Pressure to build fast and cheap left several structures dilapidated shortly after their construction. Many buildings appear unfinished.
In the last few years, the local government has tried to recruit residents. Farmers were bribed with "generous compensation and free apartments" to make the move.
Government offices were relocated from a district 20 miles north of Ordos, meant to entice public officials to settle closer to work.
High schools with good reputations were moved to Ordos as well. Empty apartment buildings were converted into dormitories that now house students.
As a result of these efforts, the Ordos population soared to 100,000. However, it's difficult to nail down accurate census data. Some speculate the government hides the numbers to cover up its urban-planning disaster.
