How to Get to Ejin Banner and Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest 2023
Ejin Banner (Ejina Banner, Ejina or Ejina Qi) is a small banner (county) in Inner Mongolia, China. It attracts travelers mostly with its breathtaking populus euphratica and wild natural view in surrounding areas. When every October comes, there is a large amount of shutter bugs flocking into Ejina to catch the best scenery of Populus Eupohratica Forest. In fact, traveling to Ejin Banner is not an easy thing. This Ejina transportation guide with detailed location, transfer means and downloadable maps helps you travel in an easier way. If you want to save your time and energy to the fullest, just directly contact us to book a tour with worry-free private transfer.
Where is Ejin Banner
Ejin Banner is located in the westernmost area of Inner Mongolia, under the administration of Alxa League. It borders Jiuquan City (in Gansu Proinve) to the south and west, to Alxa Right Banner to the east, and Mongolia to the north. Dalaihubu Town, the official seat of Ejina and the base camp of tourists, is located in the eastern Ejina, about 1,100 km to the Hohhot, the provincial capital of Inner Mongolia.
Ejina Populus Eupohratica Forest is just located in Dalaihob Town, about 2.5 km (10 minutes' drive) from the center of town. As you reach Dalahubu Town, you can get to Ejina Populus Euophratica Forest easily.
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How to Get to Ejin Banner and Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest
The flights and trains to Ejin Banner are quite limited, so most travelers travel to its nearby gateway cities first and then drive to Dalaihob Town by car. It is popular to get to Lanzhou and Xining - two important transfer hubs in northwestern China first and then transfer to the nearby tourist destinations. Some travelers may also get to Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang directly. Jiayuguan (or nearby Jiuquan) and Zhangye are better gateway cities to Ejina in that Lanzhou, Xining and Dunhuang are much farther away from Ejina. Because of the frequent flights to Lanzhou and Xining, it is a good idea to take a flight to them first, and then travel to Zhangye or Jiayuguan before reaching Ejina. All of these cities offer amazing natural and cultural wonders.
Flight to Ejin Banner
There is only one regular flight flying from Xian to Ejina with a stopover in Alxa Left Banner. It needs about 4 hours flying from Xian Xianyang International Airport and 2 hours flying from Alxa Left Banner Airport to Ejinaqi Taolai Airport.
Ejinaqi Taolai Airport (额济纳旗桃来机场)
Adress: Dalaihob Town, Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia (内蒙古阿拉善盟额济纳旗达来呼布镇)
Ejinaqi Taolai Airport (IATA: EJN; ICAO: ZBEN) is located in Dalaihob, 10 km (about 12 minutes' drive) away from the center of the town, 12 km (about 15 minutes' drive) away from Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest, about 33 km (about 45 minutes' drive) away from Strange Forest, 50 km (about 50 minutes' drive) away from Heicheng Historic Site about 60 km (about 1 hour's drive) away from Juyan Lake. There is no metro line or public bus running between the airport and Dalaihob Town or Populus Euphratica Forest or other scenic areas, and you have to call a taxi or rent a private car.
Train to Ejin Banner
There is only one daily train available to take you to Ejina. It runs from Hohhot Railway Station to Eina Railway Station via Baotou, Urad Qianqi and Linhe. The train trip starts at 19:20 and ends at 10:02 of the next day, taking about 14 hours and 42 minutes totally.
Ejin Banner Railway Station (额济纳旗站)
Adress: Dalaihob Town, Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia (内蒙古阿拉善盟额济纳旗达来呼布镇)
Ejin Banner Railway Station is the only railway station in Ejin Banner. It is located in Dalaihob Town as well, about 10 km (about 12 minutes' drive) to the town center, about 13 km (about 15 minutes' drive) to Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest, about 20 km (about 35 minutes' drive) away from Strange Forest, 36 km (about 40 minutes' drive) away from Heicheng Historic Site about 64 km (about 1 hour's drive) away from Juyan Lake. No public bus is available and you need a private transfer service to get around.
Long Distance Bus to Ejina
It is available to travel to Ejin Banner from Jiuquan and Alxa Left Banner by long distance bus. There are about 4 daily buses (taking about 7.5 hours) running from Jiuquan Xiguan Bus Station (酒泉西关汽车站) in Jiuquan, and there are 2 daily buses (taking about 12 hours) running from Bayanhot Bus Station (巴彦浩特汽车站) to Ejina. However, you need to be ready to share the limited space with many passengers.
Get to Ejin Banner from the Best Gateway Cities
Located in the far western part of Inner Mongolia, Ejin Banner cannot be easily connected with many top tourist destinations of China, like Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, etc. except for Xian which operates a daily flight to Ejin Banner. Many travelers usually take a flight or train to nearby cities in Gansu (like Jiayuguan, Jiuquan, Zhangye) and then transfer to Ejina.
Get from Jiuquan to Ejin Banner Transfer
Distance: 380 km (236 miles), about 5.5 hours' drive
As the nearest city to Ejina Banner, Jiuquan is 380 km (236 miles) away from Dalaihob Town. The drive between them takes about 5.5 hours. It is available to take an about 7.5 hours' long-distance bus from Jiuquan Xiguan Bus Station for independent travelers.
How to Get to Jiuquan: At present, no airport serves Jiuquan City. Many travelers take a high speed train to Jiuquan from Xian (about 8 hours), Lanzhou (about 4.5 hours), Jiayuguan (about 12 minutes), Dunhuang (about 3 hours), etc.
