Karamay District Travel

Xinjiang Karamay District — core area of the petroleum industry, pearl of the Gobi. Explore the natural asphalt hill of Heiyoushan, visit the first oil well of New China Ke-1 Well, experience petroleum industry culture, and witness the miracle of Gobi transforming into an oil city.

1955
Year of City Establishment
100+
Petroleum Industry Heritage Sites
40+
Specialty Foods
30%
Urban Green Coverage Rate
Heiyoushan landscape and oil pump unit in Karamay District
Heiyoushan - Symbol of the Petroleum Industry
A rare natural asphalt hill in the world, a black hill formed by crude oil naturally overflowing

Karamay District Three-Day Two-Night Petroleum Culture Tour

Explore petroleum industry heritage, witness the miracle of Gobi transforming into an oil city, experience Xinjiang specialty cuisine

Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Main Destinations
Heiyoushan, Ke-1 Well, Cultural Creative Industry Park
Suitable For
Industrial tourism enthusiasts, history explorers
Budget per Person
¥1000-¥1500
01
Source of Oil
Heiyoushan · Petroleum Geology Exhibition Hall
Highlights

Arrive in Karamay District, check into hotel, then head to Heiyoushan Scenic Area to visit the world's rare natural asphalt hill. In the afternoon, visit the Petroleum Geology Exhibition Hall to learn about petroleum formation and extraction knowledge. Stroll through Heiyoushan Park in the evening and enjoy the oil city sunset.

Attractions
Heiyoushan
A world-rare natural asphalt hill, crude oil naturally overflowing to form a black hill, symbolizing Karamay's petroleum industry, known as the "Holy Mountain of Oil".
Petroleum Geology Exhibition Hall
A thematic hall showcasing the geological structure of the Karamay oil field and the petroleum formation process, popularizing petroleum knowledge through models, specimens, and interactive devices.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Karamay Tianqi Mercure Hotel
  • Karamay Hotel
  • Petroleum Building
Food Recommendations
  • Baked Buns
  • Hand-Grabbed Rice
  • Gobi Grilled Fish
Travel Tips
  • Heiyoushan is hot in summer, pay attention to sun protection
  • No smoking or open flames in the scenic area
  • Best photography effect in the evening
02
Oil City Memories
Ke-1 Well · Petroleum Culture Museum · Cultural Creative Industry Park
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Ke-1 Well petroleum heritage site to learn about the birth history of the first major oil field in New China. In the afternoon, tour the Petroleum Culture Museum to feel the spirit of oil workers. In the evening, explore the Cultural Creative Industry Park to experience the integration of industrial heritage and modern art.

Attractions
Ke-1 Well
The first oil well of the Karamay oil field, which gushed industrial oil flow in 1955, marking the birth of the first major oil field in New China, with a monument and memorial square.
Petroleum Culture Museum
A thematic museum comprehensively displaying the development history of the Karamay petroleum industry, telling the story of oil through historical photos, artifacts, and scene recreations.
Cultural Creative Industry Park
An art district transformed from old factory buildings, gathering art galleries, design studios, and specialty restaurants, serving as a model for revitalizing industrial heritage.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Attractions in the city are relatively close
  • Taxi or bus recommended
  • Cultural Creative Industry Park has light shows at night
Ticket Info
  • Ke-1 Well: Free
  • Petroleum Culture Museum: Free
  • Creative Park: Free
Travel Tips
  • Petroleum Culture Museum closed on Mondays
  • Creative Park suitable for evening photography
  • Oil-themed coffee shops available
03
Modern Oil City
Century Park · Big Oil Bubble Sculpture · Riverside Scenic Area
Highlights

In the morning, visit Century Park and see the iconic Big Oil Bubble sculpture. In the afternoon, stroll through the Riverside Scenic Area to experience the unique charm of the Gobi water city. In the evening, purchase oil-themed souvenirs and conclude the Karamay District tour.

Attractions
Century Park
The central park of Karamay District, themed around petroleum culture, with lush greenery, serving as the main recreational space for citizens.
Big Oil Bubble Sculpture
Karamay's landmark sculpture, made of polished stainless steel, reflecting the urban landscape, symbolizing the symbiotic relationship between oil and the city.
Riverside Scenic Area
The landscape belt along the Karamay River flowing through the city, featuring musical fountains, water curtain movies and other facilities, showcasing the unique charm of the "Gobi Water City".
Practical Info
Tour Route
  • Century Park → Big Oil Bubble Sculpture
  • Culture Street → Riverside Walkway
  • Friendship Bridge → Return
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Gold Silk Jade Crafts
  • Oil-Themed Souvenirs
  • Xinjiang Dried Fruit Gift Box
  • Ethnic Handicrafts
Travel Tips
  • Riverside Scenic Area is more beautiful at night
  • Musical fountain performances in summer
  • Bargaining acceptable at specialty markets

Must-Try Foods in Karamay District

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, rich but not greasy.

Big Plate Chicken

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

Gobi Grilled Fish

Fresh local lake fish skewered on red willow branches and grilled — crispy on the outside and tender inside, with a unique plant fragrance, a Karamay specialty.

Oil City Naan-Wrapped Meat

A Karamay signature innovative dish, braised lamb stuffed into baked naan bread — tender meat, naan soaked in rich broth, with a unique flavor.

Karamay District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Mild climate, less wind and sand
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Clear autumn weather, suitable for outdoor activities
  • Summer: Avoid midday high temperatures
Must-Try Foods
  • Baked Buns
  • Big Plate Chicken
  • Gobi Grilled Fish
  • Hand-Grabbed Rice
  • Yogurt Zongzi
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 50 yuan
  • Accommodation: 200-400 yuan/night
  • Meals: 80-120 yuan/day
  • Transport: approx. 100 yuan
  • Total: 1000-1500 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long to visit Heiyoushan? → Suggested 2-3 hours
  • Opening hours of Petroleum Culture Museum? → Tuesday to Sunday 9:30-17:30
  • Must-buy specialties in Karamay District? → Gold Silk Jade, oil souvenirs
  • Best photography spots? → Big Oil Bubble Sculpture, Heiyoushan sunset

Explore Districts of Karamay City