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Autumn holds a unique charm, bringing the joy of a bountiful harvest and vibrant autumn colors. And with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays coinciding, a family outing to enjoy the autumn scenery is the perfect way to experience it. Beyond renowned autumn meccas, less-visited and less-visited destinations offer breathtaking scenery, perfect for exploring. For example, the Jinta Populus euphratica forest, featured in this article, is one such spot. This guide will help you unlock the Jinta Populus euphratica forest and reveal its hidden gems.
Why is the Jinta Populus euphratica forest considered so large? It's because it's part of the Three North Shelterbelt System, covering over 10,000 mu (approximately 1,000 mu). This, combined with the surrounding expanses of Elaeagnus angustifolia, white poplar, and red willow, unique to the Northwest, creates a unique landscape. After decades of growth, the poplars gradually reach maturity. In the golden autumn, their green leaves turn yellow, creating a vibrant and vibrant scene under the azure sky.
The young poplars unique to Jinta have narrow and thin leaves, like a girl's willow-shaped eyebrows, and people often mistake them for willows; but the leaves of the older poplars become oval or triangular, like the white birch in the Greater Khingan Range; the leaves of the old poplars become oval, and what's more, the upper and lower layers of the crown of the same poplar tree can grow leaves of several different shapes, which is truly amazing.
The unique reflection of Jinbo Lake in the Jinta Populus euphratica forest is an iconic landscape unique to Jinta. The poplars are lush and golden, and their reflections in the water are very beautiful, allowing you to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery of the "Jiangnan" in the desert.
Yellowing of leaves is influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, and tree age. Generally, yellowing begins when temperatures drop to 5-10°C, with areas with less moisture and younger trees showing the earliest signs of yellowing. Based on past experience, some yellowing begins around September 10th, creating a unique contrast between green and yellow. By September 20th, most leaves have already turned yellow, marking the peak viewing period for the Jinta Populus euphratica forest. If weather is stable, yellowing can persist until around October 25th. However, frequent cold snaps can cause premature leaf drop. Due to the younger age of the Jinta Populus euphratica trees, this period can be slightly earlier.
Jiuquan, Gansu, is a city well-known, but who would have guessed that the graceful Jinta Populus euphratica forest is actually located within the jurisdiction of Jiuquan City? Specifically, it's located in the Chaohu Forest Farm, west of Jinta County, Jiuquan City.
The Jinta Desert Poplar Forest Scenic Area, with its main area 8km from the center of Jinta County, offers convenient transportation and a prime location. The scenic area is approximately 80km from Jiayuguan Airport. Visitors arriving by plane can take a taxi directly to Jinta, a journey of approximately 90 minutes. The scenic area is 48km from Jiuquan. Visitors arriving by train from Jiuquan Railway Station or High-Speed Railway Station can take a taxi or bus directly to Jinta, a journey of approximately 40-60 minutes.
Visitors enter the scenic area and take a sightseeing bus for 20 yuan per person (there are no stops, and ticket holders can ride as many times as they want within the scenic area). The most unmissable attraction is the scenery of Jinbo Lake. The bus tour sequence is shown below. In addition to the Populus euphratica forest, there are also large areas of Elaeagnus angustifolia, white poplar, red willow, and other tree species unique to the Northwest.
Tips: Ticket information
Adult ticket for the scenic area: 65 yuan; sightseeing bus for the scenic area: 20 yuan per person (no stops, ticket holders can ride multiple times within the scenic area)
Preferential policies
1. A 50% discount on tickets will be offered to minors, primary and secondary school students, college and technical secondary school students (with student ID cards), and senior citizens aged 60-69 (with ID cards).
2. Residents of the county are exempt from admission with their ID cards; seniors over 70 years old are exempt from admission with their ID cards; persons with disabilities, active military personnel, retired military personnel, police officers, military cadets, and firefighters are exempt from admission with relevant ID cards
3. Visitors holding a doctor's certificate, nurse's certificate, teacher's certificate, journalist's certificate, or membership card of the Gansu Provincial or National Photographers Association will be exempt from admission fees.
4. Children under 6 years old (inclusive) or under 1.2 meters (inclusive) are free of charge
5. Groups that enjoy preferential policies are required to bring relevant documents when purchasing tickets, otherwise they will not enjoy the preferential policies.
After entering the Jinta Populus euphratica forest scenic area, take the scenic shuttle bus to travel counterclockwise around the scenic area. Along the way, you will pass the entrance comprehensive service area, the Elaeagnus angustifolia forest sightseeing and leisure area, the Hanhai red willow forest conservation area, the Jinbo Lake-Populus euphratica forest core tourist area, and the desert health and physiotherapy area.
