The Splendid Night of the Gobi Oil City—Karamay

When the river lanterns are first lit, they break the eternal darkness of the ancient wilderness. A golden ripple, as if crafted by celestial hands, gently tilts the Milky Way. This poetic imagery perfectly captures the essence of Karamay's night.

As the heat of the day fades, Karamay's night unveils a unique charm. This Gobi oil city not only retains the vitality of the day but also adds a touch of brilliance and romance under the night sky.

Whether strolling along the riverbank illuminated by intertwining lights, savoring the charm of the "Jiangnan of the North," or indulging in the bustling night market, Karamay's night always brings unexpected surprises.

Strolling Along the Riverbank: A Symphony of Light and Shadow
The Karamay River is the soul of this city, and its nightscape is renowned far and wide.

The Karamay Riverbank is an excellent choice for nighttime strolls or jogs. Starting from Century Park, you can leisurely walk along the riverbank, enjoying the city nightscape lit by dazzling lights. For a more unique experience, follow the river to the Jiulongtan Scenic Area, about 4 kilometers one way. This is the source of the Karamay River. At nightfall, you can climb to a vantage point to see the river water gushing from the mouths of nine dragon heads. The scene, illuminated by lights, is particularly spectacular, offering a panoramic view of the Karamay River's splendid nightscape and paying homage to the water diversion project that transformed the city's development history.

Night Performances and Cultural Activities
Karamay's nights are never short of cultural and artistic highlights.

The central scenic area of the Karamay River occasionally hosts themed concerts and cultural events. For instance, on Qixi Festival in 2025, the "Starry River Serenade: Qixi Melody" themed concert was held here, featuring bands performing classic love songs and interactive sessions, creating a romantic atmosphere.

At Century Park, you might catch an 80-meter water screen movie. Accompanied by the melody of "I Love You, Karamay," light and shadow are projected onto the water jets, transforming the scene into an open-air IMAX theater with stunning visual effects (arrive 10 minutes early to secure a good spot).

Night Market Delights: A Feast for the Taste Buds
A night without indulging in the night market is incomplete. Hanbo Plaza, located next to Century Park, gathers delicacies from all over the country, exuding a lively atmosphere and is a favorite spot for local young people.

The Iron Horse Night Market, located in the Cultural and Creative Industry Park next to Hanbo Plaza, is another popular choice. Operating daily from 7 PM to 2 AM, its 65 vendors offer a variety of snacks, including marinated seafood, garlic crayfish, and spicy chicken from across the country. This year, outdoor hotpot skewers have been added. The night market also features a large stage where you can enjoy live music, fashion shows, and even traditional opera performances by the cultural center while savoring delicious food.

Convenient Transportation: The travel time from any point in the city to major night attractions is short. For example, it takes about 10 minutes by car to Jiulongtan, and the starting fare is sufficient to get there.

Cost Reference: A boat ride on the Karamay River costs about 60-80 yuan per person.

Best Time to Visit: Summer nights (especially from June to August) are the best time to explore Karamay, with comfortable weather and abundant activities.

As the sun sets, Karamay's lights gradually illuminate, adorning this Gobi oil city with a unique charm. Whether strolling along the Karamay River to experience the "Jiangnan of the North" or savoring authentic flavors at the bustling night market, Karamay's night always reveals its diversity and vibrancy.

May you find your own moments of comfort and surprise in Karamay's night.