Urumqi Travel Guide: From Ancient Bazaars to Stunning Mountains
Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, located on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains and the south edge of the Junggar Basin. As the most inland city that is farthest from any ocean in the world, Urumqi is surrounded by stunning mountains, gorges, lush forests, and wild deserts, being home to multiple natural wonders.
Once an important town along the ancient Silk Road, Urumqi is now the largest city in western China, and also the best gateway to travel to Xinjiang. Since populated by diverse ethnic groups, including Han, Uygur, Kazak, and Hui, Urumqi is where cultural diversity can be discovered in every aspect, including customs, bazaars, cuisine, and various handicrafts.
- Chinese Name: ä¹é²ęØé½ (wÅ« lĒ mĆ¹ qĆ)
- Pronunciation: [uĖĖruĖmki]
- Altitude: About 680-920 meters above sea level.
- Population: 4,085,000 in 2023
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- Why Visit Urumqi?
- Top Attractions & Things to Do in Urumqi
- Urumqi Weather & Best Time to Visit
- Urumqi Transportation: How to Get to & Travel around
- Food and Cuisine: What and Where to Eat in Urumqi
- Tips for Traveling in Urumqi
- Accommodation in Urumqi: Where to Stay
- How to Plan a Urumqi Tour
- FAQs about Urumqi
- Plan Your Xinjiang Tour with China Xian Tour
- Best Silk Road Tours including Urumqi
Why Visit Urumqi?
- Diverse Ethnic Cultures: The diverse ethnic groups in Urumqi contribute to its diverse ethnic cultures. It will entertain visitors with colorful traditional clothing, tasty Xinjiang food, and a wealth of handicrafts. Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is the best place to experience its ethnic culture.
- Breathtaking Natural Wonders: Surrounded Urumqi are many natural wonders, including Tianshan Mountain, Heavenly Lake, Nanshan Pasture, etc. Visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty and enjoy many exciting outdoor activities.
- Diverse Food: Each ethnic group in Urumqi contributes to its rich and diverse culinary scenery. Here visitors can experience different flavors and food cultures in one go, satisfying their stomachs with aromatic lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, pilaf, naan, and more.
- Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage: Xinjiang Silk Road Museum and Xinjiang Regional Museum in Urumqi will offer a glimpse into the region’s history and rich cultural legacy.
Top Attractions & Things to Do in Urumqi
More than a gateway to Xinjiang, Urumqiās diverse attractions and unique experiences make it a charming destination for any Xinjiang tour. Whether you are seeking cultural diversity or otherworldly natural marvels, look no further than Urumqi. List below are some of the can’t miss attractions and activities in Urumqi.Ā
Red Hill Park (Hongshan Park)
A landmark and also one of the largest parks in Urumqi, Red Hill Park is a popular place to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and catch great photos. The many well-preserved ancient temples, inscriptions, towers, and other architecture make it a place to look into Urumqiās historical and cultural heritage.
Nanshan Pasture
A site to enjoy ultimate grassland delights in Urumqi, Nanshan Pasture on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains is known for its breathtaing landscapes and various outdoor activities. During your time in the pasture, you can enjoy the surrounding snow-capped mountains, forests or experience memorable horse-riding, grass skiing and hiking.
Urumqi Weather & Best Time to Visit
Urumqi has a temperate continental arid climate. Like most cities in northwest China, Urumqi experiences abundant sunshine, low precipitation, extreme dryness, and large annual and daily temperature variations.
It has four distinct seasons, summers are usually hot and short, winters are long and cold, and spring and autumn are both brief but temperature comfortable. July and August are its hottest months, with the average temperatures hovering around 25-26 Ā°C. January is the time it experiences the lowest temperatures, averaging around -15.2Ā°C.
Generally, the best time to visit Urumqi is from May to October. Though the hot temperatures in summer months, it is the peak season of Urumqi when it offers lush and vibrant grasslands and and most beautiful scenery of the Heavenly Lake and its surrounding areas. September to early October in the early autumn is when Urumqi offers more pleasant weather, stunning autumn scenery, and abundant fresh fruits.
Urumqi Transportation: How to Get to & Travel around
How to Get to
As the gateway to Xinjiang, Urumqi is often the first stop of any Xinjiang tourĀ and can be well-connected through air, train, and long-distance buses.