Elaeagnus angustifolia, a native tree species in Jinta County, is resilient and resistant to drought, wind and sand, salinity, and barrenness. In May and June, tens of thousands of mu (approximately 1,000 acres) of Elaeagnus angustifolia forests block wind and sand, safeguarding life and bringing vibrant greenery to the scenic area. Elaeagnus angustifolia, also known as "Seven-Li Fragrant," blooms with a fragrant aroma.
Built in 2010 using modern building materials, it is modeled after a Han Dynasty beacon tower. It stands 15.8 meters tall and covers an area of 600 square meters. It is the best vantage point for viewing and photographing the vast expanse of poplar trees, red willows, rural scenery, and desert landscapes.
The Jinbo Lake-Poplar Forest Core Tourist Area is the core landscape display area of the Poplar Forest. It primarily comprises Jinbo Lake, the Poplar Forest, and the Ecological Exhibition Hall. Jinbo Lake, a man-made excavation, covers an area of 67 mu (approximately 1.7 acres). A variety of fish, primarily grass carp, are cultivated here. The water depth is approximately 1.7 meters. While leisure fishing is not currently available, you can still enjoy the joy and leisure of cruising on the water from a small boat. The core attraction is the lush, golden poplars lining the lake, resembling the center of the water.
Depart from Lanzhou | 5~8 days
Ejina Populus euphratica Photography | 8-day Lanzhou-5-day Zhangye
￥3580 Starting from 3499 people have registered Register nowThe most convenient way to get to the Jinta Populus euphratica forest is to stay in nearby Jiuquan City, Jiayuguan City, and Jinta County.
Accommodation in Jiayuguan is generally chosen in areas near Jiayuguan Railway Station and Jiayuguan South Station, which are more prosperous and convenient.
If you choose to stay in Jiuquan, it is recommended that you stay in Jiuquan Gansu District.
Jinta County is closest to the Jinta Populus euphratica forest scenic area, but the hotels in the county town generally only guarantee cleanliness and hygiene, and the related facilities are slightly worse than the first two destinations.
Jingta gluten is a plant-based protein composed of gliadin and glutenin. Gluten is highly nutritious, especially in protein, exceeding that of lean pork, chicken, eggs, and most soy products. It is a high-protein, low-fat, low-sugar, and low-calorie food. It also contains calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and other trace elements, making it a traditional delicacy.
Jinta rice noodle skin is purely handmade. Its main nutrients are carbohydrates, and it also contains a small amount of protein, vitamins and minerals. It has the characteristics of being soft, tender and chewy.
Jinta tomatoes are a specialty of Jinta County, Jiuquan City, Gansu Province. They are self-capping, determinate-growing varieties. Mature fruits are bright red, uniformly colored and sized, and oval in shape. They have thick, firm flesh, a moderate acidity, and a pleasant taste. They are also resistant to cracking and compression, and are well-suited for storage and transportation. Jinta tomatoes are a nationally protected agricultural product with a geographical indication.
Cynomorium songaricum, also known as "Yang-qicao," grows in the harsh desert environment, drawing inspiration from the heavens and earth, the essence of the sun and moon, and growing over many years. This unique habitat enriches Cynomorium songaricum with a variety of nutrients, including zinc, iron, and amines. Cynomorium songaricum fried cakes are another specialty of Jinta County, a popular delicacy for entertaining guests.
Jinta Bighead Cod, also known as Yuanyang Bighead Cod, originates from the Yuanyangchi Reservoir. Bighead cod have a round, spindle-shaped body, are scaleless, with a brown-gray back and a silvery-white belly. They have a large head and a wide mouth. They are primarily found in the wild and reproduce rapidly, but their fertility is slow. Adults typically weigh around 0.5 kg. There are many ways to eat bighead cod, but frying is currently the most common method. It should be eaten hot to enjoy its crispy exterior, tender interior, and delicious flavor. Long renowned for its high nutritional value, bighead cod has long been a popular delicacy at banquets.
There are many niche autumn colors, but I particularly love the Jinta Populus euphratica forest. In the vast land of the northwest, the sky is high and the clouds are light. I come to the Jinbo Lake to watch the autumn leaves rising and falling. The poplar trees by the water in the evening light are so beautiful.
It seems that the most touching thing is the gentleness of that lowered head, and the shyness of the cool breeze. The Jinta Populus euphratica forest is a hidden pearl hidden in the hinterland of the northwest. Today I would like to share it with you, so that you can enjoy the unique autumn colors together in the golden autumn, which is so beautiful.
If you want to fully see the magnificent poplar trees including the Jinta Poplars, Ejina Poplar Forest is your best choice.
