Old Yumen & Daqing: A China Oil Exploration Adventure

Trouble in China’s Military Ghost Town

Destination:ChinaProvince:HeilongjiangCity:Daqing
Trouble in China’s Military Ghost Town
Mike Okay2024-09-2616 min

What happens when an absolutely clueless foreigner accidentally wanders around a Chinese army training base? I went into this with the full intention of telling the story of Old Yumen, the first place in China that oil was discovered. Unfortunately I didn't get very far.

Some of the vintage footage is from Daqing oil field because couldn’t find much Yumen stuff but you get the gist. Chinese oil is Chinese oil.

--- Mike Okay
September 26, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:19Yumen's oil discovery
  2. 0:48Yumen's abandonment
  3. 1:16Entering the town
  4. 1:35Abandoned school
  5. 2:17Army encounters
  6. 5:25More abandoned buildings
  7. 6:36Local interaction
  8. 7:14Army presence duration
  9. 8:15Workers' dwellings
  10. 12:07Oil workers' helmets

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Trouble in China’s Military Ghost Town

Mike Okay's China adventure takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles upon a Chinese army training base while exploring Old Yumen, the site of China's first oil discovery. His initial plan to document Old Yumen's history is sidetracked by this surprising encounter. The video features vintage footage from the Daqing oil field, offering a glimpse into China's oil history. A humorous and intriguing journey into the unexpected!

Old Yumen & Daqing: A China Oil Exploration Adventure

Mike explores Old Yumen, China's first oil discovery site, encountering a surprising detour at a military base. A humorous, unexpected adventure!

Attractions in this video: Old Yumen