The Karamay River Scenic Area is located in Karamay District, Karamay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The scenic area is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Also known as the City-Passing River, Karamay River has a total length of 8.51 kilometers, a width of 15 meters, and a water depth of 1.8 to 2.3 meters. The landscape belts on both sides of the river are generally divided into 5 scenic areas from east to west, with Century Park adjacent to Karamay River. There are 20 cross-river bridges in the scenic area, each with a unique design. The broad green belts on both sides of the river cover an area of 158,100 square meters, planting a large number of trees besides lawns.
History and Culture
Karamay is a new oil industrial city with a typical continental arid climate, long-term in a state of water conservation for oil production. As early as the 1950s, domestic water in Karamay had to be transported by horses and camels, with people fetching water from saltwater (and freshwater) lakes dozens of miles away. To maintain Karamay's long-term vitality, the industrious Karamay people built an artificial river. On August 8, 2000, Karamay River was officially put into water supply, and this day became Karamay's Water Festival. The completion and water supply of the water diversion project greatly improved Karamay's harsh ecological environment, making the city more beautiful and charming, full of vitality. Since 2000, Karamay City has held a large-scale Karamay Water Festival every August, where citizens and tourists sing and dance to celebrate the festival.
Main Attractions
Jiulongtan Scenic Area
Jiulongtan is the source of Karamay River, an artificial waterfall built using the natural gravity of water level drop. It mainly consists of an 8-meter-high artificial waterfall, a giant pool, ancient-style architectural complexes, a viewing corridor, a suspension bridge, a water diversion project monument, and landscape green belts. The surging canal water is intercepted by a tall dam, forming a huge water level drop. The main outlet in the middle sprays a 10-meter-wide water curtain to form a waterfall, while 4 giant dragon heads on each side spray 8 water columns simultaneously, creating a momentum of "nine dragons spitting water." The scene is majestic, with the surging sound audible hundreds of meters away.
Junggar Scenic Area
This scenic area stretches from the south of Junggar East Road to Ashan Road, with a total area of about 168,800 square meters. Centered on Children's Park, it is known for its landscape gardening, highlighting the artistic conception of spring and symbolizing that children are the spring of the earth and the future of the motherland. The ribbon-shaped green spaces on both sides of Children's Park are mainly plant landscapes, with vast lawns and colorful flower clusters, as well as sculpture installations themed on petroleum culture.
Kunlun Scenic Area
Covering an area of about 204,600 square meters, it features Kunlun Garden and a fishing area as its main landscapes. It is equipped with ornamental greenhouses, flower sculptures, sunshade corridors, combined flower beds, various pavilions, and stone carvings, making it an ideal place for leisure and cooling during hot summers.
Central Scenic Area
With an area of 216,000 square meters, Zhenxing Garden is its core attraction. The large-scale sculpture "Water is Coming" is surrounded by green grass and flowers, accompanied by a grand musical fountain and modern European-style pavilions, which complement the clear river water for endless fun.
West City Scenic Area
From Friendship Bridge to the entrance of Ayikul (Xiyue Tan) Reservoir, it covers a total area of 198,000 square meters. Centered on West City Garden, it features autumn scenery, with abundant plant shapes, the grandeur of Friendship Bridge, modern European-style pavilions, and various color-changing trees and fruit forests, creating a beautiful autumn melody.
Century Park
Century Park is the largest man-made landscape park in Karamay and one of the leading night view landscapes in western China. Located at the junction of the old and new urban areas, it covers a total area of 29 hectares. Bordered by Karamay River in the north, the new administrative district in the south, starting from Friendship Bridge in the west and ending at Victory Bridge in the east, the park features rivers, rockeries, fountains, lawns, various trees, and colored asphalt roads, with complete entertainment facilities. It is traversed by two main axes: the Historical Landscape Axis and the Time-Space Landscape Axis.
Food
Xinjiang Skewered Roast Mutton
Fresh mutton is cut into small pieces, skewered on iron sticks, and slowly grilled over charcoal fire. During grilling, seasonings such as cumin and chili powder are sprinkled, resulting in a golden and crispy outer skin, tender and juicy interior, and a rich aroma.
Big Plate Chicken
Main ingredients include chicken, potatoes, and wide noodles. The chicken is tender, the potatoes are soft and flavorful, and the sauce of Big Plate Chicken is rich, spicy, and savory. The wide noodles absorb the sauce, offering a chewy and smooth texture.
Hand-Pulled Rice (Plov)
Made by stewing rice, mutton, carrots, and raisins together, the rice grains are distinct, absorbing the aroma of mutton and the sweetness of carrots, resulting in a rich taste and balanced nutrition.
Admission
The Karamay River Scenic Area is free of charge.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open 24 hours a day, i.e., 00:00 - 24:00.
Tour Route
Start the tour from Jiulongtan Scenic Area to admire the magnificent "nine dragons spitting water" waterfall and ancient-style architecture; then walk along Karamay River, passing through Junggar Scenic Area, Kunlun Scenic Area, Central Scenic Area, and West City Scenic Area in sequence to experience the unique landscapes of each area; finally, arrive at Century Park to appreciate its grand design and diverse entertainment facilities. You can also choose to take a cruise or yacht to enjoy the scenery of Karamay River from the water.
Transportation
- Bus: Take urban buses to stations near the scenic area; specific routes can be checked via local bus information.
- Self-driving: Drive to the scenic area, with parking lots available around it.
- Taxi: Take a taxi within the urban area for convenient and fast access to the scenic area.
Must-See Attractions
- Jiulongtan Scenic Area: The source of Karamay River, featuring a majestic "nine dragons spitting water" waterfall and exquisite ancient-style architecture, serving as the iconic attraction of the scenic area.
- Friendship Bridge: The world's smallest cable-stayed bridge, serving as the gateway to central Karamay City. With its unique design, it looks particularly beautiful when illuminated at night.
- Century Park: Karamay's largest man-made landscape park, with magnificent Historical Landscape Axis and Time-Space Landscape Axis, especially charming at night.
Tour Tips
- The best visiting seasons are spring to autumn, with pleasant weather and the most beautiful scenery.
- Allocate half a day to a full day for the tour to fully experience various attractions and activities.
- For night view appreciation, visit in the evening when Karamay River is illuminated, offering a unique charm.
Notes
- Karamay has a dry and windy climate; pay attention to sun protection and windproof measures.
- When playing near the river, ensure safety, take care of the elderly and children, and do not approach dangerous areas.
- Respect local customs and cultural differences.