Live Your Best Lives
Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is located at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. "Urumqi" in Mongolian means "beautiful pasture." It is the farthest city from the ocean and the geographical center of Asia.
Urumqi is surrounded by mountains on three sides: a gentle, open plain in the north, peaks such as Bogda Mountain and Dongshan Mountain in the east, and Xishan Mountain and Tianger Mountain in the west and south, respectively. Xinjiang is home to 43 ethnic groups, including Han, Uyghur, Kazakh, and Hui. This diverse mix of ethnic groups and their diverse customs contribute to the unique charm of Urumqi today.
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is one of the important hub airports in western my country. It was built in 1939. It is 16.8 kilometers away from the city center and currently has three terminals: T1, T2, and T3.
Note: Urumqi's security is very strict and thorough. In addition to regular checked baggage checks, passengers are also required to remove shoes and belts. Due to the high traffic volume at the airport, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours early to avoid missing their flights.
Address: No. 46 Yingbin Road, Touhunhe District, Urumqi
Distance: 16 kilometers from the city center, half an hour by taxi to the meeting hotel, about 25-35 yuan by taxi
1. From the city to the airport
(1) Hongshan departure point: At the entrance of China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel in Hongshan. From 7:00 to 10:00, there is one bus per hour, departing on the hour. From 10:00 to 22:00, there are two buses per hour, departing on the hour and half-hour, without stopping.
(2) Departure location from the railway station: Next to the statue in the South Railway Station Square, from 7:30 to 21:30, every half hour, and at half past the hour.
2. Airport to city center
From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the bus runs every hour. From 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM, the bus runs every 15 to 30 minutes. Buses will depart at any time when full. After 1:00 AM, the bus will depart based on flight schedules.
Stations along the way: Timber Factory, Water Pump Factory, Oil Transport Company, Medical College, Youhao, Mingyuan, Hongshan, Nianzigou, Changjiang Road, and Railway Station.
Consultation hotline: 0991-3804463.
Ticket price: 15 yuan
Airport pick-up location
Urumqi Metro Line 1 opened in October 2018 and can reach Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar and other places.
Ticket price: starting price 2 yuan, maximum price 5 yuan
Website: https://www.urumqimtr.com/
Urumqi Railway Station is the main railway station in Urumqi and the western terminus of the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway. Located in the Urumqi Economic and Technological Development Zone (Touhunhe District), it is the largest railway station and transportation hub project in Xinjiang and was officially put into use on August 12, 2016.
Address: Economic and Technological Development Zone, Urumqi
Distance: It is close to the meeting hotel by taxi, about 15-25
Urumqi South Railway Station, formerly Urumqi Railway Station, was officially renamed Urumqi South Railway Station on September 1, 2014, due to the construction of the new Urumqi Station. Located in Shayibake District, Urumqi South Railway Station is still in use today. It is where the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway, Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway, and Northern Xinjiang Railway converge.
Address: No. 135, Nanzhan Road, Tianshan District, Urumqi
Distance: It is quite far to the meeting hotel by taxi, about 25-35 RMB
taxi
All taxi fares in Urumqi start at 10 yuan, increasing to 1.6 yuan/km after 3 km and 1.8 yuan/km at night. A taxi from the city center to the airport costs about 30 yuan, while a taxi to the train station is under 20 yuan. Drivers are almost all Han Chinese, making communication easy. Helpful ones will even tell you about fun and good places to eat.
the bus
Urumqi's public transportation is very convenient, with a uniform fare of 1 yuan. The operating hours are generally from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM (depending on the route, the hours vary slightly).
As the capital of a major northwestern province, Urumqi boasts relatively well-developed infrastructure. Finding a hotel in Urumqi is easy, with options ranging from youth hostels to budget-friendly hotels, business travelers, and high-end resorts. Urumqi Airport and Railway Station are both within easy reach of the city center, offering ample flexibility in choosing a hotel. Choose one near a museum, the Grand Bazaar, or a subway line.
