From seismic laboratories in Hebei to the wind-swept dunes of the Taklamakan Desert, the “Immersive Tour to CNPC” was not just a journey across China — it was a passage through innovation, endurance, and human connection.
Held from May 20 to 26, 2025, the cultural exchange event brought together journalists, international students, and foreign employees from Morocco, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Oman, and Azerbaijan, offering them unprecedented access to the heart of China’s energy powerhouse: China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
For six days, participants were not merely observers, but active explorers. They delved into frontline geophysical sites, visited high-performance computing centers, and stood where history was made by generations of petroleum pioneers. The event became a vivid tapestry of culture, technology, and spirit — woven together by CNPC and its subsidiary, the Bureau of Geophysical Prospecting (BGP).
A Welcome with Purpose
On May 21st, the event kicked off with a warm and solemn opening ceremony. Representatives from CNPC, BGP, and the China-Arab TV attended the opening ceremony. The atmosphere was warm, but purposeful. Leaders from CNPC, BGP, and the China-Arab TV station welcomed the group, emphasizing the significance of global cooperation and mutual understanding.
Guests responded in kind, eager to share and learn. As the event organizer stated in their speech, participants hoped “to experience the sense of responsibility and commitment of Chinese petroleum enterprises and to tell the world the true story of Chinese companies.”
This wasn’t just a visit. It was a mission — to witness, absorb, and reflect.
From Rock to Code: Digital Frontiers in Hebei
The first stop offered a head-first dive into the cutting edge. Guests explored the CNPC Prospecting Exhibition Hall, the GeoEast Visualization Center, and Asia’s largest high-performance computing center.
Here, science came alive. AR and VR simulations reconstructed three-dimensional seismic data, letting visitors interact with subterranean formations that typically lie hidden kilometers beneath our feet.
One moment captured the awe of discovery:
“You’ve turned the rocks beneath the Sahara into a digital sandbox that speaks! This is my first time gaining a direct understanding of oil and gas exploration technology. It's truly amazing, and I’m full of anticipation for this event!”Asma Derouiche, international student from Tunisia
Her words echoed throughout the center, reflecting the impact of witnessing how far geophysical innovation has come — and where it's headed.
Into the Field: Drones, Data, and Mountains
On May 22, the group traveled to Shanxi Province to observe a live high-difficulty seismic data acquisition project in mountainous terrain, conducted by BGP’s North China Division.
The environment was rugged, but the technology was nimble. One moment drew delighted laughter:
“The drink in my hand was just delivered by a drone. China’s rapid technological advancements make it incredibly fitting to apply such cutting-edge technology in remote field operations. It not only saves labor costs but also significantly boosts work efficiency” Zhang Yunfei (Ahmed Sulaiman Al Hayfani), international student at Minzu University of China
It was a simple cup of tea, perhaps — but flown in by drone in the middle of seismic terrain, it became a symbol of how China’s energy sector blends tradition and technology, precision and practicality.
The Desert of Legends: Facing the Taklamakan
The next stop was Korla, gateway to the vast Tarim Basin. For decades, this harsh region has been the proving ground of China’s petroleum dreams.
Participants toured the Cultural Corridor of BGP’s Tarim Division and the Tarim Geophysical Prospecting Research Institute, learning how geophysicists endured isolation, extreme climates, and shifting sands in pursuit of national energy security.
In front of the towering “Conquest of the Taklamakan Monument”, the mood shifted from curiosity to reverence.
“I have worked on BGP’s Oman exploration project for many years, and the working environment in Oman is similar to here. I had also heard about the heroic epic of the early petroleum pioneers who conquered the Taklamakan Desert. But it wasn't until I came here with my foreign friends, saw this magnificent monument, and learned about the spirit of the Taklamakan, that I truly understood the greatness of this endeavor. I am honored to be a part of it” Sami Salim Al Hinai, Omani employee of BGP
This wasn’t just a desert. It was hallowed ground — where risk and reward have been traded for generations.
Legacy in Steel: The Lunnan No. 2 Well and the West-East Gas Pipeline
From the dunes, the journey continued to Lunnan Town, home of a well that rewrote China’s energy narrative. The Lunnan No. 2 Well, drilled in the 1980s under brutal conditions, stands as a symbol of what tenacity can achieve.
Nearby, participants stood before the first station of the West-East Gas Pipeline, a modern engineering marvel that moves energy across thousands of kilometers — and fuels the livelihoods of millions.
“Standing in the compressor station, listening to the roar of the machines and looking at the winding pipelines, I gained a deeper understanding of how China’s energy workers 'shoulder the nation's needs' with unwavering commitment” Gunay Aliyeva, Azerbaijani employee of BGP
This moment was not about steel or gas, but about meaning — a tangible glimpse into what it means to serve the needs of a nation.
The Human Element: Reflections from Across the Globe
By the final day, the tour had become something far more intimate than anyone had expected. It was no longer simply about machines or data — it was about people.
“This event has given me a completely new perspective on China. I have witnessed CNPC’s determination and strength in technological innovation and sustainable development, and it’s truly astonishing!” Arman Korzhumbayev, journalist from Kazakhstan
“I used to think that exploring oil and gas reservoirs thousands of meters underground relied on brute force, but now I realize it’s the combination of mathematics and geology. I previously thought the efficiency of Chinese companies came from their scale, but now I understand that it’s this professional spirit, where 'not tolerating even a 0.01-millimeter error,' that drives it” Ayoub Bechrouri, journalist from Morocco
“This is not just a story about energy, but also a story about people—their perseverance, hard work, and determination to overcome extreme challenges. What touched me the most was witnessing the tremendous efforts and sacrifices made by previous generations. It gave me a deeper understanding of China’s development journey” Sami Salim Al Hinai
These were not polite remarks — they were heartfelt revelations.
Culture Through Conversation, Friendship Through Understanding
As the buses rolled away and participants prepared to fly home, one truth lingered: the journey had done more than showcase CNPC’s technological achievements.
It built bridges.
It shared stories.
It sparked respect.
Culture resonates through communication, and friendship is strengthened through understanding. The six-day experience has come to an end, but cross-border communication will continue.
Indeed, the “Immersive Tour to CNPC” may be over — but the stories it created are just beginning.
