On 4 Sep, we departed from Jiadengyu Tourist Direct Bus Service Center and continued our drive toward Karamay.

After a 1.5-hour drive, we arrived at our first stop: Colorful Beach (Wucaitan).

Located on the banks of the Irtysh River in northern Xinjiang, Colorful Beach is a spectacular riverside rock formation famous for its vibrant multi-coloured layers. Wind and water erosion over thousands of years created these striking cliffs in hues of red, orange, yellow and purple. The site has boardwalks along the ridge for safe sightseeing.

We enjoyed the views very much.

After another 3-hour drive, we reached Urho Ghost City (World Devil City, or World Mystery Town. Again, many names).

World Devil City gets its name from the spooky howling winds blowing through Yardang rock formations. Locals have long called it “the dwelling place of devils”.

We took the cute sightseeing trains to explore the whole area.

This vast expanse of Yardang landform consists of countless wind-carved rock pillars and mounds spread across the Gobi desert. Millennia of strong winds have sculpted the rocks into fascinating shapes: ancient castles, giant beasts, towers and human-like figures.

To be honest, it became boring after some time. But we took some great photos here.

After a 1.5-hour drive, we arrived in Karamay — a very modern, new, clean, green and lively city.

We had a different style of hotpot for dinner.

The next morning, we checked out of our hotel and drove to visit Black Oil Hill (Heiyoushan) Scenic Area.

This national 4A tourist site sits on the northwestern edge of the Junggar Basin, just 0.5 km from downtown Karamay, covering an area of 0.3 square kilometres. Its name “Karamay” in Uyghur means “black oil”. Without the oil deposits here, the city of Karamay would not exist. 

It is a rare geological wonder where crude oil seeps naturally to the surface. The oil formed 200 million years ago. Over a million years ago, crustal movement fractured rock layers, forcing oil upward. The lighter components evaporated, leaving thick bitumen mixed with sandstone, forming this honeycomb-like low hill.

More than a hundred oil springs bubble nonstop year-round. The oil here is valuable low-freezing crude, with its freezing point as low as -70°C.

The number 1955 at the gate marks the year when Karamay Oilfield, New China's first large oilfield, was discovered. Black Oil Hill is the cradle of China’s petroleum industry and bears witness to the pioneers' oath: “Stay rooted, drill on, never quit until oil flows.”

It was quite an interesting visit.

About 4 hours later, we were back in Urumqi. We bought some nan as souvenirs before heading to our flight back home. All in all, it was a wonderful and fulfilling trip. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

Yours Truly

Angie Guo - Charmission Travel