In the vast western region of China’s Xinjiang lies a land of raw power and haunting beauty. Unlike lush oases or rolling grasslands, this place captivates travelers with its barren, windswept landscapes and mysterious rock formations. This is the Urho Ghost City—also known as Wuerhe Ghost City.
Regarded as one of the most iconic examples of Yardang landforms in China, Ghost City features dramatic rock shapes sculpted by wind over millennia. Roaring gusts howl through the stone “streets,” evoking eerie sounds that once terrified ancient travelers—like a symphony from another world.
Where Is Ghost City?
Xinjiang Ghost City is located in Urho District, Karamay City, about 100 kilometers away from the city center. It is very close to the Kanas-Sailim Lake-Yili and other northern Xinjiang loops, and is an important transit station connecting northern Xinjiang attractions.
Wuerhe Ghost City
There are also Karamay Oilfield, Baiyang River Canyon, Urho Dinosaur Museum and other attractions nearby, which are suitable for arranging a one-day or half-day tour.
Tickets & Visiting Info
- Entrance Fee: ~CNY 60 (includes sightseeing shuttle bus)
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (summer hours extended)
- Shuttle Bus: 4–5 main scenic stops with guides onboard
- Best Time for Photography: Sunrise or sunset—lighting and shadows enhance the surreal scenery
Wuerhe Ghost City
Why Is It Called “Ghost City”?
There are no actual ghosts here. The name comes from the howling winds that blow through the formations year-round. At night, the wind whistles through the canyons, combined with the grinding of sand and rocks, creating sounds that once scared passing nomads and explorers.
Many rock formations resemble castles, walls, or beasts, as if the city were abandoned by a long-lost civilization.
Wuerhe Ghost City
What to See in Ghost City?
The highlight is the massive Yardang landscape—formed over millions of years by wind and water erosion. Key landmarks include:
- “Pyramid Rocks”: Layered and majestic, resembling ancient Egyptian temples
- “Sphinx Rock”: A giant boulder subtly shaped like a human face
- “Fleet of Warships”: Stones lined up like a naval formation
- “General’s Mansion”: A striking array of rocks evoking a powerful kingdom
- Dinosaur Fossils: The Urho area has rich paleontological sites for geology lovers
Suggested Travel Routes
1.By Car (Recommended)
- Route: Karamay → Ghost City (~1.5 hours)
- Extend your journey to Burqin and Kanas on the Northern Xinjiang loop
2.Group Tours / Private Hire
- Most Northern Xinjiang tour packages include a 1–2 hour visit to Ghost City
- Charter cars are available from Urumqi or Karamay
3.Public Transportatio
Some long-distance buses from Urumqi stop at Urho, but schedules are limited and slow
Photography Tips
- Scenic Spot No. 3: Best viewpoint for sunset and dramatic shadows
- “Devil’s Gate” Rock: Iconic spot—don’t miss it
- Camera Gear: Wide-angle lens or drone recommended to capture vast landscapes
- Clothing: Bright or dark colors contrast beautifully with the earthy background
Yadan Wonderland Ghost City at sunset
Travel Tips
- Wind & Dust: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, masks, and headscarves
- Stay Hydrated: No shops inside the scenic area—carry your own water
- Wind Safety: Sudden gusts are common—hold onto hats and loose items
- Safety First: Do not climb on rocks or wander off marked paths
- Where to Stay: Urho Town (budget options) or return to Karamay city for more choices
Wuerhe Ghost City
Why You Should Visit Ghost City？
- The only scenic spot in Xinjiang named after the sound of wind
- Known as “China’s most stunning Yadan landform”
- Photos are like a blockbuster, comparable to the scene of a western sci-fi movie
- A quieter, more primitive, more unique experience, away from the commercial crowd
If you’re tired of crowded tourist sites and cookie-cutter photo ops, a journey to Ghost City offers something raw, primal, and deeply moving. There’s a quiet power here—where the wind carves stone, and time leaves whispers in the earth.
Climb the observation deck at sunset and watch golden light pour over the stone “walls” and “fortresses,” like a scene from a fantasy epic. Or lie beneath a star-filled sky and feel the ancient heartbeat of this land beneath your feet.
Ghost City deserves a journey of its own.You may not stay long, but the awe and wonder it inspires will stay with you forever.
