Karamay is a city that rose with the discovery of oil. Located in the Junggar Basin, one of China's premier petroleum-producing regions, it is known for both its abundant oil and gas resources and striking landscapes.

Vast deserts, winding rivers, mysterious yardang landforms and traits of an industrial civilization together create a destination unlike anywhere else in Xinjiang. In addition, it has a rich cultural atmosphere shaped by the interactions between different ethnic groups.

Here, raw wilderness and modern industry coexist in unexpected harmony. For travelers seeking a journey with the vibe of "another planet," Karamay deserves a place on the itinerary. Visitors can explore both its dramatic natural scenery and the industrial heritage that shaped the city's identity.

A journey through natural landscapes 

Route: Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Karamay River → World Mystery Town → Baiyang River Grand Canyon → Ailik Lake

The Dushanzi Grand Canyon is famous for its dramatic terrain carved by erosion over millions of years. Sparse vegetation and deep ravines reveal the sheer force of nature's craftsmanship. Today, the site also features attractions such as sky bicycles, glass walkways and stylish cafés.

The Karamay River, an artificial river, cuts across the desert city like a green ribbon. At night, riverside lights turn it into one of Karamay's most lively scenes.

The World Mystery Town, a national 5A-level scenic spot, is one of the region's most iconic natural wonders. Over countless years, fierce winds have sculpted the rocks into towering formations of astonishing shapes. Walking among them feels surreal, as if entering a silent stone city imagined by nature itself.

Further along the route lies the Baiyang River Grand Canyon, stretching nearly 30 kilometers. The canyon combines dramatic yardang cliffs with groves of poplar trees, creating scenery that changes with the seasons. In autumn, golden leaves cover the valley, softening the rugged landscape and attracting photographers and travelers.

Hidden among the Gobi Desert and yardang formations, Ailik Lake is known for its remarkably clear water and dense reeds. Called "a pearl in the desert," it offers a sense of calm amid the surrounding wilderness.

A journey exploring oil heritage 

Route: The Karamay No.1 Well → Black Oil Mountain → Karamay Museum → Hundred-Mile Oilfield

The No.1 Well marks the birthplace of the Karamay oilfield and is witness to the region's first industrial oil strike. Today, it stands as an important historical site commemorating the oil industry's pioneering spirit of overcoming hardships and tackling challenges.

The Black Oil Mountain reveals the natural traces of petroleum beneath the earth's surface. For decades, crude oil has seeped from the ground, where visitors can still see black oil bubbling from natural vents.

The Hundred-Mile Oilfield stretches for roughly 150 kilometers along the northwestern edge of the Junggar Basin and has become a national 3A-level tourist attraction. Pumping units, derricks, pipelines and refining towers form an industrial landscape with a rhythm of its own.

To better understand the city's development, the Karamay Museum offers a vivid introduction to the early years of oilfield construction. Through photographs, historical materials and industrial artifacts, the museum recreates the hardships and determination of those who built the oil city in the desert.

As the evening sun casts a golden light over the yardang formations of the World Mystery Town, reeds sway beside Ailik Lake, and oil pumps continue their tireless operation at the Hundred-Mile Oilfield, Karamay reveals its true character. Its appeal lies not only in nature's extraordinary landscapes, but also in the human efforts that reshaped this once-barren land.

Karamay rose from the Gobi, but it has never been lifeless. Known as an oil city, it offers far more than industry. With this in mind, you can experience the powerful symphony of wilderness and civilization that continues to define this unique place.