Ejina Banner (额济纳旗) in western Inner Mongolia is home to the world's largest and best-preserved Populus euphratica (胡杨, desert poplar) forest. These ancient trees — some over 1,000 years old — survive in one of China's harshest desert environments, their deep taproots reaching groundwater far below the surface. For two weeks each October, the leaves turn from green to brilliant gold, creating a surreal landscape of golden trees against blue desert skies, red dunes, and the dark waters of the Ejina River. The cycling route follows paved roads through the Eight Bridges (八道桥) forest area, where each 'bridge' section has a different character — from dense golden canopies to sparse desert groves with dune backdrops. The route ends at the Badain Jaran Desert (巴丹吉林沙漠) edge, where golden trees meet towering sand dunes. This is a once-in-a-lifetime cycling experience — the golden poplar forest is one of China's most extraordinary natural spectacles, visible for only 2-3 weeks each year.
Moderate. The terrain is almost entirely flat on paved roads — total elevation gain is only about 100m over 60km. The challenges are: desert conditions (dry air, intense sun, temperature swings), potential wind and blowing sand, and remoteness. The route is suitable for regular cyclists with moderate fitness. October weather is ideal — 5-20°C, clear skies, low humidity. The cycling is easy physically; the challenge is the environment. Start early (7 AM) to catch the best light on the golden trees and avoid afternoon wind.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this cycling route in China.
Bike rental is extremely limited in Ejina. The town (Dalaihubu, 达来呼布镇) has one or two shops with basic mountain bikes: ¥50-80/day, ¥300 deposit. Quality is basic — inspect before accepting. Passport required. Strongly recommended: bring your own bike. Fly to Jiayuguan (JGN, 4 hours drive from Ejina) or take a train to Ejina, and bring your bike. Alternatively, rent in Jiayuguan or Alxa Left Banner (阿拉善左旗, Bayanhot) and transport the bike. Arrange rental well in advance — Ejina is a small desert town with limited infrastructure. During the October peak season, bikes may sell out.
The nearest airport is Jiayuguan Airport (JGN), 4 hours drive from Ejina. Flights from Beijing (3h), Shanghai (4h), Xi'an (2h), Lanzhou (1h). From Jiayuguan, take a long-distance bus to Ejina (额济纳): ¥80-100, 4 hours. Or fly to Alxa Left Banner Bayanhot Airport (AXF) and take a bus to Ejina: ¥100, 5 hours. During October peak season, special tourist trains and buses run from Beijing, Xi'an, and Lanzhou directly to Ejina. Book transport well in advance — Ejina is remote and October is the only busy season. The cycling starting point is Dalaihubu town (达来呼布镇, the Ejina county seat).
Start at Dalaihubu town (达来呼布镇). Cycle east on the paved forest road toward the Eight Bridges (八道桥, Badaoqiao) scenic area. The road passes through dense Populus euphratica forest for ~30km. Each 'bridge' section (一道桥 to 八道桥) offers different scenery — Second Bridge (二道桥) has the best sunset, Fourth Bridge (四道桥) has the oldest trees, Seventh Bridge (七道桥) is the quietest. At the Eighth Bridge (八道桥), the forest ends and the Badain Jaran Desert begins — dunes rise dramatically behind the last trees. Return the same way. Total: ~60km, 4-5 hours. Detour to Juyan Lake (居延海, 30km north) for a different landscape — a desert wetland with reeds and migratory birds.
Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted in Dalaihubu town. The Populus forest scenic area entrance: ¥240 (includes all eight bridge sections, valid for 3 days). Juyan Lake: ¥60. Guesthouses in Dalaihubu: ¥200-500/night in October (3x normal price — book 1 month in advance). Meals: ¥40-60/plate. Budget: ¥500-800 for a day trip, ¥1,500-2,500 for 2 days including accommodation. International credit cards not accepted. Carry ¥300-500 cash for small vendors.
English is almost nonexistent in Ejina. Dalaihubu is a small Mongolian-Chinese town. During October, some tourist-facing businesses have basic English. Useful phrases: 额济纳 (é jì nà) = Ejina; 胡杨林 (hú yáng lín) = Populus forest; 八道桥 (bā dào qiáo) = Eight Bridges; 居延海 (jū yán hǎi) = Juyan Lake; 自行车 (zì xíng chē) = bicycle; 住宿 (zhù sù) = accommodation; 胡杨 (hú yáng) = Populus euphratica. Download a translation app with offline Mandarin and Mongolian. Signage at the scenic area has some English at the entrance.
4G signal is available in Dalaihubu town and on the main forest road, but becomes weak in the deeper forest sections. Download offline maps before starting. WiFi is available at hotels and guesthouses in town (slow). Carry a power bank — GPS navigation and photography (you'll take hundreds of photos) drain battery fast. The forest road is straightforward — a single paved road from town through the eight bridges to the desert edge. Getting lost is unlikely.
Ejina Banner People's Hospital (额济纳旗人民医院): 0483-6521512. Ambulance: 120. Dalaihubu is a small town with basic medical facilities. For serious emergencies, evacuation to Jiayuguan (4 hours) or Alxa Left Banner (5 hours) is necessary. Bike repair: very limited — one shop in Dalaihubu. Carry comprehensive repair tools. If you have a mechanical failure on the forest road, tourist vehicles pass frequently during October — flag one down for help. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for this remote desert area.
Based on 234 reviews from international cyclists who have completed this route. Ratings reflect route quality, scenery, infrastructure, and overall experience.
Last verified: August 1, 2026