Gansu Travel｜At Duobagou in Aksai, Encounter the Stunning Populus Euphratica

Starting from Dunhuang, drive along the G3011 Expressway towards Aksai. The scenery gradually changes from urban landscapes to vast Gobi desert, reminding us that we have entered the true wilderness of Northwest China. What awaits us is the hidden golden canyon of Gansu: 🌲 Water-side Populus Euphratica: The most amazing sight in Duobagou is the Populus euphratica trees growing by the streams. The valley has perennial flowing water, and because it is deep and long like a canyon, many poplar trees grow naturally along the banks, hence it is called "Populus Euphratica Canyon." In the golden autumn, the leaves turn bright yellow, shining with golden light under the sun. These poplars not only grow at the valley bottom but also stubbornly root on sandy cliffs and dunes, showing their strong vitality. 🎬 Film and TV Base: The desolate beauty of the filming location As a filming site for TV dramas and movies such as "Eastern Palace," "Dragon Blade," "Fighter of the Destiny," and "Lost Love in Times," Populus Euphratica Canyon preserves many shooting scenes. At the "Eastern Palace" filming site, we saw the ruins of the Dan Chi King's tent and the wedding square. Standing under the ancient poplar trees or strolling through the reed marshes, you can easily capture photos full of storytelling. On the east side of the canyon is the "Duobagou Agricultural Ruins"—remnants of some low houses and an orchard. Standing here, looking up, you can see the Han Dynasty beacon tower on the mountaintop, quietly sitting like an old guardian of the homeland, silent and still. 🎨 Visual Feast: Populus Euphratica Canyon is not just about poplars; it also combines desert, canyon, streams, and other landscapes. 1️⃣ Golden Corridor: A 30-kilometer stretch of native poplar forest in the scenic area turns into a golden corridor in autumn. 2️⃣ Desert Eye: Naturally formed concentric sand dunes, an excellent spot for aerial photography. 3️⃣ Ink-wash Danxia: The canyon surroundings feature unique Danxia landforms and the "Black Dushan," resembling an ink-wash painting. The black mountain body contrasts sharply with the golden poplars. 4️⃣ Duobagou Reservoir: The emerald water and golden poplars complement each other, making it a perfect place to shoot sunsets. On the way back, I couldn't help but recall the local description of the poplar—"Alive for a thousand years without dying, dead for a thousand years without falling, fallen for a thousand years without decaying." The poplars growing tenaciously in this extreme environment are not only a beautiful scenery but also a symbol of spirit.