Karamay River & Jiulongtan
克拉玛依河
An artificial river that runs through the city, carrying water diverted from the Irtysh. The start point of the Jiulongtan Waterfall and green riverbanks make this Gobi oil city feel like a “water city.”
Karamay was once a Gobi with “no grass, no water, not even birds flying.” In 2000, the Irtysh-to-Karamay water diversion project brought river water into the city, and the Karamay River was dug through the urban area, about 10 km in length. The river’s start point, the Jiulongtan scenic area, is built into a hillside, where nine dragon-head stone sculptures spout water to form cascading falls. From the terrace above, you can look down on the city and the Gobi. Along both banks are green walking paths, bridges and parks. In summer evenings, the river has boats, lights and a musical fountain show, making it the core space for city residents’ leisure.
Visiting tip: start from Jiulongtan in the evening, then walk south along the river or take a boat, which takes 1–2 hours. Entry to the area is free, but boat rides are charged separately. Getting there: take a taxi to Jiulongtan from the city, or walk along the river from near Century Park.
Opening hours
All day (boats and fountains open seasonally)