Crossing deserts, canyons, and streams, the secret Jiangnan of Northwest China

🌄 Embark on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, but don’t just focus on the popular spots! The Duobagou Populus Euphratica Canyon hidden in Aksai is the treasure secret you must unlock this autumn. Here, desert, canyon, streams, and golden poplars blend together. Every autumn, the entire canyon transforms into a 30-kilometer-long golden corridor, magnificent and serene. 🚗 Transportation Guide 🛣 Self-driving route: Depart from Dunhuang, take the G3011 Expressway towards Aksai, about a 3-hour drive. 🚙 From Aksai County to the scenic area is about 90 kilometers, but most of the road passes through uninhabited areas, with narrow lanes and occasional camels crossing, so drive steadily and slowly. ⚠ Important reminder: Mobile signals are very weak or even nonexistent on the way to and inside the scenic area. Be sure to download offline maps in advance and agree on meeting points with your companions. 🚗 Vehicles entering the scenic area must follow designated routes. Non-4WD vehicles should not easily enter the desert interior to avoid getting stuck. 🎫 Ticket Information 🎟 Tickets: Adult tickets are 20 RMB per person; children, students, and seniors aged 60-69 with valid ID enjoy half price at 10 RMB per person. 🚘 Other fees: Vehicles entering require an additional 50 RMB per vehicle, or you can choose to take a sightseeing bus for 20 RMB per person. 🆓 Free admission policy: Children under 1.2 meters, seniors aged 70 and above, active military personnel, and disabled persons with valid ID enjoy free admission. 📸 Must-visit Attractions 🌳 Golden Corridor: A 30-kilometer-long native poplar forest inside the scenic area that turns into a golden corridor in autumn. At sunrise, sunlight on the poplars looks like they are gilded with gold leaf, breathtakingly beautiful. 🎬 East Palace Filming Location: This is the filming site of the TV drama East Palace, where you can find the Dan Chi King’s tent location and easily get photos like Xiao Feng’s, feeling the romance and desolation from the drama. 🏞 Duobagou Reservoir: The emerald water and golden poplars complement each other, creating a stunning picture, an excellent spot for sunset photography. 👁 Desert Eye: Naturally formed concentric sand dunes, a perfect aerial photography spot with unique terrain that makes you feel like you’re on another planet. 💡 Practical Tips 🍂 Best time to visit: September to October is the most beautiful season in Populus Euphratica Canyon, as the poplars gradually turn from green to golden yellow, weaving a colorful picture with red willows, reeds, and other plants. 🔥 Safety precautions: Open flames such as barbecues, bonfires, and fireworks are strictly prohibited in the scenic area. 🧥 Gear recommendations: The northwest region has large temperature differences between day and night; it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket. When hiking the Gobi Desert, prepare enough water and sun protection.