Amongst the vast realm of bloggers, perchance I am the laziest. However, today, I shall shatter this "lazy" label and invite thee to venture into the forgotten splendors of Alxa Ejina Banner in November of yesteryear, as we explore the landscapes lost in time.
In the bygone November, I embarked upon a journey to Alxa Ejina Banner, with but one purpose: to behold the beauty of the Populus euphratica. This was no ordinary expedition, but a quest for the essence of nature's allure. I beheld nearly every vista of the Populus euphratica forest, from vast expanses cloaked in golden hues to solitary trees standing amidst the desert sands. From the break of dawn to the descent of dusk, and even under the starry night sky, I immersed myself in the tales woven by these forests. Some Populus euphratica forests shimmered like nature's hidden treasures under the radiant sun, while others remained concealed within the desert, known solely to those intrepid souls who truly embrace the spirit of exploration. With my camera, I captured these fleeting moments, yearning to share them with thee.
When I found myself amidst the vast expanse of golden Populus euphratica forest, words failed to encapsulate the overwhelming awe that engulfed me.
As the autumn breeze swept through, golden leaves blanketed the ground, and sunlight filtered through sparse branches, casting dappled shadows. It felt as though I had stepped into a dream woven from strands of pure gold.
Yet, this was merely a fragment of my journey, for I also ventured into one of the largest deserts in the Alxa region, the magnificent Badain Jaran Desert. Here, I explored one desert oasis after another, like pearls adorning the barren landscape, infusing this realm of stillness with vitality and hope.
Walking upon the steep sand dunes proved to be a challenge, with each step sinking deep into the soft grains, yet it also brought an unparalleled sense of exhilaration. Driving through the undulating sand hills, traversing the boundless sea of sand, I experienced a freedom and vastness rarely found in the confines of urban life.
Though I may be deemed one of the laziest bloggers in the vast expanse of the internet, I still yearn to share this beauty with all of you. The Populus euphratica of Alxa Ejina Banner, whether in its golden forest or as solitary sentinels, bestows upon us a precious treasure gifted by nature. May this belated account of mine bring solace to your souls and ignite a longing for the wonders of nature.
In November, the Ejina region embraced tranquility and serenity, devoid of the bustling crowds that flooded during the golden week of October. This lent an air of peacefulness to the entire journey. Without the throngs of people that typically accompany the peak season, I could leisurely stroll through the scenic areas without the worry of being overwhelmed.
At Jiayuguan Airport, I rented a car for a mere 800 yuan for a duration of seven days. For someone seeking the freedom of exploration, this was undoubtedly good news. The decision to rent a car was validated upon my return, as when I tallied up all the expenses - the rental fee, fuel costs, and toll fees - the total amounted to a mere 1500 yuan. Compared to joining a tour group or hiring a private car, self-driving not only proved to be more cost-effective but also offered a greater degree of freedom.
With this mode of travel, I could plan each day's itinerary according to my own interests and pace. If I desired to linger a little longer in a particular place, I could do so without any concerns. Should I wish to make spontaneous changes to my plans, there were no obstacles. Self-driving granted me complete control over my time and route.
Furthermore, the off-peak ticket prices were another highlight. With fewer tourists, many attractions offered discounted entrance fees. The prices for accommodations in the vicinity also returned to a more reasonable range. I recall that two years ago, a small inn would cost around 1,500 to 1,600 yuan per night. However, this time, I stayed in a hotel equipped with smart home technology, and a standard room was only 300 yuan per night. During the peak season, this budget would only cover a single night's stay, but during the off-peak season, it allowed for a week-long stay.
This 7-day itinerary, including round-trip airfare, amounted to an average of 5,000 yuan per person. Starting from Jiayuguan, we journeyed through Ejina and eventually returned to Jiayuguan to catch a flight back to Hangzhou. Throughout the entire journey, I not only savored the local delicacies but also made diligent efforts to capture the scenery along the way.
On the penultimate day of our journey, an unexpected incident occurred as we were returning from Ejina Banner to Jiayuguan. Due to underestimating our fuel consumption, we came perilously close to running out of gas on a remote road, forcing us to wait for rescue. During that 200-kilometer stretch, I drove with utmost caution, hesitant to press the accelerator too firmly. I watched in dismay as the remaining mileage on the dashboard plummeted from 300 kilometers to a mere 90 kilometers. Ahead of us stretched an endless road, flanked by desolate and uninhabited areas, with no sign of a gas station in sight.