This is an old hotel in downtown Urumqi. It has more than 10 floors and 100 rooms. The facilities are relatively new. It is very close to the Grand Bazaar and there are many 24-hour convenience stores downstairs.
Star rating: 4 stars + hotel
Time: Check-in time: after 14:00, check-out time: before 12:00
Address: No. 196, Changjiang Road, Shayibake District
Reference price (including breakfast for two): 260-380 yuan
This established five-star hotel in downtown Urumqi is conveniently located in the heart of the city, conveniently close to the BRT, Metro Line 1, and various city bus routes. Enjoying a prime location close to the commercial center and the airport expressway, it's just a 20-minute drive from the international airport and railway station. The 28-story hotel offers 358 stylish and elegant guest rooms, all with high-speed internet access.
Star rating: 5-star hotel rated by the Internet
Time: Check-in time: after 14:00, check-out time: before 14:00
Address: No. 76, Beijing South Road, Xinshi District
Reference price (including breakfast for two): 680-880 yuan
The Xinjiang Museum is an institution in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region dedicated to the collection, preservation, scientific research, and education of cultural relics and specimens. Since its establishment, the museum has excavated and collected a large number of precious cultural relics. Its current collection includes 40,000 historical, ethnic, and revolutionary artifacts and specimens, including nearly 400 national first-class cultural relics, representing approximately 60% of the total in Xinjiang.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Summer: April 15th - October 15th, Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00 (last admission at 16:30)
Winter: October 16th - April 14th, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
Address: No. 581, Northwest Road, Shayibake District, Urumqi
The Grand Bazaar symbolizes Xinjiang's prosperous commerce and tourism, and is a landmark and landmark for Urumqi, a city of ethnic minorities. With a strong Islamic architectural style, the Grand Bazaar, while embodying both functionality and a contemporary feel, recreates the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road and embodies the rich ethnic characteristics and regional culture of the Western Regions. "Grand Bazaar" means "market" or "farmers' market" in Uyghur. The Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar is the world's largest, known as the "Window to Xinjiang," "Window to Central Asia," and "Window to the World."
Starting from August 2018, the Grand Bazaar Night Market was renovated and reopened, adding another great place to enjoy delicious food and visit the night market at night. Foodies should not miss it.
Tickets: Free, Silk Road Observation Tower 50 yuan/person
Opening hours: All day, store business hours are generally 9:30-22:00
Address: No. 8 Jiefang South Road, Tianshan District, Urumqi
The Xinjiang Wild Horse Ancient Ecological Park, established in 2005, is nestled atop Liyu Mountain in Urumqi, Xinjiang, nestled amidst the city. The park showcases rare natural relics from the Western Regions and the cultural essence of the ancient Silk Road: a breeding ground for over 100 horses, an art museum housing a collection of rare domestic and international oil paintings, a cluster of petrified wood from the Jurassic period, a 3,000-year-old poplar forest standing tall in the desert, and a meteorite heap. These diverse exhibits showcase the richness, mystery, and splendor of Silk Road culture.
Tickets: Winter: 130 yuan; October 16th - April 30th, online price: 117
Summer: 160 yuan; May 1st - October 15th, online price: 145
Official website reservation address: http://www.xjwhly.com/ticket.html
Opening hours: Summer (9:00-21:00) Winter (10:00-19:30)
Address: No. 158, Kunming Road, High-tech Zone (New District), Urumqi
Red Mountain, named for its purple-red sandstone formations and commonly known as "Red Mountain Mouth," is now a public park for leisure and recreation. Hongshan Park enjoys a prime location in the heart of the city, and the overlooking tower atop it offers the best vantage point for panoramic views of Urumqi. The "Red Mountain Sunset" scene has long been one of Urumqi's most iconic sights.
