Karamay Oil Well No.1
克拉玛依一号井
The discovery well of China’s first major oilfield, which gushed commercial oil in 1955. The “Big Oil Bubble” sculpture beside it is a city landmark of Karamay.
Karamay No. 1 Well is in the southern part of the city. Drilling began in July 1955, and on October 29 of that year it gushed commercial oil, marking the birth of the Karamay oilfield. It was the first major oilfield discovered in New China, overturning the claim that China was “poor in oil,” and the well has been listed as a national key cultural heritage site. The site preserves the original wellhead and a restored derrick. Beside the well stands an iconic giant stainless steel sculpture called the “Big Oil Bubble,” along with stone tablets and display boards on the history of drilling. The site is small, with about 30 minutes needed for a visit. Entry is free. It works well as a half-day “Oil City” tour with Heiyou Mountain and the museum. Getting there: a taxi from the city takes about 10 minutes.
Opening hours
All day