Imagine a city of towering sandcastles and stone spires floating on the edge of a pristine lake. That’s what you encounter at the Yardang landform, a five-kilometer stretch along the eastern bank of Ulungur Lake in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Sculpted by wind and time, this geological masterpiece looks like a ghost city emerging from the desert.
Yardangs form when strong winds erode softer sediments, carving out ridges and hollows that resemble urban skylines. Viewed from across Ulungur Lake, the sun’s rays turn these formations into a golden silhouette, creating an otherworldly panorama that feels straight out of a fantasy novel.
Insights & Tips
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild and the skies are clear.
- Getting there: Fly into Ürümqi, then take a 4-hour drive north to Ulungur Lake. Local guides can arrange 4×4 access to the eastern shore.
- What to pack: Sun protection, plenty of water, and a wide-angle lens to capture the full sweep of the landform.
Whether you’re a photographer chasing epic landscapes or a digital nomad seeking a unique work backdrop, the Yardang landform delivers a blend of adventure and serenity. Its stark beauty reminds us how forces of nature can create art on a grand scale.
Have you explored remote wonders like this on your travels? Share your stories in the comments below!
Reference(s):
A vibrant ghost city on the sea—Yardang landform in Xinjiang
cgtn.com
