visit.

How to Plan An Ejin Banner Tour

Popular Gateway Cities to Ejin Banner: Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, and Yinchuan

Best Time to Visit Ejin Banner: May to October, especially late September to mid-October

Where to Stay in Ejin Banner: Dalaihob Town

Generally speaking, a classic Ejin Banner tour takes about 4 days, with 2.5 days in total sightseeing. Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest is the premier highlight of Ejin Banner that attracts numerous photographers and natural lovers to admire its special beauty. It is recommended spending 1-2 days enjoying the high density of beautiful tree shapes and colors. Don’t miss Heicheng Ruoshui Huyang Scenic Area as well, where you will explore Heicheng Historic Site, and beautiful populus euphratica trees with refection in the water and peaceful river view. Beisides, visit Strange Forest to appreciate the oddly-shaped withered trees and a memorable sunset. On the last day, get up early and drive to Juyan Lake for the most brilliant sunrise in Ejina.

☛ 4 Days Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Photography Tour

In addition to Populus Euphratica forests in Ejina, we strongly suggest you extend your trip to nearby destinations for more incredible wild nature views. Badain Jaran Desert with the world's tallest stationar dunes, colorful lake and mysterious echoing sand hills is a must-be-visited place. It is worth spending 2 days savoring its unique splendor.

☛ 6 Days Ejina Populus Euphratica & Badain Jaran Desert Sightseeing Tour

Besides, many travelers prefer a tour combining the golden Silk Road and Populus Euphratica together. You can spend about 5 days exploring the charm of Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang along the Silk Road, and immersing yourself in an almost dizzying agglomeration of desert, grassland, raging river and colossal mountains in one go.

☛ 6 Days Hexi Corridor Discovery Tour(Zhangye/Jiayuguan/Dunhuang)
☛ 4 Days Jiayuguan Dunhuang Tour (Silk Road Short Break)
☛ 10 Days Classic Silk Road Tour (Xian/Dunhuang/Turpan/Kashgar)

Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Badain Jaran Desert Beautiful Lake in Badain Jaran Desert

Travel with China Discovery

Though Ejina is an attractive tourist destination with beautiful attractions, it is not convenient to reach by public transportation means. You are strongly advised to enjoy a worry-free tour with China Discovery. Upon your arrival, our local guide will meet you at the airport or railway station and escort you to your hotel or attractions. You don’t need to suffer the hustle and bustle hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation.

Far more than that, China Discovery is professional to provide high-quality customizable tour. Before your tour, our travel expert will communicate with you one to one and make an itinerary according your own interest, need and budget. Every detail - transfer, hotels, attractions, etc. will be arranged well for you and you just need to focus on sightseeing. Feel free to contact us to start your worry-free private tour now!

Silk Road

Mrs. Garlen Chan's group from Canada Enjoy A Silk Road Tour with China Discovery

Recommended Ejin Banner Tours

Top 3 Ejin Banner tours chosen by most customers to explore Ejin Banner in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

Ejina Poplus Euphratica Forest
4 Days Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Photography Tour

Ejina

Strange Forest Sunset
6 Days Ejina Populus Euphratica & Badain Jaran Desert Sightseeing Tour

Ejina / Badain Jaran Desert

Jinta Populus Euphratica Forest
6 Days Silk Road Tour with Populus Euphratica Forest Sightseeing

Zhangye - Jiuquan - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang

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