Plan at a glance
Understand the scenic area's boundaries
Black City Ruoshui Poplar Forest Scenic Area (黑城弱水胡杨风景区) includes Ruoshui Poplar Forest, the reconstructed Black Water New City (复建黑水新城), and Guaishulin (怪树林). The actual Khara-Khoto Ruins (黑水城遗址) are a separate destination; use that name in your navigation app if you plan to visit the ruins.
Allow time for all three areas
Allow at least half a day if you want to visit Ruoshui Poplar Forest, the new town, and Guaishulin. Shuttle connections, walking, and sunset timing all affect the pace, so plan the final stop around the last return service.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Ruoshui Poplar Forest
This area is known for living poplars and waterside scenery. Which areas are open depends on the day's visitor route. Water reflections and leaf color vary with the weather and season, so neither is guaranteed to look like a particular photo.
Reconstructed Black Water New City
Black Water New City is a recreated, old-style town within the scenic area. It helps show the difference between a reconstructed attraction and the historic ruins. Check the day's notice for access to the city wall and any performances. Treat it as a stop along the way rather than planning your visit around a particular show.
Sunset at Guaishulin
Guaishulin, or the Strange Forest (怪树林), is known for its weathered, dead poplar trees. Their twisted trunks and branches form striking silhouettes around sunset. Before visiting, find out the current opening hours, the exit for the one-way path, and return transport. Leave as directed by staff before closing; do not stay beyond the permitted time to take more photos.
Keep it separate from the actual Khara-Khoto Ruins
The reconstructed new city and the historic ruins are separate stops; allow time for the transfer if visiting both.
For the separate East Area route from Bridge One to Bridge Eight, see Ejina Poplar Forest Scenic Area.
Build your day
A sunset route through the whole scenic area
If transport allows a continuous visit that day, start at the main entrance with Ruoshui Poplar Forest, continue to Black Water New City, and finish at Guaishulin. For sunset, work backward from the day's sunset time and allow a buffer for drop-offs and walking through the grove.
At the new town, check whether Guaishulin has direct shuttle service that day; if not, plan for the available transfer and adjust the stop order.
Visit Guaishulin only
If you're visiting only Guaishulin, first check whether a direct shuttle runs from the main entrance. If a transfer is needed, follow the day's transport route. Once there, take the open one-way path and return from the designated exit, allowing enough time for the last shuttle.
Plan your return
It gets dark quickly after sunset. Agree on the pick-up point with your driver and leave enough time to exit before closing. If you arrive late or walk slowly, shorten earlier stops rather than cutting into the return time.
Get there
From Dalaihubu Town
The scenic area is southwest of Dalaihubu Town. If driving, navigate to the main entrance of “黑城弱水胡杨风景区” and check road conditions for your date.
You can book a chartered car or shared ride from town. It may be difficult to find a ride nearby after sunset, so agree on your expected departure time, pick-up entrance, waiting arrangements, and round-trip fare before you go.
Transfers inside the scenic area
After entering, use the day's transport map to find boarding points and transfers between Ruoshui Poplar Forest, the new town, and Guaishulin. Ticket types vary in whether they include shuttle service, and a direct service between all three areas may not run.
Know before you go
Check tickets and operating arrangements
Ticket types, reservations, re-entry, and discounts can change by season. Check current ticket options for open areas and included shuttle service, then use the day's transport timetable to confirm stops and the last departure.
The actual Khara-Khoto Ruins have a separate ticket destination; rely on a combined product only if the current ticket options explicitly list both.
Walking and weather
Some sections at Guaishulin are sandy, and the path is long and one-way. Bring water and wind protection, and wear shoes suitable for walking on sand. If anyone in your group is older, is a child, or may have difficulty with a long walk, ask about the route and shuttle options before entering.
Autumn leaf color depends on the weather, and the foliage at Ruoshui may change at a different time from the East Area in Ejina. Check conditions close to your visit and avoid relying on a fixed date or a particular photo effect.
Food and drink
Restaurants and shops in the new town may not always be open. Bring water and a simple snack, then plan a full meal back in Dalaihubu Town after your visit.