To fly into Urumqi, you can land at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. It offers direct flights to/from many domestic cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, Guangzhou, Xining, Lanzhou, Lhasa, etc., and international flights connecting Kuala Lumpur, Alma-Ata, Baku, Dushanbe, etc. Regional flights to Kashgar, Altay, Aksu, Yining, Kanas, etc. are also operated for your convenient transfer to these destinations in Xinjiang. The airport is about 16.8 kilometers from Urumqi’s downtown area, with both shuttle buses and taxis available.
As the last stop of the Lanzhou-Urumqi High-Speed Railway, Urumqi can be easily reached by high-speed trains from most destinations along the Silk Road, like Xian, Lanzhou, Zhangye, Dunhuang, etc. Intercity and regular trains connecting Urumqi and other cities in Xinjiang are also frequent, including trains to/from Kashgar, Turpan, Altay, Hotan, Hami, etc.
How to Travel Around
Traveling around the Urumqi city area and to its major attractions is generally easy thanks to its variety of transportation options. There are regular buses, Bus Rapid Transit, direct lines, etc., and one subway line covering most areas in Urumqi.
Read more Urumqi Transportation: How to Get to & Travel around
Taxis and ride-hailing are convenient and also affordable, for example, a taxi ride from the airport to the city center costs about CNY 30. Attractions in the city center, like Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, and Xinjiang Regional Museum can be reached on foot.
Recommended Urumqi Tours:
Food and Cuisine: What and Where to Eat in Urumqi
In Urumqi, tourists can taste almost all kinds of representative dishes in Xijiang. One of the most classic staple foods is the hand pilaf, which is usually stewed with mutton, carrots, onions and yellow radishes together. Another famous dish is Dapanji, made of chicken and potatoes. The meat is very tender and the potatoes are crunchy. The most popular eating method is to mix it with noodles.
Also, you can not miss pepper chicken. The sliced chicken is mixed with coriander, chili peppers, onions, etc and poured a numbing and spicy sauce made from Sichuan pepper and fistular onion leaf over it. Besides, the kawap in Xinjiang is very famous in China, which is featured by large meat pieces and the inherent flavor of meat. Other common delicious foods include naan and samsa, both can be easily found on the street.
Then where to eat the delicious food? Lingguan Lane, Hetian Second Street and the Grand Bazaar Food Street are highly recommended, all of which are food paradise.
Tips for Traveling in Urumqi
- Because of the remote western location, Urumqi has a 2-hour time difference from other Chinese cities outside of Xinjiang. Locals typically start their work, breakfast, lunch, and dinner about 2 hours later than other cities.
- Wearing layers or preparing a shirt or jacket is recommended, even on summer days, given the large temperature differences between day and night.
- The UV rays in Urumqi are strong, and sun protection thus is essential. Remember to bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc.
- Many Urumqi residents adhere to Islamic dietary laws. So be mindful of avoiding pork and pork products.
- Rather than Chinese jin, kilograms are more commonly used to measure goods in Urumqi.
- Urumqi is a city with diverse ethnic groups and unique traditions, keep in mind to respect local customs.
- The nightlife in Urumqi can also be colorful. Besides strolling around the grand bazaar and enjoying local delicacies, visitors can also watch cultural performances, like the Live-Action Musical “The Kunlun Appointment”.
- Located in the inland China, the weather in Urumqi is very dry, so staying hydrated is very important. It is advised to drink 1.5 – 2 L of water every day. And use a humidifier when sleeping at night.
- Food in Urumqi is delicious and worth trying, but pay attention to the food safety. Remember to choose restaurants with good hygiene conditions and clearly marked prices. And do not buy food in street stalls or do not eat too many fruits.
Accommodation in Urumqi: Where to Stay
Urumqi is no short of hotel options, offering a wide range of hotels of different luxury levels from local featured yurts and guesthouses to boutique and luxury hotels.
Staying in the city center is preferred by most tourists, ensuring more hotel and dining options, and convenient access to major attractions. International chain hotels or 4/5-star hotels, like Hilton Urumqi, Shangri-La Hotel Urumqi, and Mirage Hotel, are recommended for foreign tourists for they usually offer more comfortable accommodation experiences, and Western-style breakfasts and are mostly allowed to accept foreigners.
