Kangbashi, a district in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, was created in the mid-2000s with the ambitious goal of housing a million people. However, more than two decades later, its population is estimated to be between 120,000 and 130,000, far below the original target. This significant gap has earned Kangbashi the label of a "ghost city," a term used to describe urban areas with extensive infrastructure but relatively few residents. International media outlets like Al Jazeera and Time Magazine have highlighted the district for its vast, underpopulated scale. The development of Kangbashi was divided into three phases, starting with infrastructure construction from 2004 to 2007, followed by building on the surface from 2007 to 2011, and completing the project from 2011 to 2015. In 2006, the municipal government moved from the old city of Dongsheng to Kangbashi, a decision driven by water scarcity and the encroachment of the desert on the former city. Ordos, a region rich in coal and natural gas, developed Kangbashi as part of its broader economic strategy. The city's per capita GDP has reached around 145,000 yuan, exceeding the national average. However, population growth in Kangbashi has been slower than expected. In 2009, the population was estimated to be between 20,000 and 30,000, but by 2017, it had grown to 153,000 according to Forbes. The 2020 census recorded 118,796 inhabitants, while estimates from 2021 suggested around 120,000. More recent data from 2024, however, shows a wide range from 130,000 to 25,000, with the discrepancies likely due to different methods of counting, such as distinguishing between permanent residents and those who commute to the area. Experts remain divided on how to interpret the population figures. Some argue that Kangbashi is not entirely abandoned but simply hasn't met its initial ambitious goals. The district officially transitioned from a construction zone to a full district in 2016, signaling the end of a long-term development project. Despite the slower-than-expected population growth, Kangbashi continues to attract residents, although at a pace much lower than originally planned. Property prices in the area remain more affordable compared to China's coastal megacities, which may help sustain modest growth. Ordos has continued to invest in new industrial projects and renewable energy sources, gradually moving away from its traditional reliance on coal. This shift reflects broader national efforts to reduce environmental impact and diversify the economy. While Kangbashi may not have reached its original population targets, it remains an important part of Ordos's urban and economic landscape, evolving in line with changing priorities and challenges.