Top 10 Things to Do in Urumqi – All You Need to Know for a Perfect Trip

Written by Natalia | Updated October 27,2025

Urumqi is a bustling capital in the heart of Xinjiang. It efficiently connects Chinese western border with many other countries in Central Asia. For its importance, people often compare it to a radiant gem on the Silk Road. Urumqi is not only the gateway to Xinjiang, but also visitors’ first stop to explore the mysterious western land. But don’t treat it merely as a transit hub, Urumqi itself in fact is endowed with brilliant natural wonders and a time-honored history.

In our visitors’ previous trips to Xinjiang, Urumqi has left them a deep impression by the authentic roast lambs and unique Uyghur flavor. If you are planning a travel to Urumqi, here is our list of top things to do in Urumqi for your reference. Now, follow this article to embark on your Urumqi trip.

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• 1. Visit the Heavenly Lake (Tianshan Tianchi) – A Breathtaking Alpine Pearl​
• 2. Explore thae Islamic-style Grand Bazaar to Feel the Hustle and Bustle of Locals’ Life
• 3. Take a Close Look at the Beauty Mummies Stored in the Xinjiang Regional Museum
• 4. Walk Along the Erdaoqiao Market – A Window of Xinjiang
• 5. Enjoy Panoramic City Views from the Red Hill (Hong Shan)
• 6. Explore the Urumqi People’s Park – An Oasis Hidden in the City
• 7. Visit the Southern Mosque (Nan Da Si) to Feel the Religious Devoutness
• 8. Sample Local Xinjiang Cuisine
• 9. Experience Kazakh Nomadic Life at Nanshan Pasture
• 10. Adventure to the Bogda Peak Base Camp​
• Practical Urumqi Travel Tips
• FAQs about Things to Do in Urumqi
• Experience the Best of Urumqi with China Xian Tour

1. Visit the Heavenly Lake (Tianshan Tianchi) – A Breathtaking Alpine Pearl

• Location: Fukang City, Changji Prefecture, about 110km northeast from Urumqi
• Opening Hours:8:00am – 7:00 pm (Apr to Oct), 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (November to March).
• Ticket Price:155RMB (Apr to Oct), 105RMB (Nov to Mar); includes the entrance ticket and shuttle bus fare.
• Best Time to Go: Apr to Oct
• Time Needed: Full day
• What to do: Worship the West Queen and immerse yourself in this fairyland; take in the magnificent landscape gradually changing in a vertical way.

In ancient Chinese mythologies, the Heavenly Lake is the place for the West Queen taking baths and holding immortal peach sharing parties. In the real world, it’s like a half-moon blue gem inlaid in the Tian Shan Mountains. With the Heavenly lake being the core, the whole scenic area allows visitors to experience four complete vertical landscape zones, from lakes to snowline. Well, now you know why it’s a favorite pick of enthusiasts loving hiking, boating and photography. To pursue the best scenery, taking a cable car is a nice option. It will help you to ascend to the top of Horse Teeth Mountain. At the commanding height, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Heavenly Lake being surrounded by the Bogda Snowpeak.

How to Get to Heavenly Lake?

If you are not tight on budget, the prior choice is renting a car or booking a hassle-free one-day group tour to the Heavenly Lake. But if yes, take a through bus from one of the following locations: Urumqi Airport, Urumqi Railway Station, Red Hill Stadium, and People’s Park. The bus usually departs between 8:00-9:00 am, and returns from the Heavenly Lake at 5:00-6:00 pm. It costs 100-120RMB per person, covering 60RMB for the shuttle bus inside the scenic area.

2. Explore the Islamic-style Grand Bazaar to Feel the Hustle and Bustle of Locals’ Life

• Location: 8, South Jiefang Road, Tianshan District
• Opening Hours: The Grand Bazaar is open all day, but shops and stalls are open between 10:00 am and about 11:00 pm.
• Ticket Price: 50RMB for ascending the Silk Road Sightseeing Tower.
• Best Time to Go: Apr – Oct
• Time Needed:5 – 2 hours
• What to do: Pick up a souvenir for your family and friends; savor the mouth-watering delicacies of Xinjiang; enjoy the folk dances.