Get from Jiayuguan to Ejina
Distance: 400 km (248.5 miles), 6 hours' drive
Just close to Jiuquan, Jiayuguan is another top gateway cities to Ejina. The distance between Jiayuguan City and Dalaihob Town is 400 km and the direct travel takes about 6 hours. During your stay in Jiayuguan, don't miss Jiayuguan Pass, Overhanging Great Wall and Great Wall Museum.
How to Get to Jiayuguan: 1) There are daily flights flying to Jiayuguan Airport from Beijing (about 3.5 hours), Xian (about 2 hours) and Lanzhou (about 1.5 hours). 2) There are daily high speed trains running to Jiayuguan South Railway Station from Xian (about 8.5 hours), Lanzhou (about 5 hours), Dunhuang (about 3 hours) and Lanzhou (about 4.5 hours)
Helpful Links: Top Hangzhou Tour Packages | Essential Hangzhou Travel Guide
Get from Zhangye to Ejina
Distance: 700 km (435 mile), about 7 hours' drive
Zhangye is another good choice acting as a transfer city of Ejin Banner. The distance between Zhangye City and Dalaihob Town is 700 km, taking an about 7 hours' driving trip. Long-distance bus is accessible to take you from Zhangye to Dalaihob Town and it takes about 8.5 hours. More than a transfer city, Zhangye also offers a memorable travel experience. It deserves a 2 days' visit to the rainbow mountains in Zhangye National Geopark, magic structures in Mati Temple, great Buddha statues in Dafo Temple, etc.
How to Get to Zhangye: 1) There are direct flights connecting Zhangye with Beijing (about 6 hours), Xian (about 2 hours), Shanghai (about 5 hours), Chengdu (about 3.5 hours), Lanzhou (about 1 hour)… 2) There are frequent high speed trains connecting Zhangye with some cities as well, including Xian (about 7.5 hours), Lanzhou (about 3 hours), Jiayuguan (about 1.5 hours) and Dunhuang (about 4 hours).
Best-selling Nanjing Ejina Tour: 5 Days Jiangsu Tour (Ejina, Ejina & Nanjing)
Get from Hohhot to Ejina
Distance: 1,100 km (684 miles), about 11 hours' drive or 15 hours' train
If you just want to savor the beauty of Populus Euphratica Forest of Ejina, we suggest starting your trip for the nearby cities in Gansu. However, it is recommended to have an overland drive from Hohhot if you prefer an in-depth Inner Mongolia trip. The drive between Hohhot and Ejin Banner covers a long distance of over 1,100 km and takes over 11 hours. Spending several days enjoying the scenery on the way is strongly recommended. In your trip, you will feast your eyes on amazing wild nature made of magnificent grassland, endless Gobi, featured gorge, chromatic desert, etc.
How to Get to Hohhot: As the capital of Inner Mongolia, it can be reached a bit more conveniently from many big cities. 1) There are several daily flights to Hohhot from Beijing (about 1.5 hours), Xian (about 2 hours), Shanghai (about 3 hours), Chengdu (about 2 hours) and some other cities (like Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shijiazhuang, Qingdao, etc.). 2) It is also convenient to catch a high speed train to Hohhot from Beijing (within 3 hours).
Ejina Inner Transportation
Ejina is just a small banner of Inner Mongolia and the transportation construction is very basic. There is no metro line equipped in the town and the public buses are limited as well.
Drive: Driving is the most convenient and most frequently-used transfer way. You can rent hire a car with a driver or call a taxi to travel around Dalaihob Town.
Public Bus: One public bus line is available to take you to Dalaihob Town from Ejina Bus Station, costing about 1 hour. However, there is no bus running to the scenic attractions, such as Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest, Juyan Sea and Heicheng Ruoshui Huyang Scenic Area.
Sightseeing Bus: In the huge scenic area of Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest, sightseeing bus is available to save your time and energy. It departs in every 15 minutes, and take a stop in the First Bridge, Second Bridge and Seventh Bridge and Eighth Bridge. In the peak seasons, you may need to queue for a long time.
Travel with China Discovery
Traveling in the wild area of northwestern China is many travelers' dream. No matter you want to explore the mystery of the Silk Road or photograph the magical Populus Euphratica trees, it is never as easy as traveling to the bigger cities like Beijing and Shanghai. In order to get a worry-free experience and get rid of the hustle and bustle hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, traveling with China Discovery is your best choice. As your flight or train arrives, our local guide will meet you at the airport or train station. You will enjoy a high-quality private transfer service, including comfortable car, skilled driver and freedom to stop for sightseeing.
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 to 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!
Mrs. Garlen Chan's group from Canada Enjoy A Silk Road Tour with China Discovery
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)
Ejin Banner Tours and Travel Guide
- Top Ejina Tours
- Ejina Photography Tour
- Ejina & Badain Jaran Desert Tour
- Populus Euphratica Forest
- Ejin Banner Attractions
- Populus Euphratica Forests in China
- Best Time to Visit
- Where to Stay
- Ejin Banner Maps
More Inner Mongolia Travel Guide
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.
- 6 Days Ejina Populus Euphratica & Badain Jaran Desert Sightseeing Tour
Ejina / Badain Jaran Desert
- 6 Days Silk Road Tour with Populus Euphratica Forest Sightseeing
Zhangye - Jiuquan - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang
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