This autumn, you must visit the Populus euphratica forest! Ejina Banner

Here’s a travel guide for Ejina:

**Pre-Trip Preparation**
**Transportation Planning**: Ejina’s attractions are scattered, making transportation a challenge. Over 60% of visitors opt for chartered cars, priced around ¥400/day, or shared rides at ¥200/day. Alternatively, stay near the scenic areas to enter early and avoid crowds.

**Accommodation**: Limited options, mainly in Dalaihubu Town. Book early, especially during the Populus euphratica Festival, as rooms sell out quickly.

**Essentials to Pack**:
- **Clothing**: Large temperature swings—wear short sleeves + sun protection during the day, and pack a down jacket for chilly nights.
- **Dust Protection**: Bring masks, sunglasses, and phone dust bags for sandstorms.
- **Other Tips**: Do not break branches in the forest; take trash with you. Some areas have weak signals, so carry cash.

**Must-Visit Attractions**
**Ejina Populus euphratica Forest**: One of the world’s top three Populus euphratica forests, spanning 5,636 hectares. Badaoqiao features desert landscapes.
- **Erdaoqiao (Reflection Forest)**: Stunning water reflections at sunrise, ideal for wide-angle shots of dunes and golden trees.
- **Sidaoqiao (Hero Forest)**: Filming site for *Hero*, with rugged trees perfect for low-angle trunk textures.
- **Badaoqiao (Badain Jaran Desert)**: Ride camels, sandboard, and catch desert sunsets. Peak foliage (late Sept–mid-Oct) is a photographer’s dream.

**Juyan Lake**: Endpoint of the Ruoshui River, famed for the saying *"From a thousand gallons of weak water, take only one gourd."*
**Sunrise Viewing Deck**: Reeds, waterbirds, and dawn hues—arrive by 5 AM for serene shots.
**Laozi Statue**: Taoist landmark, said to be the philosopher’s retreat.
**Heicheng Ruins**: Ancient Western Xia city on the Silk Road, now crumbling walls. Nearby *"Strange Forest"* features eerie dead Populus euphratica—shoot silhouettes at sunset.

**Itinerary Ideas**
**5-Day Trip**
- **Day 1**: Hohhot → Ejina Banner. Stop at Chuan Cultural Tourism Zone for Mongol history, then visit Hasuhai Lake.
- **Day 2**: Explore Heicheng Ruins by morning, wait for sunset at Strange Forest, and watch the *Ejina* ethnic show (morin khuur + Mongol dance).
- **Day 3**: Sunrise at Juyan Lake (feed red-billed gulls), then browse Ceke Port’s border market.
- **Day 4**: Full day at Populus euphratica Forest—pick bridges based on interest.
- **Day 5**: Capture missed spots, buy Populus wood carvings/Mongol crafts, then depart.

**3-Day Trip**
- **Day 1**: Morning drive from Hohhot to Ejina. Rest, then visit Ejina Museum and Ruoshui Bay sunset.
- **Day 2**: Museum revisit, Ruoshui Populus euphratica Forest photos, Heishui City + Strange Forest.
- **Day 3**: Explore other forest spots like Yidaoqiao (Taolai Forest) or Sandaqiao (Red Willow Sea).

**Photography Tips**
- **Timing**: Shoot 1 hour post-sunrise or pre-sunset for soft light.
- **Outfits**: Red dresses/scarves pop against golden trees (rentals available).

**Pitfall Avoidance**
- Skip white shoes—sand and forest dirt stain easily.
- Check sunrise times; October mornings can hit 0°C—bring a thermos with hot water.