During a travel to Urumqi, one of the most pleasant things to do was to hang around the International Grand Bazaar in the evening. It was like a gourmet adventure tour to discover the best Xinjiang food. Before going there, don’t eat too much, as we need to make room for the tasty food. I would like to recommend the most symbolic food for you, including the roast lamb skewers, baked stuffed buns, pilaf, handmade yogurt, and Nang, a kind of crusty pancakes. You can also buy a gift and take it home to remind you of the happy days in Urumqi. The numerous shops and stalls offer a wide assortments of gadgets. The unique folk music instruments, exquisite copper wares, and colorful Uyghur hats, silk scarves, and dresses are all wonderful choices.

How to Get to the Grand Bazaar?

Take metro line 1 and alight at Erdaoqiao Station. You can also get there by bus. Bus line 2, 61, 70, 104, 911, 920, D009, and T008 can take you to Xinjiang Grand Bazaar Station. Erdaoqiao Station is also very close and can be reached by bus line 10, 16, 21, 63, 301, 310, 311, 911, 912, 923 and D015.

3. Take a Close Look at the Beauty Mummies Stored in the Xinjiang Regional Museum

• Location: 581, Xibei Road, Saybagh District
• Opening Hours:10:00am – 6:00 pm (Apr 15 to Oct 15), 10:30 am – 6:00 pm (Oct 16 to Apr 14); ticket checking stops 30 minutes before closing. Closed on Monday.
• Ticket Price: Free, but an appointment is required.
• Best Time to Go: All year round.
• Time Needed:2 – 3 hours
• What to do: Dream back to the western regions of China a few thousands years ago; appreciate the dried corpse of “Loulan Beauty”.

Have you ever heard of the ancient Silk Road of China before? It’s okay even if the answer is no. This time, we are gonna explore the Silk Road history together. That certainly explains why Xinjiang Regional Museum is always on the list of top things to do in Urumqi. Unlike others, the museum is best known for the well-preserved mummies. You can find nowhere in China to see closely the skin, hair and costumes of the dried corpses. Besides, the Han Dynasty brocade is eye-catching and hailed as one of the greatest discoveries in the 20^th century. It bears a mysterious prediction interpreted as “five stars rising in the east is beneficial to China”. For its special significance, the brocade is forbidden to be exhibited abroad.

How to Get to Xinjiang Regional Museum?

You can conveniently get there by bus line 2, 7, 51, 303, 305, 311, 906, 910, 912, 928, 3201, 3202, BRT4, or D015.

Recommended tour: One Day Urumqi City Exploration Tour

4. Walk Along the Erdaoqiao Market – A Window of Xinjiang

• Location: South Jiefang Road, Tianshan District
• Opening Hours: Most shops are open between 10:00 am and 9:00 pm, some stalls may not close until midnight.
• Ticket Price: Free
• Best Time to Go: Apr – Oct
• Time Needed:5 – 2 hours
• What to do: Enjoy the pleasure of bargaining; taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine, take stunning photos in front of the traditional Islamic architecture.

While most tourists would like to tour around the Grand Bazaar, locals prefer to purchase items at Erdaoqiao Market, so it’s a wonderful spot for getting mingled with locals. The best sellers are always the local products like raisins, red dates, walnuts, almonds and candied fruit. They are good matches for afternoon tea. Characteristic handicrafts include copper teapots, silk dresses, and delicate jewel cases are also popular stars on the market. You can take one home as a souvenir. At night, the place is even more bustling with crowds of foodies. You will surely be touched by the lively atmosphere.

How to Get to Erdaoqiao Market?

Take metro line 1 and get off at Erdaoqiao Station. Bus line 10, 16, 21, 63, 301, 310, 311, 911, 912, 923 and D015 also have a stop in Erdaoqiao.

5. Enjoy Panoramic City Views from the Red Hill (Hong Shan)

• Location: 40, Beiyi Lane, Hongshan Road, Shuimogou District
• Opening Hours:7:00am – 11:00 pm
• Ticket Price: Free
• Best Time to Go: Apr – Oct
• Time Needed:5 – 2 hours
• What to do: Check in at the Red Hill Pagoda, the city’s landmark building; appreciate the charming sunset and a myriad twinkling lights of Urumqi; visit the Dafo Temple at the mountain foot.

