Live Your Best Lives
Nanbaxian Devil City is known for its unique rock formations, often likened to a natural “devil's city.” The most recommended activity is exploring these surreal, towering rocks while hiking or walking through the site. You can also take photos of the unusual geological structures and surrounding desert landscapes. The area is excellent for both landscape photography and understanding the natural processes that shaped these formations over millions of years.
Located on the northern edge of the Qaidam Basin on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Yardang Devil City is a landscape known to geologists as a Yardang, a series of intermittent, long, and interspersed mounds interspersed with depressions and troughs. This area of Yardangs is both beautiful and magnificent, and because they are widely distributed along the highway, they have not been commercialized and remain pristine.
Although the Devil City is on both sides of the highway, it is also an uninhabited area and very desolate. From a distance, the mounds are of strange shapes. At night, it looks like a confession in hell. Whenever a strong wind blows, it sounds creepy and weeps. Because the local rocks are rich in iron and the geomagnetic field is strong, the compass often fails, resulting in the inability to identify the direction and getting lost.
Plateau continental climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 2 to 3 hours
free
All day
Nanbaxian Devil City, located in Qinghai Province, is a natural geological wonder. The unique rock formations have been formed over centuries by wind and water erosion. It is often referred to as "Devil City" because the rocks resemble ancient structures and towers. The area is significant for its extraordinary natural beauty, and it’s a popular destination for travelers and geology enthusiasts interested in natural formations and desert landscapes.
Nanbaxian Devil City is located in the Ulan County of Qinghai Province, China. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from Xining, the nearest major city, which is about 200 kilometers away. There are no metro services to this remote location. Once you arrive in Ulan County, local taxis or vehicles can take you to the Devil City site. Walking is also an option once you're close to the park entrance.
The site is generally open year-round from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are from April to October when the weather is warmer and more favorable for outdoor activities. The spring and autumn months are ideal for avoiding the extreme heat of summer or the cold winters.
The entrance fee for Nanbaxian Devil City is typically around CNY 50 to 80. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the site, and they are available for purchase offline. Online booking may be available through some local travel agencies, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary unless you are visiting during a peak tourist season or a public holiday. It is recommended to book at least 1-2 days ahead during busy periods to ensure availability, particularly if you are looking for guided tours or specific time slots.
A visit to Nanbaxian Devil City can be completed in about 2-4 hours. This allows time to walk around the rock formations, take photos, and enjoy the desert landscape. If you plan to take a guided tour or hike further into the area, you may want to set aside an entire day.
The must-see highlights are the towering rock formations that give the Devil City its name. The formations are incredibly diverse, with some resembling ancient castles or human-like figures. There are several viewpoints throughout the site that offer excellent opportunities for photography. The dramatic landscape, especially during sunrise or sunset, adds to the charm of the site.
Guided tours are available at Nanbaxian Devil City. Local guides are usually available in Mandarin, and some may offer services in basic English. Audio guides are not typically offered at the site, but guided tours are recommended for an in-depth understanding of the geology and the legends surrounding the rock formations.
The best viewpoints are along the main path through the Devil City, which offers panoramic views of the rock formations. The area near the entrance provides a great perspective of the largest rock towers. Additionally, the western part of the site offers some unique angles that are excellent for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset when the lighting enhances the dramatic scenery.
Start at the main entrance and follow the marked paths through the rock formations. The route leads through the most impressive clusters of rocks, offering ample opportunities for photos. If you have more time, take the path leading to the western part of the site for a slightly more remote experience. Visitors can also hike around the area for a closer look at the desert landscape.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Nanbaxian Devil City. However, the site is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset, offering a chance to see the formations bathed in golden light. Special tours may be available for larger groups or special events, but these should be booked in advance.
Nanbaxian Devil City can get crowded during national holidays and the summer tourist season. The least crowded times to visit are during the off-season, especially in the winter months (November to February) or early spring (March). Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, so visiting during the week can help avoid the crowds.
The site has basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There are a few small shops selling snacks and drinks near the entrance. For more substantial meals or accommodations, visitors will need to travel to nearby towns like Ulan County or Xining.
Nanbaxian Devil City is not particularly accessible for elderly or disabled visitors due to its rugged terrain and the lack of paved paths in some areas. Children may find the site exciting, but it's important to keep an eye on them, especially near the rock formations. A basic level of physical fitness is required for exploring the site.
Cash is commonly accepted at Nanbaxian Devil City, especially for smaller purchases. Credit cards and mobile payments may be accepted in larger towns like Ulan or Xining but are not widely accepted at the site itself. It's a good idea to carry cash when visiting remote areas.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly inside the site. However, there are a few small eateries and local restaurants in Ulan County, where visitors can try traditional Tibetan food. Xining, the capital of Qinghai, offers a wider variety of dining options.
In Ulan County and Xining, you can find vegetarian and vegan options, though the availability of halal food may be limited to more central locations. Local Tibetan cuisine includes some vegetarian dishes, but options may be basic in more remote areas.
Accommodation options are limited near Nanbaxian Devil City. There are a few guesthouses and hotels in Ulan County, which is the nearest town. For more luxury accommodations, you may need to head to Xining, where a wider range of hotels is available.
Nearby attractions include the Qaidam Basin and the Sipo Kuer Desert. For those interested in Tibetan culture, the Kumbum Monastery near Xining is a popular spot. You can also explore other geological sites in Qinghai for a varied experience.
Small souvenir shops near the entrance sell items like local handicrafts, jewelry, and traditional Tibetan goods. Typical souvenirs include prayer flags, handmade crafts, and rock formations-themed items, which reflect the unique landscape of the area.
The best transportation options are buses or private vehicles back to Xining or Ulan County. From there, you can continue to other destinations in Qinghai or Tibet. Long-distance buses also run to other parts of China, including Lhasa and Chengdu.
