Gallery: The Unreal, Eerie Emptiness of China's 'Ghost Cities'

  • Image may contain Building Architecture Convention Center Banister Handrail Urban Town Metropolis City and Arena
    Kai Caemmerer
    01

    03-unborncities-no07

    Yujiapu Financial District, Binhai New Area, Tianjin.
  • Image may contain Window Building and Office Building
    Kai Caemmerer
    02

    16-unborncities-no88

    An abstract sculpture frames a construction project near Meixi Lake Development, Changsha, Hunan province.
  • Image may contain Interior Design Indoors Building Lighting Room Hall Theater Auditorium Architecture and City
    Kai Caemmerer
    03

    05-unborncities-no84

    LCD screens on a building glow near Kangbashi New Area, Ordos, Inner-Mongolia.
  • Image may contain Nature Urban Town Metropolis Building City High Rise Smoke Fog Smog and Office Building
    Kai Caemmerer
    04

    06-unborncities-no01

    A portion of Yujiapu Financial District's skyline in the hazy light of dawn. The district is part of Binhai New Area, Tianjin.
  • Image may contain Construction
    Kai Caemmerer
    05

    13-unborncities-no43

    Construction continues on a pavilion outside of Ordos, Inner-Mongolia.
  • Image may contain Road Building Bridge Freeway Architecture and Overpass
    Kai Caemmerer
    06

    1-unborncities-no02

    Near Yujiapu Financial District, Binhai New Area, Tianjin.
  • Image may contain Building Office Building High Rise Urban City Town and Architecture
    Kai Caemmerer
    07

    07-unborncities-no15

    A residential high-rise nears completion near Meixi Lake Development, Changsha.
  • Image may contain Banister Handrail Slope and Concrete
    Kai Caemmerer
    08

    04-unborncities-no69

    Near Kangbashi New Area, Ordos, Inner-Mongolia.
  • Image may contain Building Urban City Town High Rise and Apartment Building
    Kai Caemmerer
    09

    12-unborncities-no18

    Residential buildings in the Meixi Lake Development, near Changsha.
  • Image may contain City Town Urban Building High Rise Office Building Tent Housing Condo and Architecture
    Kai Caemmerer
    10

    02-unborncities-no92

    A design rendering at a construction zone near Meixi Lake Development, Changsha.
  • Image may contain Building Architecture Road and Office Building
    Kai Caemmerer
    11

    08-unborncities-no21

    Ordos 100 is a construction project curated by Ai Weiwei and architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron near Ordos, Inner-Mongolia.
  • Image may contain Office Building Building Housing Urban Town City High Rise Indoors Metropolis Loft and Condo
    Kai Caemmerer
    12

    09-unborncities-no89

    Construction near Changsha, Hunan province.
  • Image may contain Office Building Building Lighting Urban Town Metropolis City Architecture Downtown and High Rise
    Kai Caemmerer
    13

    17-unborncities-no35

    Palm trees surround a construction area near Yujiapu Financial District, Binhai New Area, Tianjin.
  • Image may contain Office Building Building City Town Urban Architecture High Rise Metropolis and Downtown
    Kai Caemmerer
    14

    10-unborncities-no46

    Office buildings glow in the early morning darkness of the Yujiapu Financial District, Binhai New Area, Tianjin.
Read More
Adidas Promo Codes: 25% Off in October 2026
Save 15% or 30% with Adidas promo codes, plus explore Adidas deals for 40% off trendy sneakers.
Molly Higgins
Top Canon Promo Codes: 30% Off for October 2026
Save an extra 10% or 30% with Canon coupon codes, plus up to $1,600 on cameras, printers, and more this October 2026.
Gear Team
Top Valvoline Coupons and Promo Codes for 2026
We've gathered all the top Valvoline coupons and promo codes for October 2026, including deals on full synthetic oil changes and other essential maintenance.
Kat Merck
Newegg Promo Codes and Coupons for October 2026
Enjoy up to 10% off your entire order with today’s Newegg promo code and discount codes. Save with the latest deals for gaming PCs, laptops, and computer parts.
Molly Higgins
Maytag Promo Codes: 15% Off
Upgrade your home for less with these verified Maytag discount codes, military savings, and limited-time closeout offers on washers, dryers, and more.
Matthew Korfhage
Top H&R Block Coupon: 25% Off DIY + Tax Pro Assist
Save over 25% when you opt for H&R Block’s free online offering, plus a tax pro review.
Molly Higgins
Top Zoro Promo Codes for October 2026
Find the best Zoro coupon codes, deals, and free shipping offers to save big on industrial equipment, tools, and supplies in October 2026.
Molly Higgins
Top Peacock Promo Codes: 40% Off October 2026
Stream your favorite shows for up to $80 off this month, and save on subscription plans with the latest Peacock TV coupons from WIRED.
Molly Higgins
Top Whoop Promo Codes: 20% Off This October 2026
Whether you're looking for a Whoop free trial, student discount, or military savings, our guide to Whoop promo codes will help you maximize your membership benefits. Stay on top of your fitness goals for less.
Boutayna Chokrane
Top NordVPN Coupons: 75% Off, Plus 3 Months Free in October 2026
Save up to 77% on 2-year plans and get 3 free months with our NordVPN discount codes.
Molly Higgins
Best Surfshark Promo Codes for October 2026
Save up to 87% with a Surfshark coupon code, 3 months of VPN free today, and more from WIRED.
Gear Team
Top Google Workspace Promo Codes for October 2026
Boost your productivity and save with exclusive Google Workspace coupons from WIRED. Get up to 14% off plans for three months, including Starter, Standard, and Plus tiers.
Luke Larsen