Tickets: Free, 5 yuan for the Big Buddha Temple in the park, 5 yuan for the Overlooking Tower, 5 yuan for the sightseeing bus one-way, 10 yuan for a round trip
Opening hours: Summer (approximately early May to early October) 7:00-23:00
Winter (approximately early October to the end of April of the following year) 8:00-21:00
Address: No. 40, North Lane 1, Hongshan Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Tianshan Tianchi Lake, located at an altitude of 1,980 meters, is a natural alpine lake with a crescent-shaped surface. Centered on Tianchi Lake, the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area features four vertical natural landscape zones, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Drawing on the ancient myth of the Queen Mother of the West, religion, and unique ethnic customs, the scenic area blends forests, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and cultural landscapes, creating a unique landscape.
Tickets: Peak season (April 1st to October 31st), scenic area ticket: 95 yuan/person, sightseeing bus ticket: 60 yuan/person (including round trip)
Off-season (November 1st to March 31st), scenic area ticket: 45 yuan/person, sightseeing bus ticket: 60 yuan/person (including round trip)
Opening hours: Peak season (April-October) 9:00-19:30 Off-season (November-March) 10:00-18:00
Address: Halfway up the mountain below Bogda Peak in Fukang City, Xinjiang, 97 kilometers from Urumqi
Recommended itinerary:
Although winter is the off-season for tourism in Urumqi, as the skiing craze continues to heat up across the country, Urumqi has been favored by many ski enthusiasts for its huge drop in altitude and high-quality powder snow.
50 kilometers south of Urumqi, at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, lies a plethora of ski resorts. The Silk Road Ski Resort is one of the most popular, covering 12 square kilometers. It's one of the three largest ski resorts in China, boasting a maximum drop of 700 meters and accommodating 10,000 skiers simultaneously. It offers eight beginner, intermediate, and advanced ski slopes, three ski and sightseeing cable cars that provide direct access to the pristine forest, a skiing training area with two magic carpets, a 1,200-square-meter leisure platform, and other amenities. The resort also boasts a hot spring area, perfect for those looking to soak in the hot springs after skiing. Reservations can be made directly at the ski counter.
Tickets: Different packages have different ticket prices. The primary package is 120 yuan for 4 hours, and the advanced package is 300 yuan for unlimited time. For details, please refer to the scenic area fee table
Opening hours: Daytime 10:30-18:30; Nighttime 19:30-23:00
Address: 50km south of Urumqi, Xinjiang
Transportation: There is currently no shuttle bus available, but you can sign up for local activities, which include transportation, a 4-hour ski pass, and ski equipment.
Located at the foot of Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountain, Tianshan Tianchi Ski Resort is a 5S international standard ski resort designed by renowned Italian designers. It boasts China's largest ski equipment hall and seven independent slopes totaling 15 kilometers, winding down the Tianshan Mountains. It also boasts Xinjiang's longest professional ski slopes and China's best cross-country trails, making it a must-see for ski enthusiasts and avid skiers. Tickets are available in two-hour and full-day unlimited access, including a ski experience (including skis, cable cars, and magic carpets). Upgrade packages are available to suit your individual skill level. Let's ski and unleash your inner skier at this top-tier ski resort in China.
Tickets: Different package tickets have different prices, ranging from 110 yuan to 300 yuan
Opening hours: 10:00--17:30
Address: 100km east of Urumqi, Xinjiang
Transportation: There is currently no shuttle bus available. You can sign up for a 2-day, 1-night local tour, which includes a hot spring hotel and a visit to the Tianshan Tianchi Scenic Area.
Turpan, located at the southern foot of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains and in the center of the Turpan Basin, is 184 kilometers from Urumqi. It is a beautiful pearl on the Silk Road. The Silk Road stretches over 4,000 kilometers within China, with 2,000 kilometers in Xinjiang alone, traversing Xinjiang along its southern, northern, and central routes. Turpan, a strategic hub along the Central Silk Road, is a renowned historical city. Since the Han Dynasty, it has long been a political, economic, and cultural center of my country's Western Regions.
