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Wuerhe Ghost City
Located in the northwest of the Junggar Basin, the Wuerhe (also known as Urho) region is famous for its extraordinary wind-eroded landforms. Because of the strong winds that frequently sweep through the area, this unique geological landscape is known as “Wind City.” Due to its mysterious atmosphere and the eerie sounds created by wind passing through the rock formations, it is also widely called “Ghost City.”
At night, powerful winds blow across the desert, carrying sand and causing stones to roll, producing strange sounds that resemble cries, roars, or whispers. Local Mongolian people call this place “Sulumuhak,” while Kazakh communities refer to it as “Shytirkrsi.” Both names carry the meaning of “Ghost Castle.”
Wuerhe Ghost City (Urho Wind City)
The Urho Ghost City is located about 100 kilometers northeast of Karamay City, at the foot of the Halahlat Mountains. Covering an area of approximately 30 square kilometers, this spectacular geological wonder was formed through millions of years of wind erosion and belongs geologically to the Permian period.
The landscape is shaped like a horseshoe, with a single pathway running through the area. Years of wind and weather erosion have carved the soft rock into countless unusual formations, including towering stone mushrooms, stone pillars, stone columns, natural corridors, narrow valleys, caves, and cliffs.
The strange rock formations resemble animals, birds, human figures, castles, and ancient buildings, inspiring visitors’ imagination and creating a surreal desert world. Walking through the Ghost City feels like exploring a natural sculpture museum created by wind and time.
Best Time to Visit Wuerhe Ghost City
The best time to visit is:
* August to September: Pleasant weather and ideal conditions for sightseeing.
* Sunrise and sunset: The most recommended times for photography, when golden sunlight creates dramatic shadows across the unusual rock formations.
Transportation to Wuerhe Ghost City
From Urumqi to Karamay
There are several direct buses from Urumqi to Karamay every day. Buses usually depart between around 10:00 am and 8:00 pm, with the journey taking approximately 10 hours.
From Karamay to Wuerhe Ghost City
Tourist buses operate between Karamay City and Urho Ghost City. The site is about 70 kilometers from Wuerhe Town and can be reached by shared vans or tourist buses in approximately 1.5 hours.
Recommended Xinjiang Travel Route
A popular route for travelers is:
Urumqi → Burqin → Kanas Lake → Burqin → Wuerhe Ghost City
This itinerary combines Xinjiang’s most famous landscapes, including alpine lakes, forests, grasslands, and desert geological wonders.
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