Karamay, Xinjiang

Karamay Exhibition Hall: From Barren Desert to Modern Petroleum Miracle

Altitude

1,500m

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Karamay Exhibition: Hall, located on Urho Road in the heart of Karamay City, Xinjiang, serves as a profound monument and repository for the city's unique history. It is not merely a conventional museum but a "time tunnel" that records the transformation of a "barren beach," once described as having no grass, water, or birds, into a flourishing modern industrial oasis. Originally established in 1982 as the Karamay Petroleum Museum, the hall has evolved into a comprehensive space that integrates the city's historical origins with its modern development.

The museum's core narrative begins with the monumental event on October 29, 1955, when Karamay No. 1 Well successfully gushed oil. This breakthrough marked the birth of the first major oilfield in the People's Republic of China, providing critical energy resources for the young nation. The hall is designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, reflecting its immense historical value.

Visitors can experience immersive reconstructions of historical scenes, such as the natural oil seeps of Black Oil Mountain and the early drilling operations at Well No. 1. One of the most touching sections features the "Earth House" (Di Wo Zi) and other primitive living quarters, which vividly depict the extreme conditions and the spirit of "putting down roots" faced by the early pioneers. The exhibits also highlight the contributions of various ethnic groups—including Han, Uyghur, and Kazakh workers—who together built this city from the desert sands. The final part of the exhibition showcases Karamay’s transformation into a modern "Garden City," documenting its leap from a wasteland to a symbol of industrial and ecological progress.

✨ Why Visit Karamay Exhibition Hall

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Cradle of China's Petroleum: Stand at the symbolic origin point where the discovery of "Black

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Immersive "Earth House" Scenes: Step into the reconstructed underground dwellings and early work sites to feel the arduous yet heroic daily lives of the first oil workers.

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Multi-Ethnic Unity: Explore the historical records of cooperation between diverse ethnic groups who shared the common goal of building a home in the desert.

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The "Mother Well" Legend: Learn the story of how the 1219 drilling team braved the elements to reach a depth of 620 meters and change history.

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Modern Oasis Vision: Witness the spectacular transition of the urban landscape from a grassless plain to a world-class "Oil

Location & Nearby

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📍 Karamay, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 1500m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Karamay Exhibition Hall Travel Guide

is situated on Urho Road in the urban area of Karamay City, Xinjiang. What is the historical significance of the hall?

It commemorates the 1955 discovery of the Karamay Oilfield and the spirit of the pioneers.

who built the city. Can I see actual relics from the first oil well?

Yes, the museum features original tools, documents, and reconstructions of the No. 1 Well and Black Oil Mountain.

What are the visiting hours?

The hall generally follows standard museum hours (around 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM), though it.

is recommended to check for specific holiday closures. Is it close to other Karamay attractions?

Yes, it is located in the city center and is often visited alongside Black Oil Mountain and the Karamay River.

✨ Why Visit Karamay Exhibition Hall

✦Cradle of China's Petroleum: Stand at the symbolic origin point where the discovery of "Black

✦Immersive "Earth House" Scenes: Step into the reconstructed underground dwellings and early work sites to feel the arduous yet heroic daily lives of the first oil workers.

✦Multi-Ethnic Unity: Explore the historical records of cooperation between diverse ethnic groups who shared the common goal of building a home in the desert.

✦The "Mother Well" Legend: Learn the story of how the 1219 drilling team braved the elements to reach a depth of 620 meters and change history.

✦Modern Oasis Vision: Witness the spectacular transition of the urban landscape from a grassless plain to a world-class "Oil