Ejin Banner: Poplar Forests, Desert and History

Destinations in the wider region around Ejin Banner include poplar forests and desert landscapes, as well as places of particular cultural and historical interest. These regional destinations offer different points of focus: from distinctive trees and changing light to ancient ruins and exhibitions on the nature and history of Ejina.

Poplar Forests and Desert Landscapes

One destination in the wider region around Ejin Banner is the Damo Poplar Forest Scenic Area, which brings together poplars and tamarisks with desert, Juyan culture and Mongolian customs. It is designated a national 4A-level scenic area and lies 2 km south of Dalaihubu Town. Its profile also includes a self-drive camp, which has been included on the list of national automobile self-drive sports bases. Both the landscape and its cultural themes shape the character of the area.

Another destination in the wider region around Ejin Banner is the Weak Water Jinsha Bay Scenic Area, also a national 4A-level scenic area. Its poplar forest is laid out in a pattern of “six lakes, two islands and seven layers of forest.” Other features include desert, the Ruoshui River, poplars, and sunrise and sunset. The area lies 18 km southwest of Dalaihubu Town. Its unusually orderly forest landscape and its combination of river and desert give it a different character from the Damo Poplar Forest Scenic Area.

The Strange Forest is also among the destinations in the wider region around Ejin Banner; there, dead poplars of varied shapes have stood in the Gobi Desert for thousands of years. With its striking landscape and distinctive lighting effects, the area is a destination for photography enthusiasts. Those interested in form, light and the impact of a desert landscape will find a different focus here than at the poplar forest areas described above.

History and Culture Around Dalaihubu Town

In the wider region around Ejin Banner, the museum in Dalaihubu Town has six permanent exhibitions devoted to the nature and history of Ejina. The ruins of Heicheng are also among the destinations in the wider region around Ejin Banner; here, the focus is instead on an ancient city complex. Heicheng lies 36 km southeast of Dalaihubu Town and is considered the most complete and largest surviving ancient city complex on the Steppe Silk Road. Founded during the Western Xia dynasty, the city served as a necessary transport route and a transport hub between the Hexi Corridor and the northern Mongolian regions. Today, Heicheng is designated a nationally significant cultural relic and is included in the Juyan Ruins protected area.

These destinations in the wider region appeal to different interests: the museum focuses on the nature and history of Ejina, while Heicheng combines a historic city complex with a far-reaching transport function. This makes exhibitions and the history of the Steppe Silk Road distinct themes to consider when planning a trip.

Landscape Destinations and Seasonal Activities

Another destination in the wider region around Ejin Banner is Populus Hero Film City, located 19 km southwest of Dalaihubu Town. Its themed areas include an old poplar town, a yurt complex, a Mongolian camp and a film street. This gives it a different focus from the natural poplar forest landscapes: the emphasis here is on constructed sets and a variety of themed areas.

In the wider region around Ejin Banner, 70 households in Wulangerile Gacha take part in rural tourism activities during the Populus Festival. These include camel and horse rides and off-road vehicle trips through the sandy landscape; the households also offer food and drink. These activities are tied to the festival period. If you would like to include them in your plans, check in advance which events are taking place at the Populus Festival.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Accommodation

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: poplar forests and desert landscapes, photography, history or seasonal festival activities. Ejin Banner Railway Station is in Dalaihubu Town and is described as the only railway station in Ejin Banner.

The destinations in the wider region differ mainly in their themes: the scenic areas combine poplars with desert and other landscape features, Heicheng represents history and an ancient city complex, and the Populus Festival brings together seasonal activities and food and drink.

For the broader travel overview: Alxa.