Golden Poplar Forests, Space Exploration, and Majestic Passes in Late September

🌟 Highlights of the Trip

In just 3 days, experience the triple wonders of Northwest China: traverse golden forests, touch the dreams of space exploration, and ascend the Great Wall's majestic pass.

Jinta Poplar Forest: A limited-time golden spectacle from late September to early October, where thousands of acres of poplar trees reflect in serene lakes, creating cinematic landscapes.

Dongfeng Space City: Step into the "cradle" of China's space program, observe the launch towers up close, and understand the profound legacy of "Two Bombs and One Satellite."

Jiayuguan Pass: Touch the ancient echoes of Silk Road camel bells on the bricks of this "majestic pass."

📅 Daily Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Jiuquan → Jinta Poplar Forest → Overnight in Jiuquan City

Morning: Upon arrival in Jiuquan, drive 1.5 hours to [Jinta Poplar Forest]. Take the scenic electric shuttle to the core area, starting with the reflections at Jinbo Lake. The golden poplars and blue waters create a natural painting—wear light-colored clothing for the best photos. Optimal lighting is between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Afternoon: Stroll through the sand date forest area and pick some sweet sand dates. Enjoy desert activities like sand sliding and camel riding. At sunset, watch the reeds and poplar trees bathed in golden light—every shot is a masterpiece.

Dinner: Try local specialties like Suoyang oil cakes and hand-grabbed lamb. "Lao Ma Family Restaurant" in Jiuquan City is a renowned spot, with an average cost of 50 RMB per person.

Day 2: Jiuquan → Dongfeng Space City → Overnight in Jiayuguan

Morning: Drive 2.5 hours to [Dongfeng Space City] (apply for a pass 3 days in advance via the "Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center Tourism" WeChat account; tickets including shuttle bus cost around 150 RMB). Visit the "Two Bombs and One Satellite" Memorial Hall to see rocket debris and astronaut suits. View the launch towers and listen to guides share behind-the-scenes stories of Shenzhou spacecraft launches.

Afternoon: Stop by "Wentian Pavilion," the astronaut apartment building, and check out the "Dongfanghong" satellite launch site to feel the awe of national achievements. Depart for Jiayuguan at 3:00 PM (3-hour drive) and stay at a hotel near the pass (recommended: "Jiayuguan Pass Hotel," a 10-minute walk from the scenic area).

Day 3: Jiayuguan Pass → Overhanging Great Wall → Return

Morning: Explore [Jiayuguan Pass] (tickets around 100 RMB, including the pass, the First Pier of the Great Wall, and the Overhanging Great Wall). Climb the tower to overlook the oasis and Gobi Desert, with Qilian Snow Mountains and ancient walls forming a breathtaking view. Try the "Pass Permit" interactive experience (around 20 RMB) to instantly transform into a Silk Road merchant.

Lunch: Enjoy grilled lamb kidneys and apricot kernel water outside the pass scenic area, with an average cost of 40 RMB per person.

Afternoon: Visit the [Overhanging Great Wall], built along mountain ridges. Climb to the top for a view of the blood-red sunset over the Gobi Desert. Return by 4:00 PM to conclude the trip.

🚗 Practical Travel Tips

Transportation: The distances between the three locations are significant. Consider renting a car (3 days, including fuel and toll fees) or self-driving. The route from Jiuquan to Jinta follows the G30 Lianhuo Expressway, which is in excellent condition.

Clothing: Late September in Northwest China has large temperature differences. Wear a sweatshirt and light jacket during the day, and add a down jacket in the evening. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, as UV rays are strong in the poplar forest and Gobi Desert.

Tickets: Jinta Poplar Forest and Jiayuguan Pass support online ticket purchases. Dongfeng Space City requires strict submission of ID information, and drones are not allowed.

From natural wonders to cultural epics, this journey encapsulates the most captivating autumn narrative of Northwest China. Click the link below to unlock this itinerary and let golden poplars, space glory, and majestic sunsets become the most striking landscapes in your photo album!