Hami Devil's City, also known as Wubao Devil's City (Yardang Scenic Area), is located south of Wubao Township in Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, about 90 kilometers from Hami City. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers about 3,000 hectares and is a typical yardang landform landscape formed by long-term wind erosion. The area extends from Camel Peak in the east to Sh'erhu Shisanjianfang in the west, stretching about 400 kilometers and 5–10 kilometers wide. Inside, there are landscapes resembling castles, halls, Buddhist pagodas, steles, figures, birds, and beasts, as well as steep cliffs, along with agate, silicified wood, plant fossils, fish fossils, bird fossils, and more.
History and Culture
The Aisikaixia'er Ancient Fortress site is presumed to have been a post station on the ancient Silk Road or a military outpost of the Hami Kingdom. Its history of use can be traced back to the Bronze Age, more than 3,000 years ago, and it continued through the Han, Tang, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The dangerous "Mohe Yanqi" described by Master Xuanzang in the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions may have included the area around Devil's City, where he wrote that "at night, demons and spirits light fires; by day, fierce winds drive the sand." In the Aisikexia'er tomb complex excavated in 2001, artifacts from the Bronze Age to the Han and Tang periods were discovered, including the "Golden-Haired Lady" mummy (of Europoid type).
Main Attractions
East City
The main attractions include the Ancient Castle, Goddess Peak, Thousand Buddha Mountain, Square Pagoda Mountain, and Colorful Stone Beach. The ancient castle here has a unique shape, as if allowing people to travel back to ancient times and feel its former prosperity. Goddess Peak is gracefully shaped, like a slender standing woman telling ancient stories in the desert.
South City
The main scenic spots include Golden Granary, Sphinx, Jinling Stone Tiger, Turtle-Shell Ridge, and Primeval Poplar Forest. The rocks at Golden Granary resemble granaries filled with grain, symbolizing harvest. The Sphinx has a mysterious air, making people think of the mysterious culture of ancient Egypt.
West City
The main scenic spots include Heaven's Gate Cave, Flying Side by Side, Twin Pagoda Peaks, Mushroom Stone Beach, Wind God, Longing for Return, and Potala Palace. Heaven's Gate Cave is like a gate to another world, giving a mysterious feeling. The two rocks of Flying Side by Side are like two birds spreading their wings and soaring, symbolizing beautiful love.
North City
The main scenic spots include the Vast Sea Divine Turtle, Two-Headed Horse, Aisikaixia'er Ancient City, and Red Willow Beach. The Vast Sea Divine Turtle looks like a giant divine turtle swimming in the sea, vividly lifelike. The Two-Headed Horse has a unique shape, making people marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature.
Food
Gobi Roast Whole Lamb
Must be ordered 6 hours in advance. It is roasted over red willow branches on the Gobi Desert and costs 180 yuan/kg. The roasted lamb is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, full of aroma and rich Gobi flavor.
Hami Melon Dried Pilaf
It is a specialty of "Aili Restaurant" in Wubao Town, with a blend of sweet and savory flavors, 25 yuan per serving. The unique combination gives the pilaf both the fragrance and softness of rice and the sweetness of Hami melon dried fruit.
Luobuma Tea
A plant tea made from wild Gobi Luobuma, with the effect of clearing heat and reducing internal heat. It costs 10 yuan per cup at the scenic area entrance. It tastes light and fragrant, making it a good choice for quenching thirst and relieving heat.
Tickets：
The ticket price is 50 yuan/person. Subject to the actual price of the scenic area. As of 2025-05-31, no official WeChat public account was found.
Opening Hours：
Daily 08:00–20:00. Subject to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Route：
Visitors can first start touring from East City, enjoying attractions such as the Ancient Castle and Goddess Peak, and experiencing their simplicity and mystery; then go to South City to visit Golden Granary, Sphinx, and other sites, and appreciate the unique landform landscapes; then come to West City to explore the wonders of attractions such as Heaven's Gate Cave and Flying Side by Side; finally go to North City to see the Vast Sea Divine Turtle, Two-Headed Horse, and others, bringing the trip to a successful conclusion. Throughout the journey, visitors can take the scenic area shuttle bus for convenience and speed.
Transportation：
Self-driving: From Hami City, drive about 90 kilometers along the provincial road to reach the scenic area. The road conditions are good, and the scenery along the way is beautiful.
Tourist bus: There are tourist buses from Hami City to Hami Devil's City, making travel convenient for tourists. Specific departure times and ticket prices can be inquired at the local tourist passenger transport station.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Aisikaixia'er Ancient Post Station: With a history of more than 3,000 years, it is an important site on the ancient Silk Road, allowing people to feel the vicissitudes of history.
Vast Sea Divine Turtle: Its shape is lifelike, like a divine turtle emerging from the sea. It is a masterpiece of nature and has high ornamental value.
Potala Palace-Shaped Rock Formation: Its appearance closely resembles the Potala Palace and looks especially magnificent in the Gobi, making people marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature.
Travel Suggestions：
It is recommended to visit when the weather is clear, so that you can better appreciate the peculiar landscapes of the yardang landform.
Prepare sun protection items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat, because the sunlight in the Gobi area is strong.
You can choose to take the scenic area shuttle bus, which not only makes it easier to visit all the attractions but also allows you to listen to the guide's explanations of related knowledge.
Precautions：
The scenic area has strong wind and sand, so protect your eyes and mouth and nose. You may carry a mask and gauze scarf.
Do not leave the designated tour route at will, so as not to get lost in the vast Gobi.
Respect local customs and culture, and do not damage the cultural relics and natural landscapes in the scenic area.