Kangbashi, a district located in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, was created in the mid-2000s with the ambitious goal of housing a million people. Approved by the local government in May 2004, the development took place in phases, with infrastructure like roads and utilities built between 2004 and 2007. From 2007 to 2011, the district saw the construction of office towers, museums, and other large buildings. The final phase, from 2011 to 2015, aimed to complete the district’s development. However, for many years, Kangbashi remained nearly empty, earning it the nickname "ghost city" due to its modern yet unused buildings. The project was primarily funded by selling land to real estate developers. This method of financing, however, became problematic as demand for undeveloped land dropped. A 2012 report showed that land sale revenues had decreased by 80% in the first half of that year compared to the previous year. This financial decline led to a slowdown in construction and contributed to the district’s slow population growth. By the early 2010s, only about 30,000 people lived in Kangbashi, far short of the projected one million. A major shift occurred in the mid-2010s when schools, universities, and government offices were moved to the area. This relocation helped attract more residents over time. According to a local guide cited by a traveler in 2025, the establishment of a reputable school in 2016 significantly boosted interest in living in Kangbashi. The addition of public services and administrative centers has drawn families to the district, bringing the population to around 120,000 to 130,000 people today. Although Kangbashi has seen growth, it still falls far short of the original goal of one million residents. The district officially changed its administrative status in 2016, signaling the end of the long-term development project. While Ordos has since shifted its focus toward renewable energy and industrial projects, Kangbashi continues to appeal to residents due to its relatively lower real estate prices compared to major cities along China’s coast.