Altay, Xinjiang

The Floating Castles of the Gobi: A Symphony of Water and Earth at Maritime Devil City

📸Photography 🧗Adventure 🛤️Silk Road(丝绸之路)

Altitude

700m

Best Time

☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Maritime Devil: City (Haishang Mogui Cheng), located on the eastern bank of Jili Lake (part of the Ulungur Lake system) in Fuhai County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, is a rare geological wonder that blends the stark beauty of desert erosion with the serene expanse of a vast lake. Unlike typical Yadan landforms found in arid deserts, this scenic area offers a unique "Water Yadan" landscape where wind-sculpted clay formations rise directly from the azure waters, creating an illusion of a mysterious castle floating on the sea,.

The landscape here is a masterpiece of time and elements. Formed roughly 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods, this area was once a vast freshwater lake. Over epochs, tectonic uplifts and the relentless scouring of winds from the Irtysh River Valley carved the sedimentary rock into bizarre and majestic shapes. Visitors can see towering pillars, ridges resembling medieval castles, and formations mimicking animals and human faces,. The cliffs display a spectrum of colors—red, yellow, grey, and white—which contrast vividly with the deep blue of the lake, especially under the golden light of sunset.

The area is not just about geology; it is a thriving ecosystem. Jili Lake, situated at the edge of the scenic area, is a paradise for birdwatchers. The dense reeds and abundant fish stocks attract thousands of migratory birds, including rare species like swans, making it a vibrant wetland oasis in the heart of the Gobi desert. Visitors can explore the area by walking along the boardwalks to get close to the "Devil's Castle" or by taking a boat cruise or speedboat to view the majestic cliffs from the water, offering a completely different perspective of this "city on the sea".

Culturally, the site is steeped in local legends. The howling winds that rush through the clay corridors created eerie sounds that led locals to name it "Devil City." However, the scenery is far from terrifying; it is a place of profound beauty where the desolate Gobi meets the life-giving water. Whether you are a photographer chasing the perfect sunset light on the colorful cliffs or a traveler seeking the tranquility of a lakeside retreat, Maritime Devil City offers an unforgettable experience of Xinjiang's diverse natural heritage.

✨ Why Visit Maritime Devil City

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Rare Water Yadan Landform

Witness the unique spectacle of colorful Yadan clay formations rising directly from the waters of Jili Lake, a rare geological combination of "fire" (red earth) and "water".

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Jili Lake Wetland Paradise

Explore a lush wetland ecosystem teeming with birdlife, including graceful swans and waterfowl, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding Gobi desert landscape.

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Panoramic Sunset Views

Capture breathtaking photos at dusk when the setting sun turns the clay castles into brilliant shades of gold and red, reflecting stunningly against the shimmering lake surface.

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Lake Cruise Experience

Take a boat ride to view the majestic "Sea City" from the water, allowing you to see hidden coves and the grand scale of the erosion landforms up close.

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Mysterious Wind Erosion

Walk among the strange, wind-sculpted towers and listen to the legendary "devil's music" created by the wind whistling through the ravines.

Location & Nearby

📍 Altay, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 700m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Maritime Devil City Travel Guide

Where is Maritime Devil City located?

It is located in Fuhai County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, on the east bank of Jili Lake, approximately 14km from the county seat.

Why is it called "Maritime"? Although it is inland, it sits on the edge of the vast Ulungur Lake system (Jili Lake), which is so large it resembles a sea. The Yadan formations appear to float on this "sea".

What is the best time to visit? The best months are May to October. June and September offer pleasant weather, while the autumn colors in September and October add an extra layer of beauty to the landscape.

Are there boat trips available? Yes, visitors can take yachts or speedboats to tour the lake and view the Yadan formations from the water.

Is it suitable for birdwatching? Yes, the wetland area of Jili Lake is a habitat for many birds, including swans, making it a great spot for bird lovers.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Maritime Devil City?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.