The Ejin Desert Poplar Forest (额济纳胡杨林), known as Ejin Hu Yang Lin National Nature Reserve, covers an impressive area of 26,253 hectares and is classified as a natural reserve for wild plant species. Within this reserve, there are 71 species of vascular plants belonging to 20 families and 54 genera.
The Ejin Desert Poplar Forest is particularly renowned for its stunning autumn colors, making it a prime destination for autumn sightseeing. The ancient poplar trees, known for their incredible longevity, are often poetically described as living for three thousand years, standing for another three thousand years after death, and remaining incorruptible for three thousand years thereafter. The forest gained fame through the iconic film “Hero” directed by Zhang Yimou, featuring a dramatic fight scene between Zhang Ziyi and Maggie Cheung, which drew attention to the area and continues to attract countless visitors from across the country.
The scenic area stretches from First Bridge to Eighth Bridge, each location offering its own captivating views. Among them, Second Bridge is particularly popular as a filming location for the movie “Hero,” where visitors can marvel at the breathtaking sight of “evening glow casting its light, with poplars adorned in golden autumn hues.” Additionally, don’t miss the stunning Juyan Lake, a desert oasis that feels like a paradise. Whether it’s the hazy distant mountains at sunrise, the tranquil sands, or the golden reeds, Juyan Lake presents a serene and ethereal atmosphere that captivates all who visit.
If you’re planning a trip to Ejin, experiencing the unique desert and Gobi scenery is a must. Every year, during the two to three weeks before the National Day holiday, the Ejin Poplar Festival takes place, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to this small town, which has a permanent population of only a few thousand. They come to admire the dazzling golden poplar forest and the vast, desolate desert.
Although the scenic area is open year-round, the best time to experience the beauty of the poplar trees is from late September to mid-October. This brief period, especially during the National Day Golden Week, showcases the trees in their most vibrant and brilliant golden hues, making it a truly enchanting experience.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 150 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0483-6529998 0086-0483-6526135 |
Location and Transportation
The Ejin Desert Poplar Forest is located in the Ejina Banner of Alxa League in the Inner Mongolia, specifically in the town of Dalai Hob, near Eji Banner Museum. To reach Dalai Hob from the Ejina Banner government office, there is no public transportation available, so taking a taxi is the only option.
Within the scenic area, there are free sightseeing buses that run frequently between First Bridge and Eighth Bridge, stopping at each bridge along the route, making it convenient for visitors to explore the area.