Before arriving in Xinjiang, many people are most familiar with Turpan. It's home to the renowned Turpan grapes, the Flaming Mountains, and the Kumtag Desert, as well as lesser-known attractions like Tuyugou Mazar Village, the Karez Museum, Jiaohe Ancient City, and Gaochang Ancient City. If you're visiting Urumqi and want to experience Turpan's warmth, sample fresh grapes and Hami melon, or even watch a sunset in the desert, Turpan is a great choice.
Transportation: Turpan is 180 km away from Urumqi city, and the drive takes about 3 hours.
High-speed train: There is a high-speed train directly to Urumqi Station, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
Tickets: There are ticket offices at the entrance of each scenic spot
Opening hours: Most scenic spots in Turpan open at 9:00 or 9:30 and close at 18:00. The opening hours will be extended in summer.
Jiangbulake is a Kazakh word meaning "source of holy water." Located in Qitai County, Xinjiang, 195 kilometers from Urumqi, Jiangbulake exemplifies the perfect fusion of the Tianshan Mountains' vertical natural landscape, the cultural landscape of dry fields, and historical relics of the ancient Silk Road. It boasts attractions such as 10,000 mu of wheat fields, Han Shule City, Daotiao Ridge, Huahaizi, Songcui Valley, Tianshan Weird Slope, and Mohu Lake. It has become a renowned brand in Xinjiang's tourism industry and a popular leisure and vacation destination.
The scenic area is rich in tourism resources, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, ancient glacial relics, lakes, rivers, swamps, springs, canyons, colorful meadows, snow-capped spruce, valley forests, broad-leaved forests, shrub forests, ancient cities, wheat fields, villages, etc. It has successively won the honorary titles of National AAAA Scenic Area, National Cultural Relics Protection Unit, China National Forest Park, and China Agricultural Cultural Heritage, becoming a masterpiece created jointly by mankind and nature on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road.
Tickets: 48 yuan/person, sightseeing bus ticket: 50 yuan/person
Opening Hours:
Winter (April 21st - October 20th) 8:00-21:00;
Summer (October 21st - April 20th) 10:00-18:30
Address: 45 kilometers south of Qitai County, Xinjiang, 195 kilometers from Urumqi
Recommended itinerary: Depart from Urumqi | 1 day
1-Day Xinjiang Jiangbulake Tour | In-Depth Tour of the Eastern Tianshan Grasslands
￥590 from 107 people have signed up Register nowHongshan Grand Canyon, also known as the Anjihai Grand Canyon, is located in the geological fault zone at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, west of Anjihai Town in Shawan County. The Anjihai River originates in the Tianshan Mountains and, through years of erosion, has carved out a gorge near the Tungut Mountains, forming a massive impact fan beneath the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains. This massive impact fan, spreading northward like an umbrella, is a geological wonder. This area is not a tourist attraction, is little known to locals, and is virtually deserted. China-TravelNote, the first team to discover it, deliberately opted out of a one-day local tour. The canyon's edge is quite dangerous, and looking down from the summit sends a chill down my spine.
Tickets: None
Opening hours: All day
Address: 60 kilometers southeast of Kuitun City, Xinjiang, 230 kilometers from Urumqi
Recommended itinerary:
Also known as the National Defense Highway, this highway, located south of Urumqi, was built in the 1960s to prepare for war and famine against a Soviet attack. This highway offers unique scenery, with distinct layers of Danxia landforms lining both sides. Their current appearance has been shaped by wind and rain over millions of years. It is an ideal destination for photography, exploration, hiking, and painting. Currently, the road is in poor condition, accessible only to small cars and SUVs. China-TravelNote has created a one-day tour from Urumqi, offering a thrilling drive through the magnificent Danxia landforms.