If you have never been to Red Hill, it feels like you have never been to Urumqi. In locals’ heart, no attraction can rival against the Red Hill. For tourists, it’s one of the best places to go for a casual hike. On sunny days, you can see locals dancing in the park, wearing featured Uyghur hats and dresses. The city’s most vibrant side is shown before your eyes. The Red Hill is not tall and friendly to all kinds of visitors. They only need about 20 minutes to get to the summit! If time permits, stay until the night falls on. You will love the scene where the Red Hill Pagoda lights up and the city below is filled up with endless flows of vehicles.

How to Get to the Red Hill?

Take metro line 1 to Xinxing Street Station, about 1km from your terminal. Comparatively, bus is more convenient and can take you to the entrance. You can take bus line 29, 35, 58, 61, 62, 63, 908, 919, 927, or D009 and alight at Red Hill Park Station.

6. Explore the Urumqi People’s Park – An Oasis Hidden in the City

• Location: 3, South Youhao Road, Saybagh District
• Opening Hours: All day
• Ticket Price: Free
• Best Time to Go: Apr – Oct
• Time Needed:1 hour
• What to do: Take a close-up of the symbolic Chaoyang Pavilion; do morning exercise as locals; read a book or walk around leisurely in the gentle morning glows.

Originally built in 1884 in the Qing Dynasty, the Urumqi People’s Park was the eldest park in Urumqi. It is not only a green lung in the city proper, but also a witness of the city’s past. If you feel pressed for time, one hour is enough to tour around to get rid of the outside hustle and bustle. Morning sees the most thriving moments of a day. Many locals get up early and practice Tai Chi, dance, play chess, and perform operas in the park.

How to Get to the Urumqi People’s Park?

Take bus line 7, 8, 17, 35, 61, 62, 63, 73…and get off Xiaoximen Station.

7. Visit the Southern Mosque (Nan Da Si) to Feel the Religious Devoutness

• Location: 789, South Jiefang Road, Tianshan District
• Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Ticket Price: Free
• Best Time to Go: Apr – Oct
• Time Needed: Half an hour
• What to do: Appreciate the unique architectural style of the mosque and take photos.

Whether you are a Muslim or not, the Southern Mosque is one the best Urumqi attractions worth visiting. It is also known as the Shaanxi Mosque and can be honored as a wonder in the art of architecture. Judging from the outside, you may think it is a traditional ancient Chinese temple, but on the roof there stands the symbolic Crescent in Islam. This sharp cultural shock endows the mosque with uniqueness. Since it is a religious site still in use, rather than a pure tourist attraction, please keep quiet and respectful during the visit. The main hall might not be open to non-Muslims.

How to Get to the Southern Mosque?

Metro line 1 passed by the mosque at Erdaoqiao Stop. Or you can take bus line 10, 16, 21, 63, 301, 310, 311, 911, 912, 923 or D015 to Erdaoqiao.

8. Sample Local Xinjiang Cuisine

How can you miss delicious Xinjiang cuisine during a Urumqi tour? Xinjiang is a paradise for lamb lovers. From the roast whole lamb to boiled mutton to kebabs, you can always find what to satisfy your taste buds. The commonest staple food in Urumqi is Nang bread, pilaf, and hand-pulled noodles. Besides, the sauced spicy chicken, homemade yogurt, and salty milky tea are worth a shot.

• Where to Go: Lingguan Lane, Grand Bazaar, Erdaoqiao Market, Second Hetian Street

9. Experience Kazakh Nomadic Life at Nanshan Pasture

• Location: Gangou Town, Urumqi County
• Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Ticket Price: about 45RMB
• Best Time to Go: Jun to Sep
• Time Needed: 5 – 1 day
• What to do: Stretch yourself on the endless grassland; learn about the nomadic culture of the Kazakh; ride a horse like a knight.

If you are longing for an exciting experience of galloping on the grasslands, I bet Nanshan Pasture is one of the best places to go in Urumqi. It’s actually a large area containing a series of independent spots. Among them, the West Xibaiyang Valley gains the most popularity. With the snow mountain being a huge backdrop, dotted by thick spruces, it indeed looks like a pastoral oil painting. You can drop by a white yurt of the Kazakh, talk with them, and be offered with a bowl of hot milky tea and fried dough. They are really hospitable, aren’t they?

How to Get to Nanshan Pasture?

If you have an international driving license, it’s advised to rent a car to get to Nanshan Pasture within 1.5 hours. Otherwise, I suggest you book a one day tour.

