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Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is located at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. "Urumqi" means "beautiful pasture" in Mongolian. Nestled in the grasslands of the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains, it borders the spectacular Bogda Peak, over 5,400 meters high, to the east. To the south, it borders the majestic Tianshan Mountains, a breathtaking landscape of peaks and snow-capped peaks. To the west and north, it abuts the Dzungar Basin, making it the world's farthest city from the ocean.
This land is home to 43 ethnic groups, including Han, Uyghur, Kazakh, and Hui. These numerous ethnic groups and their diverse customs have shaped the unique character of Urumqi and Changji.
Urumqi is located deep in the hinterland of the mainland and has a temperate continental arid climate. The spring and autumn seasons are short, the winter and summer seasons are long, and there is a large temperature difference between day and night.
Xinjiang is a great place to escape the summer heat in the summer . Visit Tianchi Lake and Bogda Mountain to enjoy the coolness of the plateau and the warmth of the Kazakh people. Autumn is the best time to visit Urumqi, when the weather is crisp and the fruits are fragrant.
Turpan Basin
Surrounded by mountains, the Turpan Basin is China's lowest inland basin and experiences a continental desert climate characterized by drought and heat. The region is rich in tourism and cultural heritage resources. It boasts 16 developed tourist attractions, including one national 5A-level scenic spot, four 4A-level scenic spots, and three 3A-level scenic spots.
Hongshan Tower
Hongshan Pagoda is located on the peak of Hongshan Mountain (now within Hongshan Park), north of the West Bridge in Urumqi. Its eaves are prominently tapered and feature a rigorous brick structure, beautiful form, and exceptionally sturdy construction. Having weathered more than 200 years of wind and rain, the Hongshan Pagoda remains intact on the clifftop, a truly unique sight in Urumqi.
International Grand Bazaar
The world's largest Grand Bazaar (Uyghur, meaning bazaar, farmers' market), integrates Islamic culture, architecture, ethnic commerce, entertainment, and catering. It is a gathering place and display center for Xinjiang's tourism products, and is known as the "Window of Xinjiang", "Window of Central Asia" and "Window of the World".
Dabancheng
Built atop a massive block of iron-black rock, the city walls are constructed from local crushed stone, mixed with sand and rammed earth. Following the rock face, the perimeter measures nearly 300 meters, with the rammed earth layer 10-25 centimeters thick. In the best-preserved sections, the walls are over 5 meters high. This city, nestled against the mountain's slopes, straddles the renowned Baishuijian Gorge on the Silk Road. Its fortress possesses the fortifications of a "one man guarding the pass, ten thousand men unable to break through."
Recommended number of days: 4-5 days
Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and a key Silk Road city. It has a rich multi-ethnic culture, blending Uyghur, Han, and other influences, and serves as an economic and transportation hub connecting Central Asia and China.
Urumqi is in northwestern China, near the Tianshan Mountains. It is accessible by air via Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, high-speed rail, and long-distance buses. Within the city, taxis, buses, metro lines, and walking are convenient.
Major attractions typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit for mild weather and clear skies.
For popular attractions like Heavenly Lake, booking 1–3 days in advance is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
2–3 days to explore city attractions; 1 full day for Heavenly Lake or mountain excursions.
Guided tours are available in Chinese; English-speaking guides can be booked for major tourist attractions. Some museums may provide English audio guides.
Start with city attractions like the Grand Bazaar and museums, then visit parks and Red Hill. Dedicate a day for Heavenly Lake excursion including hiking and boating.
Some city streets and the Grand Bazaar are lively at night. Special cultural performances and night markets are available on weekends and holidays.
Heavenly Lake and the Grand Bazaar are busiest on weekends and public holidays. Weekdays outside holiday seasons are less crowded.
All major attractions have toilets, restaurants, water points, rest areas, and souvenir shops. Some remote areas may have limited facilities.
Main city attractions are accessible. Mountain areas like Heavenly Lake have walking paths, but some hiking trails may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and cards are widely accepted; carrying some cash is recommended for markets and remote areas.
Local Uyghur restaurants, Chinese cuisine, and international fast-food chains are available in the city. Cafes can be found near tourist areas and malls.
Halal food is widely available. Vegetarian options exist but may be limited; many noodle and vegetable dishes are suitable.
Urumqi offers a range of accommodations, including 3–5 star hotels in the city center and guesthouses near Heavenly Lake.
Urumqi is connected by high-speed rail and flights to other Xinjiang cities and major Chinese cities. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient for local transfers.
