Karamay River Scenic Area

Karamay River Scenic Area

Karamay River Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Karamay River Scenic Area

The Karamay River, also known as the "River Through the City," enters the urban area from the northeast, starting at the Jiulongtan Scenic Area. The river winds through the city and flows into the Ayikule Reservoir in the southwest, spanning a total length of 8.

51 kilometers, with a width of 15 meters and a water depth of 1.8 to 2.3 meters. The Karamay River is a divine stream that brings greenery and vitality to this oil city plagued by water scarcity. On August 8, 2000, the Karamay River was completed and began supplying water. The river is broadly divided into five scenic sections from east to south.

The first is the Jiulongtan Ancient-Style Architecture and Waterfall Scenic Area. The waterfall is created using the natural gravity formed by the elevation drop of the Fengke Main Canal. The Jiulongtan Waterfall combines a central outlet with eight large side nozzles, resulting in nine streams gushing forth to mimic the sight of nine dragons spouting water. The nine jets shoot into the air and plunge into the deep pool, creating a deafening roar and a spectacular scene.

The second is the Junggar Scenic Area. This area extends from south of Junggar East Road to Ashan Road, covering a total area of approximately 168,800 square meters. Centered around Children’s Park and excelling in landscape design featuring mountains and water, it highlights the ambiance of spring, symbolizing children as the springtime of the earth and the future of the nation. Children’s Park faces Black Oil Mountain Park on the opposite bank of the Karamay River, complementing each other beautifully. The strip-shaped green spaces on both sides of Children’s Park mainly feature plant landscaping, with lush lawns dotted by colorful flower clusters. Small green squares are adorned with sculptures themed around petroleum culture, evoking a sense of vibrant life.

The third section is the Kunlun Scenic Area, spanning approximately 204,600 square meters. It features the Kunlun Mini Garden and fishing zones as main attractions. The area includes an observation greenhouse, floral sculptures, shaded walkways, combined flower stands, various pavilions, and stone carvings. The entire scenic area is characterized by its summer scenery and serves as a great place for leisure, cooling off, and sightseeing during the hot summer months. The fourth section is the Central Scenic Area, located east of Friendship Bridge, covering a green space of 2.6 hectares. It includes 3,111 trees and 418 shrubs. The Central Scenic Area consists of a main entrance archway and extended corridors on both sides, built in the architectural style of the Han Dynasty. The concept of "circles, wedges, corridors, gardens, and woods" is organically integrated, reflecting the greening philosophy of "people-oriented, green-focused, nature-following, and feature-highlighting." In 2002, a sculpture titled "Here Comes the Water" was installed on the east side of the main gate area, along with five relief pillars on the opposite side depicting the petroleum history of Karamay. The water area in the Central Scenic Area is equipped with large colorful fountain lights and a water screen movie. The main fountain shoots water up to 30 meters high. When night falls, lights illuminate the fountains as water sprays, and groups of visitors enjoy the merging view of water and sky while listening to soft background music. Lying on the green grass, they bask in the delightful feeling of returning to nature. The final highlight is the Western City Scenic Area—the grand finale of the Karamay River experience. It stretches from Friendship Bridge to the entrance of Ayikule (West Moon Lake), covering a total area of 198,000 square meters. This section centers around the Western City Mini Garden and features autumn scenery. Abundant plant sculptures, the majestic Friendship Bridge, modern European-style pavilions, high-rise buildings along both riverbanks, a variety of colorful foliage, and orchards create a wonderful autumn symphony. The Karamay River is famed for its many bridges. Along its 8.51-kilometer course, there are 20 uniquely shaped bridges—16 for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles, and 4 for motor vehicle traffic. These 20 bridges include stone arch bridges, concrete bridges, and steel structure bridges, each with distinct designs. Each bridge also has its own beautiful name: Kunlun Bridge, Junggar Bridge, Victory Bridge, West Ring Bridge, Guangming Bridge, and more. Friendship Bridge is the crown jewel among them—a cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 249.05 meters and an approach bridge of 563 meters. As the gateway to central Karamay, it boasts a unique style that is both imposing and exquisitely delicate, making it the smallest cable-stayed bridge in the world. Visitors can explore the Karamay River by driving along the riverside road, strolling on foot, or taking a boat or yacht tour. While taking in the full splendor of the Karamay River, you’ll also experience the beautiful and magnificent green corridor of this desert oil city.

Address: No. 42, Tianshan Road, Karamay District

Phone: 0990-6258312