Like how one would imagine the magical Arabic deserts to be, Wadi Rum gives you that spine-tingling sense of Middle Eastern beauty you’d least expect. A pride of Jordan, this wild desert is a playground for anyone seeking adventure and a tinge of Arabian culture.

This unique desert is situated in the southern tip of the wealthy Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Famous for its ancient monument of Petra and the Dead Sea, Jordan boasts of many natural wonders among which, the desert of Wadi Rum was the most mystical and alluring.

But few people know that it also offers one of the best ways to immerse in Jordan’s Bedouin culture. With its red-rose rocky formations and smooth grainy sand, Wadi Rum is a perfect setting for Bedouins to live and set up their homes. These Arabic nomads are known for their hospitality, and undoubtedly, exploring the Wadi Rum allows you to interact with them and understand their culture better.

Arab Policeman. Photo credit - DennisSylvesterHurd.

It is not difficult to come across friendly Bedouin families along the way. Arrange a desert tour with a guide, and you are sure to chat with some Bedouins while crossing the desert. Most would be more than happy to offer a cup of sweet Arabic tea, and even shelter in their tents. Be warned, with the desert heat, you can dehydrate easily, and thus the tea and shelter are really useful.

Dressing in their traditional robe, with a kufiyya (white-and-red scarf) over their heads fixed with an agal rope, the Bedouins epitomize hospitality. These gritty nomads regard playing host as an important part of their culture, and thus do their very best to make visitors feel at home.

Doesn't seem safe now doesn't it! Rock bridges. Photo credit - MsAnthea.

In the heart of Wadi Rum, you can find huge and majestic rock formations that look right out of a mountain. Be sure to hike up to the Burdah Rock Bridge, which extends from one end of the mountain to the other. Being the highest in Wadi Rum, it can be adventurous, a little nerve-wrecking, but also offers a great view of the desertscape. Continue exploring the formations, and you’ll be awestruck by the natural architecture of the sandstone cliffs.

The most impressive rock formation would have to be ‘The Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ which can be seen from afar. With the dusty breeze creating a blurry image, these seven pillars give an enigmatic sensation. Many sports enthusiasts come from all over the world to these seven pillars, for a memorable rock-climbing and trekking.

Seven Pillars of Wisdon. Photo credit - icyjumbo.

Another spot to explore is the Lawrence Spring, where fresh water somehow flows in the middle of the desert, cascading down a steep cliff onto a pothole.

Sand dunes are a common sight in the Wadi Rum. You can frolick in the fine sand, slide down or perhaps, bring your own sandboard. Our guide really enjoyed gliding us along the sand dunes, making us laugh on all fours.

To end the amazing tour in the Wadi Rum, there’s no better way than to stay overnight in one of the Bedouin camps. Most of them offer traditional Jordanian dinner, along with Bedouin dance performances and of course, a whole sky of glittering stars. If you’re lucky, you can even hike up to one of the cliffs nearby to catch sunrise.

We had the best time at Captain’s Desert Camp, where we met fellow travellers, danced the night away with the Bedouins, and slept under the stars. Through the valleys and cliffs of Wadi Rum, you can truly experience Jordan, where the magic truly comes alive.

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As I stood on the edge of a large rock overlooking the vast desert in northern Xinjiang, the wind howls fiercely around me. The sound it makes is unnerving and the sand it whips into my face is uncomfortable at times. There’s not a single human being in front of me for miles, just the huge rock formations like the one I’m now using as a lookout. It’s no wonder they call this place “The Ghost City”.

The province of Xinjiang, known as China’s “Wild West”, is one of the poorest yet most visually spectacular parts of the country. From the capital city of Urumqi you’ll have to travel roughly 250 kilometers (155 miles) to the north west to visit The Ghost City. Calling it “off the beaten path” is at the very least an understatement. All roads, although paved, run straight through the Dzungar Desert until it unexpectedly meets with a small city of towering rock.

The Ghost City of Xinjiang. Photo credit - randomix.

Xinjiang’s Ghost City

I’m embarrassed to admit that I was thoroughly deceived by the name “Ghost City”. There were no abandoned buildings nor squeaking barn doors that I was expecting for some reason. Rather, a collection of towering rocks shaped by wind and erosion stand in defiance of the desert it borders. The locals gave the place its name because of the eerie sounds the wind makes, and rightly so. With but a little imagination, it was easy to imagine these skyscraper-like structures turning into animals and ghostly spirits.

A bunch of rocks might not seem like a great tourist destination – and I admit that I too was skeptical – but there is more to this place than meets the eye. Depending on which part of the day you visit, the color of the rock and the clarity of the sky provide incredible views to both enjoy and photograph. If you’re more adventurous like I am you can hire a camel to walk you through the city or strap on your hiking boots and blaze your own trail up a few of the tall towers. Some entrepreneurs in Urho, the small city nearby, have been renting mountain bikes and 4-wheelers for those who are willing to pay a few extra RMB.

Camels are available to rent for exploring the desert. Photo credit - randomix.

One of Ghost City’s biggest draws for both national and foreign tourist, though, is its familiarity. Numerous films have shot scenes within this park and it’s likely you’ve seen at least one of them. Arguably the most famous movie to come out of China, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, used the Ghost City as one of its shooting locations and a stone marker near the spot identifies the area for visitors. Various other films, familiar mostly to Chinese audiences, were also shot using the unique scenery of Ghost City as its backdrop.

I think what most excites me about this place is the experience of it all: the desert, the small town, the cultural atmosphere.

For me this isn’t the final destination – I’m actually headed further north to the famous Kanas Lake – but it makes a great pit stop in my travels around the northern portion of Xinjiang. From what I can tell on my map, there are plenty more fun spots like this to keep me busy exploring, and if they’re all even half as unique as the Ghost City then this trip is going to be exciting!