Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Baiyanghe Grand Canyon
A direct flight route linking Shanghai with Karamay in Xinjiang Autonomous Region is set to be launched by the end of this year.
The flight will be operated by China Eastern Airlines with a frequency of three times a week.
Karamay is located on the northwest edge of the Junggar Basin and is the “crossroads” of Xinjiang’s scenic beauty.
It currently has one civil transport airport and one general aviation airport, namely Kelamayi Guhai Airport and Urho Baikouquan Airport.
The former commenced operations in 2006. To establish a more convenient and comfortable “aerial corridor” and transportation network, the first phase of the airport’s reconstruction and expansion project is underway, with plans to complete the extension of the runway and the expansion of the apron by July this year. Upon completion, the runway will extend to 3,200 meters, with an estimated annual passenger throughput of 2 million.
Populus euphratica forest in Karamay
Karamay is known for oil.
A magnificent scenery of Karamay
In July 2023, China Eastern Airlines launched a stopover flight from Shanghai to Xi’an to Karamay. Statistics show that until the end of March this year, 311 flights had been operated on the route, with a passenger load factor of nearly 90 percent.
Following the airport’s reconstruction and expansion, China Eastern Airlines will launch a direct flight route from Shanghai to Karamay at an appropriate time, while Shanghai-based Spring Airlines is set to launch a direct route from Lanzhou to Karamay at the end of this month. The launch of these routes will further enhance the smooth flow of air traffic in and out of Xinjiang via Karamay.
Karamay is home to famous tourist attractions such as the Black Oil Mountain Park, a theme park based on the petroleum industry; the Urho Ghost Town, famous for its eerie landscapes; and Dushanzi Grand Canyon.