Karamay

Karamay has a dry climate and strong sunshine, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun when going out.

Karamay is a modern oil city on the Gobi. You can see wide, rugged yardang landforms as well as waterside scenery running through the city. It is well suited to self-driving trips and is often an important stop on a grand Northern Xinjiang loop route. Below is a city travel reference.

Top Attractions

• World Ghost City: A national 5A-rated yardang landform scenic area. The wind-eroded mounds show striking layers in the evening light, and it was also a filming location for works such as *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*. It is recommended to enter the scenic area after 5 p.m., take the sightseeing mini-train through the Gobi, and wait for the landscape to change at sunset.

• Black Oil Mountain Scenic Area: Here you can see natural crude oil bubbling up at close range and learn about Karamay’s beginnings as an oil city. Tickets are 40 yuan, and the walking boardwalk route takes about 1 hour to complete.

• Well No. 1, Karamay (Big Oil Bubble): This 15-meter-high mirrored stainless-steel sculpture has a distinct futuristic feel and is an important city landmark in Karamay. It presents different light and shadow effects during the day and at night, and it is open free of charge.

• Jiulongtan: This is the source of the Karamay River, where nine dragon heads spray water to create an impressive waterscape. From evening to night, you can enjoy the lighting effects, and the riverside green spaces are also good for strolling, offering a softer side of this oil city.

• Dushanzi Grand Canyon: Formed by long-term river erosion, the canyon has deep gullies and steep cliffs, creating a strong visual impact. It is suitable for a self-driving visit and can also be combined with a trip along the Duku Highway.
• Baiyang River Grand Canyon: A river-valley oasis in the Gobi. In autumn, when the poplars turn yellow, the scenery gains more layers, with the valley, banks, and vegetation interwoven. It is suitable for travelers who prefer natural landscapes and light hiking.

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Wander the city and get to know its oil-city character
  • Morning: Start at Well No. 1, Karamay (Big Oil Bubble) to see the mirrored sculpture, then head to Black Oil Mountain Scenic Area to view the geological and oil-industry landscape of natural crude oil bubbling up.

• Afternoon: Visit the Karamay Museum to learn about the development of this “eldest oil son of the Republic”; afterward, walk around the city to take in its broad roads and tidy streetscapes.

• Evening: Go to Jiulongtan to enjoy the night views and lights, then head to Century Park to watch the fountain and water-screen show. After that, you can stroll along the Karamay River.

• Day 2: Enter the yardangs and wait for a Gobi sunset
  • Morning: Drive from the city to World Ghost City, about 1.5 hours by car. Along the way, you can see large stretches of “nodding donkey” pumpjacks across the hundred-mile oilfield area.

• Afternoon: Enter the park around 16:00 and take the mini-train through the yardang landform clusters. You can stop at the Camel Garden and the *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* filming location for photos, then wait until evening as the setting sun turns the mounds orange-red.

• Evening: Return to Karamay city for the night, or stay in Urho Town and enjoy the Gobi starry sky at night.
• Day 3: Canyon landforms or relaxed nature
  • Option A (self-drive/mountain route): Head to Dushanzi Grand Canyon and feel the geological impact of its deeply carved canyon; afterward, you can continue along the northern section of the Duku Highway.
  • Option B (relaxed nature): Go to Urho Baiyang River Grand Canyon or Ailik Lake to see Gobi oases and autumn poplars. You can also try the fun of picking up golden silk jade.

Must-Try Local Food

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to stay:
  • City center (near People’s Square/Taifu Plaza): Transport is fairly convenient, there are many dining options nearby, and it suits most travelers. Overall, it offers good value for money.
  • Urho District: If you plan to explore Ghost City in more depth, or want to see the stars at night, you can choose a resort beside Ghost City or a hotel in Urho Town, which saves travel time the next day.

• Transport guide:
  • Long-distance transport: You can take a high-speed train to Karamay Station, about 3 hours from Urumqi; you can also choose to fly into Karamay Guhai Airport.
  • Within the city: Taking taxis or buses is fairly convenient. You can get a bus card through Alipay, and the fare is 1 yuan.
  • Cross-district travel: To visit Ghost City or Dushanzi Grand Canyon, self-driving or chartering/joining a shared car is recommended. Public transport runs infrequently, and the bus to Ghost City returns at around 18:00 at the latest, which limits your schedule.

Things to Note

• Sun protection and temperature differences: Scenic areas such as Ghost City have little shade and strong UV rays, so prepare physical sun protection such as hats, cooling arm sleeves, and sun-protective clothing. From September to October, the temperature difference between morning and evening is noticeable: daytime temperatures may reach 25°C, while nighttime temperatures are around 10°C, so bring a windproof jacket.
• Drone flights are prohibited: Karamay is an important oil city, and flying drones is strictly prohibited in many oilfield areas and sensitive parts of the city. Before takeoff, confirm local regulations and file any required reports to avoid being stopped or penalized.
• Scenic area timing: The mini-train in World Ghost City runs on a one-way loop, so you cannot return to a stop once you miss it. Summer opening hours are later, while winter closing times are earlier; check the last train time before setting out.
• Ordering portions: Xinjiang dishes are generally large, so order in moderation to avoid waste. If you are not used to the taste of lamb, you can mention it before ordering.
• Buying local specialties: Golden silk jade and dried local products may be relatively expensive in physical shops. It is best to compare prices, or buy through正规 online shopping channels, and avoid paying high prices at roadside stalls in scenic areas.