China's Ghost City: Exploring a Colossal Urban Development

Secrets from China’s $150 Billion Ghost City

Destination:ChinaProvince:InnerMongoliaCity:Ordos
Secrets from China’s $150 Billion Ghost City
Small Brained American2025-01-2940 min

The 62 minute extended-cut version is live on Patreon right now.

--- Small Brained American
January 29, 2025, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Arrival in Ordos
  2. 0:15Exploring abandoned buildings
  3. 1:06Korean food and local interaction
  4. 2:55First self driving car sighting
  5. 3:16Vast empty park exploration
  6. 5:01Meeting friendly locals
  7. 5:30Initial impressions of Ordos
  8. 6:01Chinese architecture and design
  9. 7:00Ordos's coal industry
  10. 8:00Ice cream truck chase
  11. 14:53Main square and museums
  12. 15:32Magnificent statues
  13. 23:20Shopping mall exploration
  14. 30:13Erdos Library visit
  15. 39:46Final thoughts on Ordos

Small Brained American explores Ordos, China's 'ghost city,' discovering a surprising mix of bustling crowds and empty spaces. Friendly locals and stunning architecture leave a lasting impression.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Protecting your personal information online is crucial, especially when sharing your number. Consider using services to scrub your information from data broker websites. (2:10)
  2. Tip 2When visiting places with significant historical or cultural importance, consider hiring a tour guide for a more enriching experience. They can provide context and details that enhance your understanding and appreciation. (15:55)
  3. Tip 3Shopping malls are often good places to find souvenirs related to the local culture and history. Be sure to explore these areas when visiting new places. (23:27)
  4. Tip 4Visit local libraries to understand more about the history and culture of the area. They often have a wealth of information and resources. (30:13)
  5. Tip 5Engage with locals to gain insights into daily life and perspectives. Ask questions and be open to learning about their experiences and viewpoints. (35:38)

Small Brained American's journey to Ordos, China, unveils a surprising reality behind the city's reputation as a "ghost city." While initially encountering bustling crowds, a deeper exploration reveals vast, empty parks and sparsely populated malls, showcasing the city's unique blend of modern architecture and underutilized spaces. The video captures heartwarming interactions with friendly locals, defying preconceived notions about China. Ordos's ambitious city planning, fueled by China's booming economy, is a captivating spectacle of colossal statues and futuristic self-driving vehicles.

More about the current video:( 2 / 2 )

Secrets from China’s $150 Billion Ghost City

This video follows Small Brained American's exploration of Ordos, China, a city often labeled as a "ghost city." The journey begins with a visit to a lively funfair, contrasting sharply with the later discovery of vast, empty parks and seemingly abandoned buildings.

Despite the city's reputation, Small Brained American finds the people of Ordos to be incredibly friendly and welcoming. He engages in numerous spontaneous interactions, capturing genuine moments of connection and cultural exchange. These encounters humanize the city and challenge the preconceived notion of emptiness.

The video highlights the city's unique architectural features, from modern skyscrapers to ornate, almost surreal public spaces. The scale of the city's infrastructure is striking, with massive parks, gigantic statues, and even self-driving vehicles. This creates a sense of awe and wonder, while also prompting questions about the city's development and the balance between ambition and actual inhabitation.

Small Brained American's personal observations add a layer of intrigue to the narrative. His surprise at the city's unexpected activity, his candid reactions to the scale of the architecture, and his reflections on the contrast between the city's appearance and the warmth of its people create a compelling and engaging story.

The journey also touches upon broader themes. Small Brained American's experience challenges stereotypes about China and its people. It sparks contemplation about the rapid economic growth and ambitious city planning in China, and the potential consequences of such rapid development. Ultimately, the video is a unique blend of travelogue, cultural observation, and personal reflection, offering a nuanced perspective on Ordos and China itself.

China's Ghost City: Exploring a Colossal Urban Development

The 62 minute extended-cut version is live on Patreon right now. Join now to get access to 41 extended-cut, ad-free & uncensored videos.

Ordos, China: Exploring a Modern Ghost City

Explore the enigma of China's massive, partially uninhabited city in this captivating documentary. Journey through a landscape of striking contrasts, where ambitious urban planning meets unexpected realities. Discover the stories behind the development and witness firsthand the intriguing atmosphere of this colossal project. A thought-provoking exploration of China's economic ambitions and their impact on the environment and society.

Attractions in this video: Empty Parks, Gigantic Statues, Grand Museums, Massive Library, Ornate Buildings, Festival Installations