How to get to Karamay

Karamay is a fascinating city in northwestern China, the name of which translates as "black oil". This modern oasis in the Gobi Desert is known not only for its status as the "oil capital" but also for its incredible natural attractions. The main point of attraction for travellers is the mystical "Devil City" (Urho) with its bizarre aeolian landscapes resembling sets from science fiction films.

Today, Karamay attracts tourists with a harmonious combination of developed urban infrastructure and the stark beauty of wild nature. Here, you can learn about the history of the region's development in thematic museums, stroll along the well-maintained embankments of the Karamay River, and embark on an exciting journey through the unique geological parks of the region.

The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Karamay is by plane. Karamay Airport (KRY) is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, which allows you to save significant time on transfers. The airport serves regular flights from major regional hubs, making travel accessible and convenient for tourists.

Alternatively, you can consider flying into neighbouring cities if tickets for a direct flight are unavailable. The nearest option is the city of Shihezi, located approximately 170 kilometres away, from where it is easy to continue the journey by land. Tacheng, which receives civil aircraft and is located within a radius of 200 kilometres, can also serve as a backup option.

Rail travel is an excellent choice for travellers who prefer ground transport. The city has a modern railway station, so getting to Karamay by train will not be difficult. It is a convenient and reliable alternative to air travel, allowing you to cover significant distances in comfort.

Regular services connect the city with the administrative centre of the region — Urumqi. Comfortable trains, including high-speed ones, operate on the route, which significantly reduces travel time. A journey by rail also offers the opportunity to enjoy unique views: from the carriage window, you can watch as endless desert landscapes are replaced by lively urban scenery.

Bus services connect Karamay with neighbouring settlements, offering tourists an affordable way to travel along the region's picturesque roads. A convenient route runs from the city of Shihezi: the bus covers the distance of about 160 kilometres in an average of 2.5–3 hours. Travellers also often choose trips from Tacheng, located 230 kilometres to the northwest, from where the travel time is about 3–4 hours.

For those considering complex routes involving border crossings, there is an option to travel from the direction of the city of Zaysan. Such a trip will take more time due to the distance and necessary customs procedures, but it will allow you to see impressive landscapes of steppes and foothills. It is recommended to purchase tickets for intercity buses in advance at bus station ticket offices, especially during the high tourist season.

Travelling by car to Karamay is a wonderful opportunity to independently explore the picturesque expanses of Xinjiang. One of the most popular routes for road trippers is the journey from the region's administrative centre, the city of Urumqi. The drive along a modern expressway will take about 4 hours, allowing you to comfortably watch as busy city blocks give way to views of the endless desert and oil rigs.

For those making their way from the city of Shihezi, the road will be even shorter and will take less than 2 hours, as the distance is only about 160 kilometres. The route from Tacheng is also popular: the distance of 240 kilometres along a high-quality highway can be covered in just over 3 hours. Personal or rented transport will give you the freedom to stop in the most beautiful places, turning a simple transfer into an exciting adventure.

Preparing for a trip to Karamay requires attention to detail, given its location in a desert area and the specific digital ecosystem of China. To ensure your journey through this amazing region goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, use the following practical recommendations.

1. Clothing and Gear. The climate here is sharply continental, with hot summers and cold winters. Even in the warm season, temperature fluctuations between day and night can be significant, so the principle of layering clothing is mandatory. Be sure to bring a windbreaker and comfortable closed shoes: strong winds and sandy soil are frequent companions on walks, especially when visiting "Devil City".
2. Transport. It is most convenient to move around the city by taxi, which is relatively inexpensive here. To call a car, it is better to install Chinese apps (similar to Uber), as catching a car on the street is not always easy. City buses also run regularly and cover the main districts, but route maps are usually only in Chinese.
3. Finances. International bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are not accepted everywhere, mostly only in large hotels. The main payment method is mobile apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay, to which you can link a foreign card. Always carry a small supply of cash yuan for small shops, but note that they may not have change for large bills.
4. Health and Hygiene. The air in the region is very dry, so be sure to bring moisturising creams, lip balm, and eye drops. The sun at these latitudes is active, so sunscreen and a head covering are necessary even in spring and autumn. Karamay is a safe and calm city, but standard vigilance in crowded places is always advisable.
5. Communication. Few people speak English here, so download an offline translator with voice recognition and photo text translation functions to your phone in advance. It is also recommended to install offline maps of the region on your smartphone to navigate the terrain with confidence.
6. Local Etiquette. Greetings here are reserved; a nod or a handshake is sufficient. In restaurants and taxis, it is not customary to leave tips — this may be perceived with bewilderment. Politeness and calmness are the keys to good relations with the locals.
7. What to Avoid. Do not drink tap water; buy bottled water in supermarkets. Also, try not to photograph administrative buildings and people in uniform without their permission to avoid misunderstandings.
8. Useful Tip. If you plan a trip to the aeolian rocks of Urho, allocate a whole day for this and try to get there closer to sunset. It is in the rays of the setting sun that the bizarre sandstone figures acquire that very mystical look for which tourists from all over the world come here.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday difficulties and fully focus on exploring the unique nature and culture of the region. Proper preparation will make your stay in Karamay comfortable and safe.