Fortunately, perhaps by some stroke of fate, just as the fuel warning light illuminated and the dashboard displayed a mere 30 kilometers of range left, we finally arrived at a gas station. Until that very moment, images of waiting for rescue had incessantly haunted my mind. In this desolate land, if we had to wait for rescue, it would likely have been delayed until the following day. With the nighttime temperatures dropping, despite having ample food and water in the car, the safety risks were not to be ignored. This experience served as a reminder that in future travel plans, it is imperative to ensure a full tank of gas before setting off, guaranteeing a safe and smooth journey.
Ejina, a place brimming with mystery and history, where ancient ruins like the Black City coexist with the magnificent Populus euphratica forest in the vast desert, and where the Ceke Port stands adjacent to Mongolia. However, on this journey, what left the most indelible impression on me was the sunrise I witnessed at JuYan Lake.
Initially, I had no plans to visit JuYan Lake. But while in Jiayuguan, I chanced upon a captivating description of the sunrise at JuYan Lake, and my curiosity impelled me to include it in my itinerary. And as it turned out, this impromptu decision was absolutely right.
I set off before dawn, when the sky was still dark. The temperature was incredibly low, prompting me to don a thick down jacket and cotton gloves. Yet, the biting cold wind managed to pierce through my clothing.
Whenever I reminisce about that sunrise, a warm current surges within my heart, fueled by a profound love for life and a deep reverence for nature.
Amidst this breathtaking scenery, there resides a special group of inhabitants - the red-billed gulls. They make their home near JuYan Lake, seemingly accustomed to the constant stream of visitors. As the day approaches dawn, they take to the skies with unrestrained flight, calling out as if to herald the imminent rise of the sun.
These red-billed gulls are remarkably sociable, as if they possess an innate knowledge of when the sun will emerge, sensing the arrival of the sunrise even before us. Their calls and graceful flight add a vibrant touch to this beautiful sunrise, painting it with vivid hues.
In the vast land of Inner Mongolia, each place has its own unique local customs and food culture. From the edge of the desert in Ejina Banner, I embarked on a journey back to Jiayuguan. The scenery along the way is like a changeable picture scroll, and I am also looking for the delicious food that can soothe the soul and stomach during this journey. Ejina, a mysterious and remote name, is famous for its spectacular Populus euphratica forest and vast desert. However, for food lovers, the dining options here are really limited. For me, a traveler who has galloped on the Hulun Buir prairie for more than half a year, the taste of beef, mutton and stir-fried restaurants in Ejina is really unsatisfactory. Hulunbuir's cuisine is famous for its delicious meat and rich cooking techniques. The mutton there is tender and juicy, whether it is roast leg of mutton or hand-grabbed meat, you can feel the heroism and simplicity of the grassland. In contrast, Ejina's meat products are somewhat monotonous and lack memorable flavor. However, the journey is always full of surprises. When I returned to Jiayuguan, this ancient city not only attracted me with its magnificent ruins of the Great Wall, but also made me stop with its unique Internet celebrity food. Jiayuguan's cuisine combines the essence of Gansu, Shaanxi and other places to form its own unique flavor.
I followed the recommendation of Little Red Book and found a famous local barbecue restaurant. I ordered the dishes recommended by Meituan. It was really an unexpected harvest. It was so delicious. Each skewer of meat is carefully marinated and then slowly grilled over a charcoal fire until the skin is golden and crisp and the inside is tender and juicy. Mutton kebab meat is delicious, without a trace of smell, under the influence of charcoal fire, emitting an attractive aroma, each mouthful is the ultimate tease to the taste buds. And the secret roast lamb liver is pickled with the shop's unique sauce, which melts in the mouth and has endless aftertaste.
In the streets and lanes of Jiayuguan, I also tried all kinds of barbecues and snacks. Each of them has strong local characteristics and experiences different customs.
Food, for me, is like a lighthouse in travel, giving me warmth and strength when I am tired.
Within this travelogue, I have showcased the sights of the Populus euphratica forests, including the Jinta Populus euphratica Forest in Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, the Populus euphratica Forest in Ejina Banner, Alxa League, and the Populus euphratica Forest at the Heicheng Ruins in Ejina Banner. Along the way, I captured numerous landscapes, but due to the vast number of photographs, not all of them could be included in this travelogue. This includes content related to the Heishan Lake Reservoir in Jiayuguan City, Gansu Province. For those who desire more, please follow me as I will continue to update my blog with these photos.
Well, I have finally completed the compilation of my journey in Ejina. Looking forward to the next encounter.
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