Karamay Travel Guide: 3 Days Exploring Oil History, Yadan Landscapes & Hidden Canyons

3 Days in Karamay

A Hardcore Itinerary 99% of Travelers Never See

When people think of Karamay, they usually think of just one thing: oil.
But once you actually visit, you’ll realize this city is far more layered.

Karamay is not just an industrial city—it’s a place where raw energy, vast wilderness, dramatic Yadan landforms, deep canyons, and modern urban life collide. If you want to experience its true soul efficiently, this 3-day high-impact itinerary is for you.

Karamay

DAY 1️⃣ Walking Through an Oil Epic

Industrial Aesthetics & City Landmarks

📍 Karamay Museum (Free)

Start your journey here. The museum explains why Karamay exists at all.

It documents the discovery of New China’s first large oilfield and how an empty desert became a city. Outside, massive oil pumps and historical equipment create powerful industrial visuals—especially cinematic on cloudy days.

Photo Tips

Low-angle shots of pump jacks
“Pioneer Heroes” sculpture wall
Black Oil Mountain cellar ruins (very sci-fi)

⏱ Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours

📍 Karamay No.1 Well Scenic Area (Free)

One of the city’s most iconic locations.

The highlight here is the mirrored “Oil Bubble” sculpture. By day it feels futuristic; at night, once the lights turn on, it looks straight out of a cyberpunk movie.

Best Shots

Reflections on the wave-textured ground
Silver, black, or techwear outfits
Night photography recommended

⏱ Suggested time: 30–40 minutes

📍 Huijia Riverside Square / Iron Horse Night Market (Free)

End the day with local nightlife.

This is where locals actually eat. Not a tourist trap—prices are fair and flavors are authentic. You can eat very well for ¥30–40 per person.

Must-Try Foods

Baked lamb buns with kvass
Milk-skin yogurt (highly recommended)
Teppanyaki squid—great for night vlogs

Karamay

DAY 2️⃣ Wilderness Shock

Oil Seeps, Canyons & Yadan Wonders

📍 Black Oil Mountain Scenic Area (¥39–40)

Not conventionally “beautiful,” but extremely fascinating.

Here, real crude oil bubbles naturally from the ground. The asphalt hills feel elastic underfoot, as if the land is breathing.

⚠️ Tips

Wear anti-slip shoes
Avoid white shoes (seriously)
Join a guided explanation if available

⏱ Suggested time: 40–60 minutes

📍 Baiyang River Grand Canyon (¥20)

A hidden gem many travelers skip—don’t.

It’s especially stunning from late September to mid-October, when golden poplar trees reflect in the river, creating layered compositions perfect for photography.

Highlights

S-shaped river bends
Elevated canyon viewpoints
Wild camels (observe from a distance)

⏱ Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours

📍 World Devil City (¥62, includes sightseeing train)

The most iconic natural attraction in Karamay.

This vast Yadan landform resembles a ruined ancient city carved by wind. Enter after 6 PM for the best light—sunset turns the rocks fiery red.

🚂 Recommended Train Stops

Camel Park Stop – elevated viewpoints
Seven Swords Stop – panoramic Yadan views
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Stop – famous film location

⛔ If short on time, skip Stops 1 & 5.

Outfit Advice
Red dresses, cowboy hats, and combat boots work exceptionally well for silhouettes.

🌌 Staying overnight in Urho lets you experience a jaw-dropping starry sky.

Karamay

DAY 3️⃣ Duku Highway Origin

Canyons, Roads & Legends

📍 Duku Highway Museum (Free)

This museum tells the story behind one of China’s most legendary roads.

Exhibits recreate avalanche rescues and manual road construction—both moving and intense. The Zero Kilometer Marker outside is a must-photo spot.

🎁 Don’t miss the “Mud Baby” road-themed souvenirs.

📍 Dushanzi Grand Canyon (¥30)

Much more impressive than expected.

Glass walkways, cliff swings, and massive canyon depth make this a highlight. Afternoon light reveals stunning textures.

📸 The canyon café offers strong “Westworld” vibes.

📍 Jiulongtan (Free)

A perfect way to slow down before leaving.

Afternoon fountains sometimes create rainbows; after sunset, lights transform the area into a myth-like scene.

Karamay

🚗 Transportation Tips

Taxis within the city are cheap and convenient
World Devil City & Urho area: self-drive / private car / shared ride recommended
Karamay High-Speed Rail Station → Devil City: ~102 km

🚌 Burqin → Karamay