Attend a Three-Thousand-Year Appointment|Witness the Most Tenacious Golden Poplars in the Gobi Desert at Minus Ten Degrees
When the spring and summer tourists have dispersed, the Jinta Poplar Forest in Ejina Banner, Inner Mongolia, welcomes its final and most magnificent performance from mid to late October to early November. Afterwards, the leaves fall, but the winter poplar forest presents a completely different beauty of desolate yet resilient vitality, perfect for families unafraid of the cold and seeking unique experiences.
❄️ The Unique Charm of the Winter Poplar Forest
Ultimate tranquility and lonely beauty: Without the crowds of the peak season, the vast forest is only you and the howling wind, allowing you to truly feel the spirit of the poplar: "Born for three thousand years without dying, dead for three thousand years without falling, fallen for three thousand years without decaying."
The structural beauty of light and shadow: Without the golden robes, the gnarled and vigorous branches of the poplars cast highly dynamic shadows under the low-angle winter sunlight, making excellent material for photography and painting.
A stargazing paradise: The air is crisp, light pollution minimal, and on clear nights the Milky Way is clearly visible, offering a great opportunity to introduce astronomy to children.
👣 Feasibility and Routes for Winter Visits with Children
Winter is not the traditional tourist season, some facilities are closed, so thorough preparation is necessary.
• Core sightseeing area: The core area of the Jinta Poplar Forest (around Jinbo Lake) is still accessible in winter (advance confirmation required). The lake is frozen, and the poplars reflect on the ice surface, creating a unique charm. However, sightseeing buses may not operate, so self-driving or chartering a car is needed.
• Peripheral exploration: It is more recommended to explore the wild poplar forests and desert edges around the scenic area. Under the guidance of local guides, safely experience the miraculous coexistence of poplars and desert.
• Theme setting: Set the travel theme as "Searching for Traces of Life," observing different life forms of poplars (lush, dead, fallen) and looking for animal footprints in the sand (camels, gerbils, etc.).
🏜️ Itinerary Structure: Combined with Desert and Ancient Ruins
Simply viewing the winter poplars is somewhat thin; it must be combined with surrounding landscapes:
Day 1: Arrive at Dalaihubu Town, Ejina Banner → Rest and acclimate, visit Ejina Museum to understand the background → Taste lamb in town.
Day 2: Morning exploration of Jinta Poplar Forest (winter condition) → Afternoon visit to Heicheng·Ruoshui Poplar Forest Scenic Area to see the vastness of the Heishui City ruins and the tragic strange forest (more visually striking in winter).
Day 3: Go to Juyan Lake to see winter birds (such as swans) and morning light → Afternoon return or visit the Ceke Port.
🏨 Warm Fortress in the Severe Winter: Accommodation Guide
Ejina Taihao International Hotel: One of the best hotels locally, stable heating, relatively new facilities, a reliable base camp in winter.
Ejina Jintaolai Hotel: An established hotel with enthusiastic service and convenient location.
Ejina Desert Poplar Forest Self-Drive Campground (partially open in winter): For a unique experience, check if heated Mongolian yurts or cabins are available in winter; stargazing at night is special.
Jiuquan Hotel: If entering and exiting from Jiuquan (more common), this long-established star-rated hotel in Jiuquan city offers comfortable assurance.
🍖 Winter Energy Supply Station
• Hardcore meats: Hand-pulled lamb, roasted lamb chops, camel meat (optional) are the best choices to resist the severe cold.
• Specialty noodles: Braised noodle slices, lamb noodle soup, steaming hot and warming the whole body.
• Essential supplies: Buy enough bottled water, fruits (such as apples, pears), and vitamin supplements in town to cope with extreme dryness.
🚗 The Lifeline of Transportation and Equipment
• Major transport: Usually fly to Jiayuguan or Jiuquan, then charter a car or self-drive to Ejina Banner (about 4-5 hours). Winter may bring wind and snow along the way; be sure to use a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle and prepare snow chains.
• Local transport: Within Ejina Banner, self-driving or chartering a car is the only option. Contact reliable local drivers or travel agencies in advance.
• Equipment checklist (crucial):
- Clothing: Professional-grade windproof and cold-proof down jacket, fleece pants, thermal underwear, wool socks, snow boots, thick gloves, hat, face mask.
- Others: Highly effective thermos, sunscreen, lip balm, hand cream, sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), power bank (battery drains quickly in low temperatures).
• Safety warning: Never venture alone into uninhabited areas by car; always report your itinerary to family or hotel. Keep extra fuel, food, and sleeping bags in the car for emergencies.