Photography Tips for Ejina

Ejina Banner is located in the westernmost part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, bordering Jiuquan City in Gansu Province in the southwest and Mongolia in the north. It is said that Ejina is the earliest capital of Xiongnu, as well as the motherland. Here, you could see the golden sea of Populus euphratica forest, the stunning view of Juyan Lake, and the heroic ruins of Heicheng Historic Site, which are the most beautiful scenery that you could not miss. How to keep the magnificent scene in the memory and photos on the journey? How to shoot the beauty of Ejina? What are the best places for photography? Let's read on to know some photography tips for Ejina.
 

Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest National Nature Reserve

Because of the special location, Ejina owns the continental desert climate with dry air, strong sunshine, heavy sandstorm, and low rainfall. In the harsh environment, the Populus euphratica is the only tree species that can grow here, and it is also an important afforestation tree species in the northwest and Inner Mongolia. It can effectively reduce the evaporation of water to the sun, concentrate the water in the body of the branches, and provide the power to attack the sandstorm. These valuable characteristics reflect the indomitable spirit, so the Populus euphratica is also called the symbol of the Chinese people and known as the Hero Tree.


 

The Best Time for Photography

The Populus euphratica forest is a natural landscape with strong seasonality, so the color of the leaves is related to temperature, humidity and tree age. Generally speaking, the trees turn yellow when the minimum temperature drops to around 5℃, and the trees in the drier area or the trees with younger age would turn yellow at earlier.


 

• From 10th September every year, the forest would begin to change color, and more than one-third of the forest would change color till 20th September.
   
• From 25th September to 15th October every year, the whole forest would change color, so it is the best time for tourism and photography. The beautiful view could last till 20th October in the condition of good weather.
   

Tips for Photography

Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest National Nature Reserve covers a vast area, which could be divided into eight parts. Each part owns its character, so it is better to read the details and get some tips for visit and photography.


 

• First Part is the entrance gate - M Door. It has a beautiful name, Taolai Woods. Taolai in Mongolian means the Populus euphratica.
   
• Second Part is Reflected Woods, which is located at the east bank of Black River. Walking along the riverside, you could see the reflection of the golden trees and the blue sky. It is a good place to shoot the sunrise, sunset and reflection. At night, the lights lit up in the camping area, which is a good time to take the photos of the river's reflection. If you would stay overnight at the camping area, then you could shoot the star trail.
   
• Third Part is Rose Willow Woods. There is a large scale of rose willow, while the Populus euphratica is rare. The best time for the rose willow is summer.
   
• Fourth Part is Hero Woods, which is the most concentrated area of old Populus euphratica lived for hundreds of years. Its trunk is huge, and the shape is exquisite, which seems to be the embodiment of the Torghut heroes. Here is the best place to shoot character. It lives the Mongolian herdsmen, so you would find the white sheep running in the golden forest, which shows the cozy scene of life. If you would love to take some photos with local custom, then you would not miss it.
   
• Fifth Part is The Hero Going East to Native Theme Park, where you could learn the history of the Torghut, who finished a great migration back to the motherland and created a miracle shocking the western countries.
   
• Sixth Part is the custom culture villages, where you could buy some souvenirs and rest.
   
• Seventh Part is Dream Woods. It got the name from the unique shape of the Populus euphratica here. It is a tomb for the Populus euphratica, because you could see many death and withered trees.
   
• Eighth Part is the Sand Sea Kingdom. In the kingdom, you could see that the desert and Populus euphratica forest sit together, while the golden leaves wave in the wind, and the camels cross the desert. The exotic and diverse scene makes it a holy place among the photographers.
   

Heicheng Historic Site

The ruin of Heicheng is the most complete and largest ancient city along the ancient Silk Road. It was an important military castle and garrison on the northern border of the Xixia Dynasty.

In the boundless sand and broken walls, there remain five ancient Buddha pagodas, which are the main tourism sites. Besides, the view of sunrise and sunset in the ancient city is picturesque. You could see the dead Populus euphratica in the Strange Woods. It is said the dead trees in different shapes stand for the indomitable spirit of the soldiers who fought to the death for the city.


 

Tips for Photography

1. It is recommended to visit Heicheng in the afternoon. The silhouette ruins, and the Populus euphratica would create a scene with a particular texture, magnificent and desolate.
    
2. The attraction provides the shuttle bus service between spots. It is recommended to take the bus to Heicheng Site first, after that, drive back and catch the stunning sunset view in Strange Woods.
    
3. In Heicheng Site, the best scene is the Buddha style pagodas at the corner of the broken wall.
    

Juyanhai Lake

As the estuary lake of Heihe River, Juyanhai plays a significant role in the environment in northwestern China. Under the clear blue sky, the gulls are often seen foraging in the vast reeds, which shows the harmonious beauty of nature. Standing in the oasis of the desert makes you have an illusion of being in the water town of southeastern China.

There are three observation platforms in the scenic area.
 

• No.1 platform locates in a higher position, which allows you to have a panoramic view of the whole lake.
   
• No.2 platform is a dock where you could take the ferry boat to visit the lake. And you could see the masses of reeds and lots of aquatic birds. You could walk to the No.3 platform along the plank.
   
• No.3 platform is the best place to enjoy the view of sunrise. Many photographers choose to wait here for the sunrise.

The reed marshes of Juyanhai are a spectacular scene for photography. The water seems to melt into the horizon, while the aquatic birds fly over the reed marshes. Under the environment, you could have an impressive photo with an easy click.

We hope that the tips above are attractive enough to inspire you on a trip to Ejina. Our professional consultants would be pleased to make a plan for you. Welcome to China, and welcome to Ejina.