World Devil City: Xinjiang’s Wind-Carved Landscape of Stone and Shadow
Deep in the Gobi Desert of northern Xinjiang, about 100 kilometers from Karamay, lies a landscape so surreal, so otherworldly, that locals once believed it was haunted. World Devil City (世界魔鬼城, also known as Guishi 乌尔禾风城) is a vast area of wind-eroded rock formations (Yardang landscape) that stretch as far as the eye can see — a maze of sandstone pillars, arches, and ridges sculpted over millions of years by the relentless wind.
The name “Devil City” comes from the sound the wind makes as it whistles through the rock formations — a haunting, wailing noise that early travelers swore was the work of spirits. Today, it is one of Xinjiang‘s most photogenic destinations, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and a must-visit for anyone interested in geology, landscape photography, or simply witnessing one of nature’s most extraordinary sculptures.
This guide covers everything you need to know to visit World Devil City: how to get there, what to see, when to go, and photography tips for capturing this surreal landscape.
What Is World Devil City?
World Devil City is a Yardang landscape — a geological formation created by wind erosion. Over millions of years, the strong winds of the Gobi Desert have carved the soft sandstone into:
- Pillars and towers — some as tall as 20 meters
- Arches and bridges — natural rock arches formed by differential erosion
- Ridges and valleys — winding channels where the wind has cut deep paths
- Mushroom rocks — formations where the top is wider than the base
The formations are made of reddish-brown sandstone and conglomerate, giving the entire landscape a warm, earthy color that glows spectacularly at sunrise and sunset.
Quick Facts
- Location: Urhol District, Karamay City (100km from Karamay)
- Size: Approximately 10 km north-south, 5 km east-west
- Entrance fee: ¥98 (includes shuttle bus)
- Best time to visit: May-October
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
How to Get to World Devil City
From Karamay
Karamay is the nearest city (100km away). You can:
- Join a day tour from Karamay or Urumqi (most convenient)
- Take a bus from Karamay to Urhol (¥25), then a taxi to Devil City (¥30)
- Rent a car — the drive from Karamay takes about 1.5 hours on good roads
From Urumqi
World Devil City is often visited as part of a northern Xinjiang loop (Urumqi → Karamay → Burqin → Kanas). The drive from Urumqi takes about 5-6 hours. Most travelers spend the night in Karamay or Burqin.
What to See in World Devil City
The Scenic Shuttle Route
Visitors take a shuttle bus that stops at 7 designated viewpoints along a 20km loop. Each stop offers a different perspective on the formations:
- Stop 1: Gate Area — The entrance, with a dramatic rock arch
- Stop 2: Dragon Palace (龙门) — Rock formations that resemble a Chinese palace gate
- Stop 3: The Great Wall — A long ridge that looks like a ruined wall
- Stop 4: World Heritage Viewpoint — Panoramic view of the entire formation field
- Stop 5: Devil’s Tower — The tallest formation, spectacular at sunset
- Stop 6: Stone Bird — A rock formation that resembles a bird
- Stop 7: The Movie Set — A reconstructed ancient city (used in Chinese films)
When to Visit World Devil City
Best Season: May-October
Summer (June-August) is hot (35-40°C) but the light is excellent for photography. September-October is ideal: cooler temperatures (15-25°C) and dramatic skies.
Best Time of Day: Golden Hour
The landscape is at its most spectacular 1 hour before sunset. The warm light makes the red sandstone glow, and the long shadows accentuate the textures of the rock formations. Sunrise is also excellent.
Avoid: Midday in Summer
The light is harsh, the heat is intense, and there is almost no shade. If you must visit midday, bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Photography Tips for World Devil City
- Use a wide-angle lens (14-24mm) to capture the scale of the formations
- Shoot during golden hour — the warm light on red sandstone is magic
- Include a person for scale — the formations are massive, and a person helps convey the size
- Use a polarizing filter — it deepens the blue sky and reduces glare on the rock surfaces
- Look for patterns — the wind-created ripples in the sandstone make excellent abstract compositions
Where to Stay Near World Devil City
There is no accommodation inside the scenic area. Options nearby:
- Karamay City (100km) — Best option, with all standards of hotels
- Urhol District (30km) — Basic guesthouses and small hotels
- Burqin (200km) — If you are doing the northern loop, stay in Burqin and visit Devil City en route
Practical Tips
- Wind: It is called “Devil City” for a reason — the wind can be extremely strong. Bring a windbreaker.
- Water: There is almost no shade and it is easy to get dehydrated. Carry at least 1L of water per person.
- Sun protection: The sun is intense. Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
- Tickets: Buy at the gate or online. The shuttle bus is mandatory (you cannot walk the full loop).
What to Combine with World Devil City
- Karamay Oil Field — The “Black Oil” city is an interesting industrial visit
- Karamay Museum — Learn about the region’s geology and oil history
- Brown Bear Spring (Heiyou Springs) — A small natural spring near Karamay
Conclusion
World Devil City is one of those places that photos cannot fully capture. You have to stand among the towers of red sandstone, listening to the wind whistle through the arches, to understand why this landscape has captivated travelers for centuries. It is surreal, haunting, and deeply beautiful — a testament to the patient power of wind and time.
Whether you are a landscape photographer, a geology enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, World Devil City deserves a place on your Xinjiang itinerary. Just make sure you time your visit for golden hour — that is when the devils really come out to play.
