Karamay Travel

Xinjiang Karamay — City of Oil, Capital of Devils, Pearl of the Desert. Explore world-class yardang landforms, experience petroleum industry civilization, and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Gobi desert.

1955
Year Founded
1
5A-Level Scenic Area
10000+
Yardang Formations
200+
Petroleum Industry Sites

Karamay District Travel

Karamay City Three-Day Two-Night Essence Tour

Explore yardang wonders, trace petroleum legends, experience Gobi scenery

Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Main Destinations
City Center, World Devil City, Dushanzi
Suitable For
Geology enthusiasts, industrial tourism lovers
Budget per Person
¥1200-¥1800
01
First Encounter with the Oil City
Heiyoushan · Ke-1 Well · Petroleum Culture Museum
Highlights

Arrive in Karamay, visit the Heiyoushan natural asphalt hill, explore the Ke-1 Well petroleum site. In the afternoon, visit the Petroleum Culture Museum to learn about the history of petroleum industry development. Stroll through Century Park in the evening and enjoy the oil city night view.

Attractions
Heiyoushan
A world-rare natural asphalt hill, crude oil naturally overflowing to form a black hill, symbolizing Karamay's petroleum industry.
Ke-1 Well
The first oil well of the Karamay oil field, marking the birth of the first major oil field in New China, with a monument and memorial square.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Karamay Tianqi Mercure Hotel
  • Karamay Hotel
  • Petroleum Building
Food Recommendations
  • Baked Buns
  • Big Plate Chicken
  • Hand-Grabbed Rice
Travel Tips
  • Heiyoushan is hot in summer, pay attention to sun protection
  • No open flames in the oil field area
  • City taxi starting fare is 8 yuan
02
Devil City Fantasy Journey
World Devil City · Erike Lake · Gold Silk Jade Market
Highlights

Spend the full day visiting the World Devil City yardang landform scenic area, taking the sightseeing train through the fantasy castle clusters. In the afternoon, head to Erike Lake wetland, and visit the Urho Gold Silk Jade Market in the evening.

Attractions
World Devil City
World-class yardang landform scenic area, wind-eroded into bizarre castle clusters, filming location for movies like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".
Erike Lake
A freshwater lake in the desert, habitat for egrets and other waterbirds, an oasis landscape contrasting sharply with the Devil City.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • About 2-hour drive from city center to Devil City
  • Chartered car or day tour recommended
  • Sightseeing train required inside the scenic area
Ticket Info
  • Devil City ticket + sightseeing train: 98 yuan
  • Erike Lake: Free
Travel Tips
  • Devil City is windy and sandy, prepare a face mask
  • Best photography at sunset
  • Verify authenticity when buying gold silk jade
03
Canyon Highway Adventure
Dushanzi Grand Canyon · Duku Highway Starting Point
Highlights

In the morning, head to Dushanzi Grand Canyon to experience the thousand-meter-deep valley carved by Tianshan snowmelt. In the afternoon, visit the Duku Highway Museum and check in at the highway starting monument. Return in the evening.

Attractions
Dushanzi Grand Canyon
A canyon wonder formed by billions of years of Tianshan snowmelt erosion, 200 meters deep with colorful terrace textures that are breathtaking.
Duku Highway Museum
A thematic museum showcasing the construction history of "China's Most Beautiful Highway", recreating the road-building miracle through artifacts, models, and videos.
Practical Info
Hiking Routes
  • Canyon Glass Walkway
  • Cliffside Cafe Viewing
  • Valley Floor Hiking Trail
Important Notes
  • No railings at canyon edge, be careful
  • Highway Museum closed on Mondays
  • Duku Highway opens seasonally (June-September)
Tickets & Transportation
  • Grand Canyon ticket: 30 yuan
  • Glass Walkway: 80 yuan
  • Museum: Free

Must-Try Foods in Karamay City

Baked Buns

A traditional Uyghur delicacy, crispy pastry wrapped around lamb filling, baked in a tandoor oven — golden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.

Big Plate Chicken

A classic Xinjiang dish, chicken stewed with potatoes and chili peppers, served with handmade wide noodles — spicy and rich, embodying the bold northwestern culinary style.

Hand-Grabbed Rice

Lamb cooked with carrots and onions in oily rice, garnished with raisins and other dried fruits — fragrant and nutritious.

Gobi Grilled Fish

A specialty from Erike Lake, fresh lake fish skewered on red willow branches and grilled — crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a unique plant fragrance.

Karamay City Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Mild climate, less wind and sand
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Clear autumn weather, prime photography season
  • Summer: High temperatures at Devil City, guard against heatstroke
Must-Try Foods
  • Baked Buns
  • Big Plate Chicken
  • Hand-Grabbed Rice
  • Gobi Grilled Fish
  • Yogurt Zongzi
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 200 yuan
  • Accommodation: 200-400 yuan/night
  • Meals: 80-120 yuan/day
  • Transport: approx. 300 yuan (chartered car)
  • Total: 1200-1800 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long to visit Devil City? → Suggested 3-4 hours
  • When does the Duku Highway open? → Usually June to October
  • How to verify gold silk jade authenticity? → Check texture and certificate
  • What special equipment should I prepare? → Sunscreen mask, sunglasses