Tickets: None
Opening hours: Open all day
Address: 30 kilometers south of Urumqi, Xinjiang
Recommended itinerary:
Located at 87°19'52" east longitude and 43°40'37" north latitude, the geographic center of the Asian continent, or "Asian Center," is the most balanced point within the Asian continent, meaning it is furthest from the surrounding coastlines and possesses the strongest continental character. The scenic area, anchored by the Asian Continental Geographic Center Tower, features a 20-meter-tall lattice-structured gate with an eagle's wings spread, the round-sky-square Asian Center Plaza, and totems representing the cultural essences of 49 Asian countries. This truly epitomizes the charm of every nation. From the Asian Center, perched at an altitude of 1,280 meters, one can admire the Bogda Snow Mountain to the east, the Tianshan Mountains to the south, the Toutunhe Reservoir to the west, and the Junggar Basin to the north.
Address: Yongfeng Township, Urumqi County, Urumqi City
Fee: 30 yuan/person
Opening hours: 9:00-19:00
Transportation: There is currently no public transportation available. You can only charter a car or participate in China-TravelNote local activities.
Since Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang, you can find flavors from all over the region and even all over the country here.
Uyghur pilaf, naan, hand-pulled noodles, roasted lamb, baked buns, yogurt, and fried dough sticks;
Hui people's fried noodles, mixed noodles, noodle soup, crispy steamed buns, stewed noodles, fried noodles, and jelly;
Mongolian hand-pulled meat, cheese, milk tofu, lamb stew, hot pot, smoked meat, flatbread, and fried cakes;
Russian bread, biscuits, dairy products, etc.;
In Xinjiang, there's a saying: "Korla's fragrant pears, Hami's melons, and Turpan's grapes are the best. Toksun's mixed noodles, Andil'er's roasted whole lamb, Kuche's white apricots are large and fragrant, Aksu's apples, and Shawan's big plate chicken are the best." Personally, I think the following local specialties are worth considering: baked steamed buns (a specialty only found in Xinjiang), naan (which also comes in many varieties and is delicious even cold), pilaf (now also featuring dried meat pilaf), mixed noodles, fried noodles, Xinjiang-style dim sum (mostly with milk, sugar, honey, and nuts), and barbecue (typically lamb skewers).
Alert! Alert! Delicious food is coming!
[Da Pan Ji]
When it comes to Xinjiang delicacies, Xinjiang Da Pan Ji is naturally the first to come to mind. Although Xinjiang Da Pan Ji is now available in various cities, the truly delicious chicken can only be found in Xinjiang. In Urumqi, the most famous is the Xuezhan Da Pan Ji, which costs between 40 and 120 yuan, depending on the type of chicken and the size of the portion. In Xinjiang, authentic Da Pan Ji uses local roosters cooked with potatoes, green peppers, and red mountain peppers for a savory and refreshing flavor. Only after experiencing authentic Xinjiang Da Pan Ji can you truly appreciate its flavor!
Chaiwopu, Shawan, and Yili Da Pan Ji are the most famous, forming a trio of Xinjiang Da Pan Ji varieties.
【Baked buns and thin-skin buns】
Baked buns (Uyghur: shamusa) and thin-skinned buns (Uyghur: pitelmantu) are beloved foods of the Uyghur people. Baked buns are primarily baked in a tandoor (a naan pit). The wrapper is made from unleavened dough, rolled thinly and folded into a square. Fillings made from diced lamb, onions, cumin powder, and other ingredients are then filled and baked in the tandoor. Thin-skinned buns are steamed buns, made with wrappers so thin that the filling is almost visible through them when cooked. The wrapper tastes as if it has melted into the tender, oily flavor of the meat.
【Grilled Lamb Kebabs】
Grilled lamb skewers are Xinjiang's most famous and time-honored ethnic snack. Ancient records indicate that grilled lamb skewers have a history of over 1,800 years in China. Therefore, a visit to Xinjiang is a must-try.
