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Explore the ancient ruins of Ulabo City, with its preserved walls, watchtowers, and gateways. Learn about its historical importance as a Silk Road trade center. Visit the archaeological sites to understand the area's cultural heritage and enjoy scenic walks through the ancient city grounds.
Located in the Tianshan District of Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the ancient city of Wulabao sits on the shores of Wulabao Lake. The ruins are a desolate site, with only the city walls remaining intact. The roughly square-shaped ruins are known as the "Luntai" mentioned in Cen Shen's poems. Wulabao was a prosperous and important town on the Northern-Xinjiang Road of the ancient Silk Road, known as Luntai County during the Tang and Yuan dynasties. The ruins now stand desolate and deserted, with rocks strewn across the ground. The city walls and gates protrude outward. Numerous ancient pottery, jade artifacts, and coins dating back over a thousand years have also been unearthed here.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Wulabo Lake and Wulabo Reservoir: 1 hour
20 yuan
All day
Ulabo Ancient City was once a thriving settlement on the ancient Silk Road, playing a crucial role in the trade and cultural exchange between East and West. The city’s ruins reflect its significance as a military and trade hub, showcasing architecture from various periods and civilizations.
Ulabo Ancient City is located in the outskirts of Urumqi. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car. Public transport options are limited, but there may be buses from central Urumqi. It’s a bit far for walking from the city center, so using a vehicle is the most convenient option.
The site is open year-round from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, when the weather is milder and more pleasant for exploring the ruins. Summer can be hot, and winter can be chilly, limiting outdoor activities.
The entrance fee is generally affordable, around 30 to 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It’s not usually available for online booking, so buying tickets in person is the most common method.
It’s not necessary to book tickets in advance, as the site rarely gets crowded. However, during public holidays or peak tourist seasons, booking tickets a day or two ahead may be advisable to avoid any inconvenience.
Exploring Ulabo Ancient City can take around 2-3 hours, depending on your interest in history and photography. If you want to take your time visiting the archaeological sites and enjoying the scenery, you may want to allocate half a day for the visit.
The must-see highlights include the well-preserved city walls, the watchtowers, and the ancient city gates. The ruins of the residential and commercial buildings give a glimpse into the daily life of the city’s inhabitants. The archaeological sites around the city are also worth exploring.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tour operators may offer tours in English during the peak tourist season. Audio guides are also available in Mandarin. It's recommended to arrange for a guide or tour in advance if you need English-speaking assistance.
The best viewpoints for photography are from the city walls, where you can capture wide panoramic shots of the ancient ruins and surrounding landscapes. The watchtowers also provide excellent views of the entire site and are perfect for photography.
Start your visit at the entrance and explore the main city gates and the defensive walls. Then, head towards the residential and commercial ruins before walking up to the watchtowers for a panoramic view. Finish by exploring the archaeological excavation sites for a deeper look at the city’s past.
Night visits are not generally available. There are no light shows at the site, but special guided tours may be available during the peak tourist seasons. It’s best to check with local tour operators in advance for any special events.
Ulabo Ancient City is generally not very crowded, but it can see more visitors during weekends and public holidays. For a quieter experience, try visiting early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-peak months (autumn and early spring).
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available at the entrance. There are no major food vendors inside, so it’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks. There are a few souvenir shops near the entrance where you can purchase local handicrafts.
While the site is open to all visitors, the terrain may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. The ancient city walls and watchtowers require some walking and climbing. Families with children should be prepared for some light hiking, but the main areas are accessible.
Cash is widely accepted, and mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are also available. It's recommended to carry some cash, especially if you plan to purchase souvenirs or snacks from smaller vendors.
There are no restaurants inside Ulabo Ancient City, but there are several local eateries and cafes in Urumqi city, which is about a 30-minute drive away. You can try traditional Xinjiang dishes like lamb kebabs, pilaf, and naan bread in the city.
Yes, many restaurants in Urumqi offer halal food options. You can find vegetarian dishes, such as vegetable stews, as well. Most of the food in Xinjiang is halal, so you’ll find plenty of choices for different dietary preferences.
There are several hotels in Urumqi, including budget options and mid-range hotels. Hotels like the Urumqi Grand Hotel are located in the city center, and you can easily take a taxi or drive to Ulabo Ancient City.
Nearby attractions include the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar and the Urumqi Museum. You can combine a visit to Ulabo Ancient City with these attractions to explore both the historical and cultural highlights of the region.
There are a few souvenir shops at the entrance where you can find local handicrafts such as Uyghur carpets, traditional jewelry, and spices. These make for great souvenirs from your visit to the ancient city.
The best transportation options are taxis or private cars, which are readily available for onward travel. You can easily get a taxi back to the city center of Urumqi or continue your trip to other nearby attractions in the region.
