Hami Devil City, also known as Wubao Devil City (Yardang Scenic Tourism Area), is located south of Wubao Township, Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, about 90 kilometers away from Hami City. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers an area of about 3,000 hectares and is a typical Yardang landform landscape formed by long-term wind erosion. The region extends about 400 kilometers from Camel Peak in the east to Shaerhu Shisanjianfang in the west, with a width of 5-10 kilometers. The city features landscapes resembling castles, palaces, pagodas, steles, figures, and birds, as well as steep cliffs, the agate, petrified wood, plant fossils, fish fossils, bird fossils, etc.
History and Culture
The Aisi Ka Xiaer Ancient Castle Ruins are speculated to be a post station on the Ancient Silk Road or a military outpost of the Hami Dynasty, with a history dating back to the Bronze Age, more than 3,000 years ago, and continuing from the Han and Tang Dynasties to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The dangerous situation of "Moheyan Desert" described by Monk Xuanzang in Great Tang Records on the Western Regions may include the area of Devil City, stating that "at night, demons hold fires, and during the day, strong winds blow sand." In the Aisi Ka Xiaer Tomb Cluster excavated in 2001, cultural relics from the Bronze Age to the Han and Tang Dynasties were discovered, including the "Blonde Woman" mummy (Eurasian race).
Main Attractions
East City
Main attractions include the Ancient Castle, Goddess Peak, Thousand Buddha Mountain, Fangta Mountain, and Colorful Stone Beach. The ancient castle here has a unique shape, as if allowing people to travel back in time and feel the prosperity of the past. Goddess Peak is gracefully shaped, just like a slim and elegant woman telling ancient stories in the Gobi.
South City
Main scenic areas include Golden Granary, Sphinx, Jinling Stone Tiger, Turtle Shell Beam, and Primitive Euphrates Poplar Forest. The rocks at the Golden Granary attraction are shaped like granaries filled with grain, symbolizing a good harvest. The Sphinx has a mysterious atmosphere, reminiscent of the mysterious culture of ancient Egypt.
West City
Main scenic areas include Tianmen Cave, Flying Together, Twin Tower Peak, Stone Mushroom Beach, Wind God, Longing for Home, and Potala Palace. Tianmen Cave is like a gate to another world, giving a mysterious feeling. The two rocks of Flying Together are like two birds spreading their wings, symbolizing beautiful love.
North City
Main scenic areas include Hanhai God Turtle, Two-headed Horse, Aisi Ka Xiaer Ancient City, and Red Willow Beach. The Hanhai God Turtle is like a huge god turtle swimming in the sea, lifelike. The Two-headed Horse has a unique shape, making people marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature.
Food
Gobi Roast Whole Lamb
Needs to be reserved 6 hours in advance, grilled on the Gobi with red willow branches, priced at 180 yuan/kg. The roasted lamb is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, full of aroma, and full of rich Gobi flavor.
Hami Melon Dried Pilaf
A specialty of "Aili Restaurant" in Wubao Town, with a sweet and salty blend, 25 yuan per serving. The unique combination makes the pilaf both fragrant and glutinous with the sweetness of Hami melon dried.
Apocynum Tea
A plant tea made from wild Apocynum in the Gobi, with the effect of clearing heat and reducing fire, 10 yuan/cup at the scenic area entrance. It has a fresh and fragrant taste and is an excellent product for quenching thirst and relieving summer heat.
Tickets
The ticket price is 50 yuan/person. Subject to the actual price of the scenic area. As of May 31, 2025, no official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours
08:00-20:00 every day. Subject to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Route
Tourists can start the tour from East City, admiring attractions such as the Ancient Castle and Goddess Peak, feeling their simplicity and mystery; then go to South City to visit Golden Granary, Sphinx, etc., to appreciate the unique landform landscape; then come to West City to explore the wonders of Tianmen Cave, Flying Together and other attractions; finally, go to North City to watch Hanhai God Turtle, Two-headed Horse, etc., to complete this trip. The whole journey can take the scenic area sightseeing bus, which is convenient and fast.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Start from Hami City and drive about 90 kilometers along the provincial road to reach the scenic area. The road condition is good, and the scenery along the way is beautiful.
- Tourist bus: There are tourist buses from Hami City to Hami Devil City, which are convenient for tourists. For specific departure times and fares, please consult the local tourist bus station.
Must-visit Attractions
- Aisi Ka Xiaer Ancient Post Station: With a history of more than 3,000 years, it is an important site of the Ancient Silk Road, allowing people to feel the vicissitudes of history.
- Han Hai God Turtle: Realistic in shape, like a god turtle coming out of the sea, a masterpiece of nature, with extremely high ornamental value.
- Potala Palace-shaped Rock: Its shape is very similar to the Potala Palace, looking particularly spectacular in the Gobi, making people marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to visit on a sunny day to better appreciate the unique landscape of the Yardang landform.
- Prepare sunscreen products such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats, as the sunlight in the Gobi area is strong.
- You can choose to take the scenic area sightseeing bus, which can not only easily visit each attraction but also listen to the guide explain relevant knowledge.
Notes
- The wind and sand in the scenic area are strong. Pay attention to protecting your eyes, nose, and mouth. You can carry masks and scarves.
- Do not leave the designated tour route at will to avoid getting lost in the vast Gobi.
- Respect the local customs and culture, and do not damage the cultural relics and natural landscapes in the scenic area.