Accommodations near Heavenly Lake and Nanshan Pasture are simple and limited, so itās recommended to drive back to the city center for an overnight stay after exploration.
How to Plan a Urumqi Tour
Most travelers spend 2ā4 days in Urumqi, but this is not the absolute answer.Ā It is decided by which highlights you want to explore in Urumqi and its nearby sites.Ā If youāre only interested in theĀ city itself, then 2 days will be enough for you to go visit some of the most famous sites including the Xinjiang Regional Museum, International Grand Bazaar, and Red Hill Park.
However, if you want to explore further around the city, then extend your journey to about 3-4 days. This itinerary allows you to haveĀ short excursions to nearby Heavenly Lake and Nanshan Pasture, and you can get to either of them byĀ less than a two-hour drive from downtown.
And if you are interested in a deeper Xinjiang travel, then youāll need to prepare for a longer trip. However, Urumqi can stillĀ serve as a convenient base for your journey with convenient transport connections to other major cities.
FAQs about Urumqi
What and where to eat in Urumqi?
Food in Urumqi also reflects the regionās ethnic diversity. Local favorites includeĀ lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles (laghman), pilaf, and naan bread. And you can find the authentic flavors inĀ International Grand Bazaar and surrounding night.Ā Some old restaurants in the city center also offer a good mix of Uygur, Kazakh, and Hui dishes.
What are the main ethnic groups in Urumqi, and what is the cultural atmosphere like?
There are many minority groups living in Urumqi, includingĀ Han, Uygur, Kazakh, Hui, and others. You will notice this diversity in clothing styles, daily customs, music, dance, and especially in food.
What is the “International Grand Bazaar,” and what can I find there?
The International Grand Bazaar is one of Urumqiās most famous landmarks andĀ alsoĀ the largest bazaar in the world. You can find various local specialties here and sometimes street performances, traditional music, and authentic Xinjiang snacks.
What should I know about local etiquette and customs?
Many residents follow Islamic practices, so donāt bringĀ pork products or alcohol when visiting Uygur homes. Dress modestly when exploring mosques or cultural sitesĀ (cover your knees and elbows).
Do I need any special permits to travel to Urumqi or Xinjiang?
Usually, it does not need. Only the Chinese visa and passport are required. But if you plan to tour border areas like Tashkurghan and Koktokay, then a frontier pass is needed.
Are there day trips I can take from Urumqi?
Yes, there are several hot scenic areas around Urumqi. Most visitors prefer a day trip to the Heaven Lake of Celestial Mountains, Nanshan Pastry, Tianshan Grand Canyon and Turpan. And you can choose the one you like.
Is Urumqi a good starting point for trips deeper into Xinjiang (e.g., Kashgar, Turpan)?
Yes, Urumqi is an ideal starting point for a Xinjiang tour. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is the largest airport in Xinjiang and operates several domestic and international flights. And Urumqi is also an important road transportation center. It is convenient to take a long-distance bus, chartered bus or rent a car to head to other cities in Xinjiang. Urumqi itself is a hot tourist city, so you can adapt to the environment here first and buy sufficient supplies here before your departure to other cities.
Is Urumqi safe for foreign tourists?
Of course. It is safe for foreign tourists. Security measures in Xinjiang are strict. Public places such as shopping malls, scenic spots and subways are all equipped with security checks, so you do not have to worry about your safety. And Urumqi is an open and inclusive city. As long as you obey the local laws and respect the local customs, you can enjoy a safe and happy trip.
How does the local time in Urumqi differ from other cities in China?
Its official timeĀ is Beijing Time, i.e., Eastern 8th Time Zone. But Urumqi is actually in the Eastern Sixth Zone, so its sunrise and sunset times are about 2 hours later. Therefore, the daily routine of the local people is postponed accordingly.
Plan Your Xinjiang Tour with China Xian Tour
Undoubtedly, Urumqi is theĀ best starting point for people to have a profound Xinjiang adventure, here you can first take a glimpse of the unparalleled charm of the whole region. And traveling with China Xian Tour can definitely help you make the most of your trip.
With the help of our local travel experts, youāll get a perfect journey which is made completely based on your own preference, and weāll also provide you with private transfers and professional guides. From start to finish, weāll take care of all the preparation for you so that you can fully enjoy the incredibly beautiful pictures revealing in front of your eyes.
