- The World Devil City (Urho Ghost City) is a spectacular geological park—looks like a medieval castle made of mud.
- The Black Oil Mountain park has natural oil bubbling out of the ground.
- It's one of the wealthiest cities in China per capita.
- The city is surprisingly green and modern, with a massive river running through it (man-made).
- It's a stopover on the way to Kanas Lake or Northern Xinjiang.
If you want, you can open the search in a new tab via Aviasales. Реклама. Go Travel Un Limited. ИНН 9909520797
When to go: Autumn
September and October are best. The weather is cool and the desert landscapes are dramatic.
Summer is very hot. Winter is brutally cold and windy.
- Autumn: Best weather.
- Summer: Hot.
- Winter: Freezing.
Getting there: Fly or Train
Karamay Airport (KRY) has flights from Urumqi and other Chinese cities. The train station connects to Urumqi (3-4 hours).
It's a long way from anywhere, so flying or high-speed train is recommended.
- Train: Fast from Urumqi.
- Flight: Convenient.
- Drive: Long desert roads.
Where to stay: City Center
Stay in the city center near the Karamay River. Hotels are modern and cater to business travelers.
There isn't a 'tourist district' per se, so central is best.
- City Center: Modern hotels.
- Near River: Nice walks.
- Urho: Near Ghost City (limited options).
What to see: Ghost City and Oil
Drive to Urho (100km away) to see the World Devil City. Take the tourist train through the rock formations. It's eerie and beautiful (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was filmed here).
In the city, visit Black Oil Mountain to see the asphalt hills and oil springs.
- Ghost City (Urho): Yardang landforms.
- Black Oil Mountain: Natural oil seep.
- Karamay River: Night light show.
- Science Museum: Oil history.
Food: Xinjiang Cuisine
Eat Xinjiang classics: Lamb skewers (chuanr), Big Plate Chicken (Dapanji), and hand-pulled noodles (Lagman).
The food is hearty, spicy, and meat-heavy.
- Lamb Skewers: Everywhere.
- Dapanji: Spicy chicken and potatoes.
- Naan: Flatbread.
- Melons: Sweet desert fruit.
Getting around: Taxi or Driver
Taxis are cheap in the city. To get to the Ghost City, you need to hire a driver or take a bus to Urho.
Distances in Xinjiang are vast.
- Taxi: City transport.
- Driver: Essential for sights.
- Bus: Inter-city links.
Budget: Moderate
Karamay is not cheap compared to rural China, but affordable for Westerners. Hotels are good value.
Hiring a driver for day trips is the main expense.
- Food: Affordable.
- Transport: Driver costs add up.
- Sights: Entry fees apply.
1-2 Days in Karamay
Day 1: Ghost City. Drive to Urho. Spend the afternoon exploring the Devil City rock formations. Sunset is spectacular.
Day 2: City. Visit Black Oil Mountain. Walk along the Karamay River at night to see the fountains and lights. Eat lamb skewers.
- Day 1: Desert landscapes.
- Day 2: Oil history.
- Evening: River walk.
FAQ
Is it safe?
Yes, very. Security is tight in Xinjiang. Carry your passport everywhere.
Why 'Ghost City'?
Because the wind howling through the rocks sounds like ghosts screaming. It's just wind erosion.
Is there really oil on the ground?
Yes, at Black Oil Mountain, thick black oil bubbles out naturally. It's a geological oddity.