Xinjiang Urumqi Travel Guide

Urumqi, means beautiful pasture in Mongol, is the capital city as well as the transport hub and economy center of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Sprawling and modern Urumqi is not what you expect when you get this far into Xinjiang. This concrete jungle has a very little history, but it is a necessary stop for its world-class museum, delicious spicy food, and decent accommodation. Urumqi is also the transport hub for Xinjiang with great connections across the province.

Urumqi used to play a very important linking role on the ancient Silk Road, and has created its own brilliant Western Region Culture of many different groups to minority and custom. On this furthest province from the oceans in China, there are the Centre of Asia Marker, Glittering and mysterious glacier, majestic mountains, pure picturesque Tianchi Lake, colorful bay...From Urumqi, you can travel to any other destinations in Xinjiang by convenient plane, bus or train, such as Turpan, Kashgar, Kanas Lake, etc.

Urumqi is also a diverse cultural city. Here you can find beautiful buildings of modern and ethnic, exquisite arts, frisky dancing party, etc. Wherever there is a party or ceremony, people dance and laugh accompanied by fair-sounding musics.

● Top things to do in Urumqi

If you’re looking to visit a city with cultural diversity, look no further than Urumuqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in north-west China. Although most of the inhabitants in the city are Han Chinese, there is a greater influence of ethnic minorities that live in the city, which really emphasizes the Central Asian atmosphere. Enjoy these must-see attractions both in and around the city of Urumuqi.

International Grand Bazzar

The Grand Bazaar makes for an interesting excursion for those wishing to do a bit of shopping while wandering through aisles selling everything from jade jewelry and scarves to dried fruit and herbal medicine. It is fun to have a look around, and the surrounding architecture provides some interesting scenery, but what these stalls offer does not really differ from the regular street markets you’ll come across on your way here.

Red Hill Park

There may not be a huge amount to see within the city center (omitting the usual, such as parks), but this is one of the best spots to visit if you want to enjoy the city’s skyline. The park is well-maintained, provides entertainment such as ethnic performances, and features a pagodas and temples that are atypical of Chinese culture. It’s great if you want a quick morning walk.

Xinjiang Regional Museum

Xinjiang Regional Museum is a large building of Uyghur architectural style, containing a diverse range of historical artifacts that were unearthed in the region. These items represent the ethnic lifestyle and culture of the area: glazed pottery, ancient scripture, silk, clothing, tools, and more. Most interestingly of all, the museum contains a fascinating exhibition of ancient Indo-European mummies that were excellently preserved through their natural environment (making them different from the infamous Egyptian mummies that were embalmed) over 3,800 years ago.

● Urumqi Food&Drinks

Urumqi's culinary culture is rich and unique, a nice break from your typical Chinese fare. Of course, you can still find lots of typical Chinese food including Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine, but the local ethnic food and snacks are very tasty and very hot! Uygur, Mongolian, and Hui minority cuisine will all make your mouth water!

As both the Uygur and Hui minorities are Muslim, pork is rare in Xinjiang. Only Han Chinese eat pork here. It is therefore, important to remember to respect this tradition and remember that most meat served to you will either be mutton, beef, chicken or possibly duck. Xinjiang cuisine really excels at the preparation of mutton and Mutton Kebabs are popular throughout China. Other typical Xinjiang dishes include Lamian noodles, Nan bread, and Uygur rice.