Overview
Urumqi
Urumqi is famous for its claim that it is the most inland major city in the world and being the farthest from any ocean. Geological factors result in an arid continental climate with dramatic temperature changes between days of too abundant sunshine and night's coldness. Therefore, Xinjiang fruits are very juicy and sweet, nicknamed the "Hometown of Fruits."
There are 47 minorities in Xinjiang. The city's major ethnic groups are Han, Hui, and Uighur. Culture is so diverse than any other place that each group has its unique cuisine and traditions.
Why visit the city
1. Islamic architecture
Take Grand Bazaar for an example. It is a landmark of Urumqi and a must-visit spot. The Bazaar is in Erdaoqiao Uighur Residential Area, built by combining Uighur polished grey brick joints with modern stage techniques to produce the atmosphere of retro and Silk Road prosperity.
2. Beautiful landscapes
Nanshan Pasture is a big oxygen bar for hiking lovers, Heavenly Lake, an alpine lake, is a summer resort.
3. Fascinating ethnic cultures
One of the reasons for visiting the city is to experience diversifying cultures, including exceptional food, music, dance, clothing, various products with ethnic features, customs, yurt, wedding ceremony, etc.
4. Skiing in Winter
There are several natural ski resorts in the city's suburbs for outdoor enthusiasts and skiing fans. You are filled with amusement as skiing while you could enjoy white scenery dashing through.
5. A paradise for gastronome
Pilaf, shish kebabs, latiaozi are mouth-watering and blurted out as people mention Xinjiang. However, in Urumqi, smart Uighur restaurant owners keep developing new dishes such as Naren, Meisitewa, Xiweigu, and Yaerma used to be eaten by poor Uighur people but now for banquets. It is surprising and delightful to see inventions.
Top Attractions
1. Heavenly Lake
97km east of Urumqi, located at the hillside of Bogda Peak, With an altitude of 1980m, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the south, while straight and thick growing firs and spruces are in the West. It is going to be a great outdoor activity of taking a boat on the Lake, viewing them in between.
2. Nanshan Pasture
60km around to the city center, covers an area of 120km2，and features exquisite scenery including splendid snow mountain, vast grassland, verdant forest sea, flying waterfall, clear stream, besides that, the colorful meadows with beautiful butterflies flying around and the unique Kazakh ethnic culture add more charm to this land. The cool temperature, fresh air, and lovely scenery all make Nanshan Pasture the closest travel resort from Urumqi.
When to come
The best time to visit is from May to October. During the time, it is neither cold nor hot but comfortable and cozy, also for fruit time. From December to February, natural ski resorts in the city's suburbs are for winter outdoor lovers.
Transportation
Urumqi is the traffic hub to Central Asia. It is quite convenient for tourists to take flights to arrive in. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport has direct flights to most of the inner cities of China as well.
So far, there are two railway stations in Urumqi. The newly built one is quite magnificent and modernized, providing express trains to go to inner cities.
Coach routes from Urumqi almost cover all cities, towns, and villages in Xinjiang. In short, public transportation in Urumqi is developing better and clean.
On the other hand, the layout of the city is not grand enough. There are no bicycle lanes on most of the streets in Urumqi.
Accommodation
No worries about finding a hotel as you wish in Urumqi. International chains like Sheraton and Hilton are available here. Even in Heavenly Lake Scenic Spot, accommodation with good service and the full facility is offered for tourists. It is quite exciting that tourists can choose to stay overnight in the Kazakh yurt to experience the ranch life of the locals in Nanshan Pasture. Travelers can also choose to stay in a youth hostel or other chain hotels.
Urumqi Maps you might need
