October turns golden, encountering three thousand years of waiting, twenty-one days of brilliance

🌅At dawn, when the golden sunlight shines on the rippling surface of Juyan Lake, flocks of seagulls take off from the reed marshes, and you instantly understand what the breathtaking "must-see in a lifetime" means.

🌳In October, Ejina is at the most magnificent moment of the Populus euphratica forest—450,000 mu of poplar trees all turn yellow, dyeing the entire Gobi Desert into a golden ocean.
📅Best viewing period: Lock in October
🍁This year’s golden viewing period for the poplar forest is from October 5 to October 25.
🌤️Due to higher temperatures this year, the golden leaf period is expected to last until around the 25th, but it is recommended to arrive before the 15th to avoid leaves starting to fall.

✨Must-see attractions
1️⃣ Juyan Lake Sunrise
🎫Ticket: 120 RMB
🚗Transportation: About 50 km from Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner; car rental or self-driving is recommended
💡Tip: Be sure to arrive at the viewing platform 30 minutes before sunrise to secure the best spot. Viewing platform No. 3 has the largest water surface and the widest view.

2️⃣ Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest Scenic Area
🎫Ticket: 330 RMB (includes shuttle bus and small train)
🌟Highlights:
🌊Second Bridge Reflection Forest: The water surface is calmest before 9 a.m., perfect for capturing symmetrical tree reflection photos
🎬Fourth Bridge Hero Forest: Filming location of the movie "Hero," best photographed with side light in the afternoon
🐪Eighth Bridge Sand Sea Kingdom: Capture camel silhouettes at sunset, breathtakingly beautiful

3️⃣ Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest
🎫Ticket: 210 RMB (includes shuttle bus)
🌙Feature: The dead branches of the strange forest look very sci-fi under moonlight; around the 15th day of the lunar month is an excellent time for shooting epic photos

🚗Practical travel guide
👗Outfit: Light-colored long dress + ethnic-style shawl, suitable for photos and keeping warm. Be sure to bring a thick coat as the temperature difference between morning and evening is huge.
⚠️Traffic tips: Some road sections have low speed limits, please allow plenty of time.
⏰Off-peak tip: Head straight to the Second Bridge at 6 a.m., one hour earlier than tour groups, to have the entire poplar forest to yourself.