Erdaoqiao
Erdaoqiao is full of primitive features, with wide waterways, interspersed with yurts and rolling sand dunes, making it a great place for photography. The Juyan Oasis is especially not to be missed, as it is home to the largest, thickest, and oldest poplar tree in China, which is said to be the only one left after the Torghut people set fire to the forest more than 300 years ago.
The Badao Bridge Desert is part of the northern edge of the Badain Jaran Desert, the third largest desert in China. It is the junction of the Populus euphratica forest and the desert landscape. It is 23 kilometers from Dalaihubu Town to Badao Bridge, and it takes half an hour to drive from the county seat. This is an excellent place to photograph desert sunrises and sunsets, a designated camping site by the Ejina government, and a place where you can experience the desert and oasis scenery without venturing deep into the desert. Visitors can sandboard, ride camels, and see various styles of sand sculptures here. You can feel the ruggedness and magnificence of the desert, and the golden desert at sunrise and sunset is particularly stunning.
Populus euphratica is one of the earliest tree species, known as the 'living fossil' of plants. The main root of a Populus euphratica can penetrate more than a hundred meters through the strata. 'Alive for a thousand years without dying, dead for a thousand years without falling, fallen for a thousand years without decaying'—this is the life portrayal of the Populus euphratica forest. The dense Populus euphratica trees are bizarre and varied in appearance, making a stroll through the lush forest feel like entering a mythical fairyland. The thousand-year-old indestructible deadwood, the awe-inspiring life scenery, and the excellent light and shadow conditions make this a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The scenic area is located in an arid desert, so visitors should be prepared for sun protection, wind protection, and sand protection throughout the year. Bring sunglasses, headscarves, lip balm, and other items.
Juyan Lake
Juyan Lake is located in the northern part of Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It has a narrow and winding shape, resembling a crescent moon. The Ejin River flows into the lake, serving as its main water source. 'Juyan' is a Xiongnu term, translated as 'Weak Water Flowing Sands' in the 'Commentary on the Water Classic'. During the Han Dynasty, it was called Juyan Marsh, in the Wei and Jin Dynasties it was known as the Western Sea, and from the Tang Dynasty onwards it has been called Juyan Lake. It is now known as Swan Lake.
