Plan at a glance
Navigate to the actual ruins
At the Khara-Khoto Ruins (黑水城遗址), you can see remains of the ancient city, pagodas, and any sections of the city wall open to visitors. The reconstructed Black Water New City (复建黑水新城) inside Black City Ruoshui Poplar Forest Scenic Area is elsewhere.
Allow time for your visit
If you plan to see the main pagodas and city walls, allow 1–1.5 hours as a planning estimate. The actual entrance, open paths, and return time depend on the day's arrangements. Confirm on site how much of the inner city is open.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The pagoda group in the northwest
The earthen pagoda group is one of the most prominent sights at the ruins. Check the current guide for the pagodas' location, areas open to visitors, and walking route. Windblown dust can affect visibility and photography.
City walls and the ruins path
From the path, you can see sections of the rammed-earth walls eroded by wind and partly covered by sand. The site is mainly earthen remains and open desert terrain, making it a place to walk slowly, observe the landscape, and understand the layout of the old city.
Visitors interested in Western Xia history, frontier life, or archaeology can use the remains to understand the city's layout. If your group mainly wants to see poplars, performances, or commercial streets, choose a different attraction for those interests.
Build your day
A short route to the pagodas
For a visit focused on the main pagodas and city walls, allow around 1–1.5 hours. Check the current visitor map for paths open to visitors, shuttle arrangements, and the route back. Access to the inner city and the pagodas depends on the areas open that day.
Stay within open areas and follow staff directions for the return; if a path is temporarily closed, do not enter it.
Extend your visit if more paths are open
If additional paths are open, use the on-site guide to extend your walk around the walls and pagoda area, staying within permitted areas and following the route back.
If your time is limited, ask about the open outdoor paths and return transport before choosing how far to go. Do not cut short the walk back just to reach another attraction.
Get there
Navigate to the ticket and entry point
Before setting out, use the current scenic-area notice to identify the ruins' ticket and entry point. If your map points to a visitor service center, check whether it is the entrance or a transfer point, and ask staff about onward transport if needed. On arrival, make sure you are at the actual ruins.
Drive or arrange a return ride
If driving, navigate to the parking area at the ruins entrance. Some sections may have drifting sand, so slow down to suit the road. If you are not driving, arrange a chartered or shared ride from Dalaihubu Town in advance, and agree on the pick-up time and place; it is not reliable to expect a car on demand when you finish at this remote site.
Know before you go
Check the day's tickets and hours
An autumn notice issued by Juyan Tourism on 28 September 2026 lists the Khara-Khoto Ruins as open 08:00–17:30, with ticket sales stopping at 17:00 and the site closing at 17:30. The notice does not give a separate last-entry time. If arriving close to closing, ask the scenic area about the final check-in time and return arrangements in advance.
Prepare for walking in the Gobi
The ruins are in open desert terrain, where strong sun, windblown sand, and dry air can make walking more tiring. Bring enough water, sun protection, a hat, and a face covering, and wear shoes suitable for sandy ground and paths. Stay on open routes and follow on-site instructions for your return.
If anyone in your group needs step-free access or frequent rest breaks, ask the scenic area about accessible routes and facilities before setting out.
Plan food
Bring water and a simple snack, then have a meal back in Dalaihubu Town after your visit.