Karamay

Karamay has a large temperature difference between day and night. If you are heading to the Gobi areas, bring sun protection and a warm jacket.

Karamay combines the character of an oil-industry city with distinctive geological landscapes. In the city, you can learn about the development of the petroleum industry, while the Wuerhe area is home to Yadan landforms, the Gobi and lakes. The following itinerary can serve as a reference.

Urban Industry and City Scenery

• Karamay Big Oil Bubble: Located in Petroleum Memorial Square, this giant stainless-steel oil-bubble sculpture has a striking industrial design. It is suitable for photography on clear days, and the interior presents a light show at night, so you can visit once during the day and again after dark.

• Black Oil Mountain: This area features natural asphalt hill formations. You can see crude oil seeping from the ground and continuously bubbling up, making it an important site for learning about the origins of Karamay’s petroleum industry.

• Karamay Museum: Admission is free, and the museum is closed on Mondays. Its exhibits provide a systematic overview of Karamay’s development from before liberation to the present day. There is also a large drilling-rig model, making it suitable for families and for learning about the city’s history.

• Jiulongtan: A Nine-Dragon fountain installation is located at the source of the Karamay River, where the water flow is substantial. It is best visited after sunset, when the nighttime scenery is especially appealing during a light show.

Wuerhe’s Geological Wonders

• Wuerhe World Ghost City: A national 5A-rated scenic area, it is known for its extensive Yadan landforms. It is recommended to enter after 17:00 to avoid the strong afternoon sunlight and enjoy the golden light across the Yadan formations at sunset.

• Jishi Tribe Film City: Here you can enjoy the Water Ghost City scenery free of charge. Gobi Yadan hills stand beside the lake, with wind-eroded landforms reflected in the water. Visitor numbers are relatively low, making it a good destination for a self-drive trip.

• Lake Ailik: This is Karamay’s only natural freshwater lake, located on the edge of the desert. There is a colorful pebble beach along the shore, where you may occasionally find small pieces of silica jade.

Spectacular Canyons Nearby

• Dushanzi Grand Canyon: Formed by long-term geological processes, the canyon has steep cliffs with distinct layers of color and a considerable drop to the valley floor. It is suitable for viewing geological scenery and outdoor photography.

Suggested Itinerary (4 Days, 3 Nights)

• Day 1: Walking Tour of the City
  • Morning: Start at Karamay No. 1 Well and the Big Oil Bubble to learn about the city’s petroleum-industry heritage.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Karamay Museum, then head to Black Oil Mountain to observe the natural crude-oil seepage.
  • Evening: Watch the light show at Jiulongtan, then visit a city night market, such as <u data-keyword="汉博夜市">Hanbo Night Market</u>, for barbecue and browsing.
• Day 2: Exploring Ghost City
  • Morning: Drive from the city to Wuerhe World Ghost City. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
  • Afternoon: Enter the park around 17:00 and take the sightseeing train through the Gobi Yadan landscape. Wait for sunset at <u data-keyword="克拉玛依恐龙谷站">Dinosaur Valley Station</u>.
  • Evening: Stay at a hotel in Wuerhe Town or at an RV campground, and admire the Gobi night sky.
• Day 3: Self-Drive to Lesser-Known Sites
  • Morning: Drive to Jishi Tribe Film City and explore its free water-side Yadan scenery.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Lake Ailik, stroll along the lakeshore deep in the Gobi, and look for pieces of silica jade if you wish.
  • Evening: Return to Karamay for the night.
• Day 4: Canyon and Departure
  • Morning: Visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon to see the towering cliffs carved out by long-term erosion.
  • Afternoon: Return to the city according to your schedule, or continue to a nearby city to end the trip.

Local Specialties to Try

Food in Karamay is generally served in generous portions and has a distinctive Xinjiang flavor. Consider adding the following dishes to your itinerary:

• Lamb Skewers: The lamb has a pronounced aroma with little gamey flavor. It is usually grilled in a ratio of three lean pieces to one fatty piece, with a simple sprinkling of salt to bring out the meat’s flavor.

• Hand-Pulled Rice: The rice is rich and glossy, served with yellow carrots and lamb stewed until tender. The overall aroma is full and savory.

• Karamay Cold Skin Noodles: The broth is bright red, with a prominent sour and spicy flavor. The soup helps balance the overall taste and is a good choice for cutting through the richness.

• Nang-Pit Roasted Meat: Chunks of meat are hung inside a nang oven and roasted at high heat. The outside is charred and fragrant, while the inside remains tender and juicy.
• Meatball Soup: Meatballs and vegetables are cooked in a rich broth, creating a warm and savory dish. It has an especially local flavor when served with youtazi, a layered steamed bread.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to Stay:
  • City Center: Consider staying near the Karamay River or the Big Oil Bubble, such as near <u data-keyword="泰富广场">Taifu Square</u> or <u data-keyword="克拉玛依石油大厦">Petroleum Building</u>. These areas offer convenient dining and easy access to nighttime views.

• Wuerhe District: If you plan to explore Ghost City thoroughly, staying at a hotel in Wuerhe Town or an RV campground will make it more convenient to reach the scenic area and see the stars and sunrise.

• Getting Around:
  • Getting There: Karamay Airport has flights to cities including Urumqi. You can also take a high-speed train from Urumqi; the journey takes about three hours and is relatively comfortable.
  • Local Transportation: Taxis are convenient in the city. For destinations such as Wuerhe World Ghost City, Dushanzi Grand Canyon and Lake Ailik, self-driving or hiring a private vehicle is recommended. The scenery along the way is rich, and some more remote locations can only be reached by car.

Travel Notes

• Sun and Wind Protection: There is little shade in Ghost City and the Gobi areas, and ultraviolet radiation can be strong. Bring physical sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses and a face mask. Winds may be strong by the lake, so you should also carry a windproof jacket.
• Be Prepared for Temperature Changes: Xinjiang has a marked difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Even in summer or early autumn, you may need a heavy jacket at night.
• Drone Restrictions: As an oil-industry city, Karamay prohibits drone flights in some oilfield areas and certain scenic areas, including World Ghost City. Check the local rules before taking off to avoid violations.
• Bring Water and Food: There are few shops along the way to relatively remote destinations such as Jishi Tribe Film City and Lake Ailik. Stock drinking water and snacks in your vehicle in advance.
• Protect the Natural Environment: Do not litter or trample vegetation in wilderness areas, and do not climb Yadan rock formations. The local soil is loose, and the formations may collapse.