【Naan】
A staple food for Xinjiang residents, naan is a baked flatbread similar to a sesame seed cake, which can be crispy or soft, with a pleasant aroma. Most are round and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Naan is typically made from wheat flour, though cornmeal is also used, and is baked with sesame seeds, onions, eggs, cooking oil, ghee, milk, salt, and sugar.
【Mutton pilaf】
Zhuafan (a type of rice or pilaf) is a beloved food of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. Rich in nutrients and boasting tonic properties, it's a staple for Uyghurs during festivals and when entertaining guests. It got its name because it was originally eaten with the hands. However, these days, people eat zhuafan with chopsticks or spoons, rather than with their hands.
【Mixed noodles】
Xinjiang mixed noodles, commonly known as "Latiaozi", are named for their unique preparation method and the fact that they are mixed with vegetables. They are mainly noodles, supplemented by vegetables, and the dishes can be either meat or vegetarian, and the flavors can be customized to the customer's taste.
【Pepper and Spicy Chicken】
my country's culinary culture is rich in history, and there are hundreds of chicken-themed dishes. Among them, the Xinjiang-style "Pepper and Spicy Chicken" stands out as a unique dish. Pepper and Spicy Chicken is a traditional Xinjiang specialty. It's made with gutted chicken, primarily cooked by boiling. The resulting dish is savory, salty, tender, and refreshingly delicious.
【Nang pit meat】
Many people know Xinjiang's roasted lamb, rack of lamb, and whole roasted lamb, but few are familiar with naan-stove meat. It's cooked using the remaining charcoal from baking naan bread. Simmered in a naan-stove, it avoids direct contact with open flames and is healthier and more environmentally friendly than grilled skewers. The simmered lamb retains more moisture and flavor, resulting in a delicious, crispy exterior and tender interior.
【Wusu Beer】
In Xinjiang, whether in bustling cities or in remote villages and towns, Wusu Beer can be found everywhere. Wusu Beer has long become an indispensable part of the lives of Xinjiang people.
Wusu Beer, also known as "Deadly Wusu," isn't intimidating; it's around 7% alcohol. Why it's called "Deadly Wusu"? See the picture below. "nsnm" means "I'm going to kill you."
However, the brewing process of Wusu beer is indeed unique. It is refreshing on the palate and has a slight aftertaste.
【yogurt】
Xinjiang yogurt is a fermented dairy product beloved by Uyghurs. Regardless of season, age, gender, or gender, yogurt is a beloved favorite. Its nutritional value far exceeds that of fresh cow's or goat's milk. It contains a variety of lactic acid, lactose, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. The physiological value of its protein is higher than that of rice, white flour, and meat.
A Xinjiang folk song goes, "Turpan's grapes, Hami's melons, Korla's fragrant pears are praised by everyone, and Yecheng's pomegranates are the best," highlighting Xinjiang's four famous fruits and their respective regions. Located in northwest China, Xinjiang enjoys a continental climate with strong sunshine, low precipitation, and minimal cloud cover. This results in abundant sunlight, a large temperature swing between day and night, and low nutrient consumption in fruits and vegetables, resulting in high sugar accumulation and, consequently, sweet fruits and vegetables.
Xinjiang is a long-renowned "hometown of fruits and vegetables" with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables of excellent quality. Dried and fresh fruits and vegetables are available in the market all year round, such as grapes, Hami melons, pomegranates, figs, almonds, apricots, mulberries, peaches, pears, pistachios, sea buckthorn, etc.
【Grape】
Xinjiang's grapes are world-class, with Turpan's grapes being particularly renowned. Xinjiang boasts a 2,000-year history of grape cultivation, with Turpan and Kashgar being prominent grape-producing areas. Every household cultivates grapes in their gardens, earning them the nickname "the city is surrounded by grapes, and the people are surrounded by grapes." Over 50 high-quality varieties are available, including seedless white, red, black, rose-scented, and white Brick grapes. A visit to Xinjiang is a must-try for a feast of grapes.