10. Adventure to the Bogda Peak Base Camp​

• Location: at the foot of Bogda Peak, Fukang City, Changji Prefecture
• Opening Hours: All day long during the climbing season (from the end of June to August).
• Ticket Price: Free, but you need to pay beforehand for entering the Heavenly Lake Scenic Area and getting a mountaineering permit.
• Best Time to Go: Jul and Aug
• Time Needed: at least 3 – 4 days
• What to do: Challenge yourself in an extreme environment; conquer the peak at the top; feel the majesty of the awesome peak.

If you ask me what to see in Urumqi, I have to say that Bogda Peak is on the list, in spite of its difficult accessibility. The Bogda Peak Base Camp is not a regular tourist attraction, but more serves as a starting point and supply depot for professional mountaineering. You need to trek from the Heavenly Lake to the base camp on foot. On the way, you will be shocked by the primitive landscapes like glaciers, icy lakes, and scree. Give up the idea of climbing to the summit if you are not a professional climber. The successful arrival at the base camp is enough to prove yourself.

How to Get to the Bagda Peak Base Camp?

The only way is to walk from a valley near the Heavenly Lake to the base camp.

Practical Urumqi Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

May to October offers pleasant and hence the peak travel season. For smaller crowds, consider travelling from late May to early June, or from late September to early October.

Related reading: Xinjiang Weather & Best Time to Visit

How to get to and travel around

Urumqi owns the Diwopu Airport, the largest one in Xinjiang that is connected by both domestic and international flights. Upon arrival, visitors can take airport bus, metro line 1, or a taxi to get around. If you depart from other cities in China, a bullet train travel to Urumqi Railway Station is also recommended.

At present, the metro system in Urumqi is not that developed. Only metro line 1 has been put into use. But you can still travel around conveniently by public bus or taxi. Online car-hailing platform like Didi can also be used.

Read more on Urumqi Transportation: How to Get to & Travel Around

Where to stay

Most travelers may choose to stay near the Red Hill Park or Erdaoqiao Market. They are located in the city center and within walking distances to the night markets.

Sample Urumqi Itineraries​

Get inspirations for your Urumqi tour from the following itineraries.

Day 1: Xinjiang Regional Museum – Grand Bazaar – Erdaoqiao Market – Red Hill Park

Day 2: People’s Park – Southern Mosque – Xinshi Road Night Market

Day 3: Heavenly Lake Day Trip

For those who travel in a rush, one day is enough to have a glimpse. Always don’t miss Xinjiang Regional Museum and the Grand Bazaar.

Recommended Urumqi Tours:

4 Days Urumqi Tour with Heavenly Lake and Nanshan Pasture

One Day Urumqi Highlights Tour to Heavenly Lake

FAQs about Things to Do in Urumqi

Is Urumqi worth visiting?

Of course, it is a miniature of Xinjiang as well as a hub in central Asia. You may not only be enchanted by the natural scenery, but also marvel at the diversified culture.

How many days to spend in Urumqi?

1 – 2 days are sufficient for exploring the city, but two more days are required if you want to adventure to the Heavenly Lake and Nanshan Pasture.

Can foreigners go to Urumqi?

Absolutely. Carry your passport and visa at all times for accidental check.

What are the must-see attractions in Urumqi?

Xinjiang Regional Museum, Grand Bazaar, Red Hill Park, and Heavenly Lake.

Is Urumqi safe for tourists?

Don’t worry. You will be very safe in Urumqi, as it’s one of the safest cities in China with an extreme low crime rate.

What outdoor activities can I do in Urumqi?

You can wander around the parks, hike or ride a horse in the Nanshan Pasture, and if you travel in winter, it’s nice to ski and skate in the Heavenly Lake Scenic Area.

What are the best free things to do in Urumqi?

Many attractions in Urumqi are free to visitors, including Xinjiang Regional Museum, People’s Park, Grand Bazaar, Erdaoqiao Market and Red Hill Park.

Experience the Best of Urumqi with China Xian Tour

Do you always have a yearning for Urumqi or Xinjiang? And do you find that it might be not that easy for an individual tourist to go on a side trip to the Heavenly Lake or Nanshan Pasture? Don’t worry. Contact online travel consultants from China Xian Tour, you will soon be served with a tailor-made itinerary.