Wucangcheng in Fuyun County

Wucangcheng in Fuyun County

Wucangcheng is located in the northeastern part of the Junggar Basin. The Junggar Basin is the second largest basin in our country, with a triangular shape. It stretches approximately 1,120 kilometers from east to west and reaches about 800 kilometers at its widest point from north to south, covering an area of around 380,000 square kilometers. Its elevation ranges between 500 and 1,000 meters. The terrain is higher in the east and lower in the west. The edges of the basin consist of foothill oases, while the central part features vast grasslands and deserts. Except for the Irtysh River, which flows into the Arctic Ocean, inland rivers such as the Manas River and the Ulungur River flow into the basin and form lakes. The basin has extensive pastures with numerous herds of cattle and sheep. The foothill oases are rich in cotton and wheat production, and the alluvial fan plains along the southern edge of the basin boast vast land, serving as newly cultivated agricultural areas. The Junggar Basin is also abundant in oil and coal resources.

Wucangcheng is the first scenic spot on the way to Kanas via National Highway 216. It consists of attractions such as Devil’s Valley, Zeolite Mine, Petrified Wood Site, Agate Beach, Wucangcheng, and wildlife viewing. The entire journey covers about 130 kilometers and takes approximately two and a half hours. Devil’s Valley, along with Karamay’s Devil City and Wucangcheng, belongs to the Yardang landform. The term “Yardang” comes from the Uyghur language, originally meaning “small hills with steep walls.” It is a type of wind-eroded landform found in arid regions, characterized by its unique gullies and ridges, showcasing the wonder of nature’s craftsmanship. The Zeolite Mine is a mineral vein stretching several kilometers. Also known as “bubble zeolite,” it is used industrially to purify or separate mixed substances, such as gases or petroleum. It can also serve as an additive in food and feed. Zeolite has deodorizing and sterilizing properties, and locals often place it in refrigerators to keep food fresh. Agate Beach: Agate is a type of chalcedony, formed by the gradual deposition of silica gel solutions. It comes in various types, including banded agate, moss agate, jasper agate, and coral agate, and can be used to make precision instrument bearings, wear-resistant vessels, and ornaments.

Geologically, Wucangcheng was once an ancient lake basin. Over millions of years of crustal uplift, water erosion, and wind scouring, it has formed the spectacular landscape seen today. It displays colors such as purplish-red, brownish-red, ginger-yellow, earth-yellow, and grayish-green, with hues shifting depending on the angle of sunlight. Wucangcheng served as one of the filming locations for the movie *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, where the famous actress Zhang Ziyi once showcased her talent.