Wucaiche, the Five Colored Bay, is a field of rainbow-striped mud hills in the Junggar basin north of Urumqi.
After rain the cracked mud glows in reds, yellows and greys, a strange, beautiful badland close to the city. If you are shaping the bigger trip, our best time for a Xinjiang road trip covers the wider picture.
What makes it special
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The colour is strongest after rain.
The eroded shapes are surreal up close.
It is an easy half-day from Urumqi.
How to get there
About 200 km north of Urumqi by paved road into the Junggar basin.
Download offline maps before you leave the city. Mobile signal disappears for long stretches on the Duku, the Pamir, and the desert highways.
Best time to visit
May to October; the hills colour best after rain, so watch the forecast. For the detail you will actually need on the ground, see our Duku Highway self-drive guide.
Tickets and logistics
- Go after rain for the strongest colour.
- Carry water and a hat; it is exposed.
- Wear sturdy shoes; the mud is rough.
- Combine with the Ghost City nearby.
Photo tips
Overcast or post-rain light reveals the stripes; a polariser helps. A wide lens shows the field.
FAQ
When are the colours best? After rain, when the mud stripes are most vivid.
How far from Urumqi? About 200 km north, an easy day trip.
Best season? May to October.
Do I need a permit? No, just ID for checkpoints.
Final word
Xinjiang rewards drivers who plan, then stay flexible. Build a loose route, book the key overnight towns, and leave room for the unplanned stop that turns out to be the best part of the trip.
Written by Karl Huang, a Xinjiang-based travel writer. Colour and access depend on weather, so confirm the current status with locals before you go.