Sea Devil City

Sea Devil City

Sea Devil City is located on the eastern shore of Jili Lake (a small section of Ulungur Lake), at the river mouth where the Ulungur River enters the lake, commonly known as the East River Mouth. It is 14 kilometers from the county town and enjoys convenient transportation. Currently, a waterway has been opened from the former local fishing ground in Fuhai (Wild Fish Gourmet Street) to Sea Devil City. Visitors can freely choose to take a speedboat or a medium-sized cruise boat for sightseeing.

Looking eastward from the lake mouth, about a hundred meters from the lakeshore, lies a rare Danxia landform stretching over ten miles in a north-south direction. The sloped terrain is bowl-shaped, encircling the small lake. In sequence, there are nine uniquely named gullies: Lovers’ Valley, Snake Valley, Broken Bridge Valley, Heartbreak Valley, Twisting Valley, Crane Valley, Bewitching Valley, Eagle Valley, and Falcon Valley. The average vertical height of the slopes reaches over 20 meters. Due to years of wind erosion and rain scouring, the area has formed peculiarly shaped landforms. Some resemble magnificent palaces, others mysterious and solemn temples, and some look like lions roaring to the sky... incredibly lifelike and exquisitely crafted. From a distance, it looks like a castle floating on the water, hence locals vividly call it “Sea Devil City.”

The waters at the East River Mouth present another spectacular scene. The riverbanks are lined with lush saxaul swaying in the wind, displaying beautiful forms; in the shallow areas, dense reeds stretch out, creating a seamless blend of water and sky, resembling the water towns of southern China. This place is also a paradise for birds. During spring, summer, and autumn, flocks of seagulls, wild ducks, and egrets take flight in large numbers, forming a magnificent spectacle. Precious species such as white swans and graceful cranes are also frequent visitors here, adding endless charm to the East River Mouth.

Taking a boat to cruise the beautiful Jili Lake is an unmissable sightseeing activity in Fuhai. The deep, winding reed marshes covering thousands of acres are reflected in the pristine green waters of the lake, resembling the “Eight Hundred Li of Dongting,” both serene and majestic. Cruising through the twisting reed beds, one can relax and lose oneself in the vast misty waters and gatherings of birds, in the harmony of nature. The majestic view where water meets sky, along with the peaceful, tranquil, and elegant atmosphere, makes the Sea Devil City—a miraculous wonder sculpted by nature’s incredible power—truly moving. It allows you to immerse yourself in a landscape that feels like a paradise untouched by the hustle and bustle of the city.

Here, you can experience the joy of fishermen singing at dusk, the childhood fun of playing with fish in the water, and the simple life of fishing families mooring their nets on the water. Drifting through the deep reed marshes offers an emotional release amid nature and tranquility.

Looking across Jili Lake—its waters blue, the sky clear, and the reeds green—it is not just a vast and beautiful lake, but also the mother lake, cultural lake, and ecological lake of the people of Fuhai. Within this uniquely distinctive water landscape, the simple culture of the Kazakh herders and fishermen has flourished.