【cantaloupe】
Hami melon, known as the "King of Melons," boasts a sugar content of approximately 15%. It comes in a variety of shapes and flavors, ranging from creamy to lemony, but all are incredibly sweet and fragrant, earning them a reputation both domestically and internationally. Among the many Hami melon varieties, "Red Heart Crisp" and "Golden Dragon" are the best. Hami melons have thick rinds and tender flesh, making them easy to preserve and readily available year-round.
【red dates】
Xinjiang red dates are a unique product of Xinjiang. Aksu, Ruoqiang, Kashgar, and Hotan in southern Xinjiang are the main producing areas. They are known for their tonifying Qi and blood, nourishing blood, and calming the mind, and are extremely nutritious.
【Pomegranate】
Yecheng County, known as the "Hometown of Pomegranates," is particularly famous for its pomegranates. Located at the northern foot of the Kunlun Mountains, Yecheng County boasts a short frost season, long sunshine hours, a large temperature swing between day and night, and excellent soil, making it ideal for pomegranate growth. Its reddish color and sweet juice are highly sought after. Fresh pomegranate juice can be found on the streets of Xinjiang, offering a unique flavor worth trying.
【Xiaogazi (Mingyuan Branch)】
Introduction: Xiaogazi is a large-scale private restaurant chain specializing in Xinjiang cuisine. By innovating and improving upon Xinjiang cuisine, they have developed the Xiaogazi Mizong cuisine, featuring nine must-try dishes.
Address: 1st Floor, Mingyuan Huoyanshan, Intersection of Mingyuan West Road and Youhao South Road
Contact: 0991-4561111
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00-24:00
Reference Price: 90 yuan per person.
Comments: I saw this chain Xinjiang restaurant mentioned in my travel guide while visiting Xinjiang. The waiters were very friendly and the service was excellent! The steamed buns were grilled to a crispy crust, one with lamb and one with nuts. The lamb skewers were large and served hot. The Gazi Lao Nong Chicken is essentially a smaller portion of Dapanji, with roasted chicken and potatoes, and a base of ramen. The Yipin Naan is a crispy naan with roasted meat and onions. The stir-fried eggplant with tiger skin chili is sweet and sour, with a five-spice flavor, but not spicy. The yogurt is delicious. When you come to Xinjiang, you'll find all the yogurt delicious. It's topped with raisins and nuts.
[Miraji]
Introduction: Milagi Boutique Restaurant immerses you in the artistic atmosphere of a Uyghur aristocratic palace. While enjoying delicious food, you can also indulge in the original folk music performances of Daolang! Witness the aristocratic style and taste the ethnic characteristics. "Milagi" blends luxury and flavor heritage, and every move and taste reveals the ethnic culture.
Address: No. 176, North Lane, East Street, Karamay (opposite to Urumqi No. 3 Middle School)
Contact: 0991-6261111
Opening hours: 11:00-20:00
Reference price: 160 yuan per person
Evaluation: Came to Urumqi to experience Xinjiang culture. After entering, the decoration style is very grand and beautiful. It is a Xinjiang restaurant at first glance. It is so high-end. The average consumption per capita here is also high enough. The dishes are almost all sold by portion. We ordered many varieties in small portions. The best one is the pilaf. It is said that the pilaf is also the best made by the Uyghurs. It lived up to expectations. It is really delicious. The yogurt is sour, and it really lives up to the word sour. It is a very delicious restaurant. I recommend the pilaf and baked buns, both of which are very delicious.
【Little Plum Blood Station Big Plate Chicken】
Introduction: Xiaolizi Big Plate Chicken is a long-standing restaurant in Urumqi. It is very popular with customers every day and the portions are very generous. It has several branches in Urumqi.
Address: No. 2, Xibei Road, Shayibake District, Urumqi
Contact: 0991-4830146
Business Hours: 12:00-5:00 the next day
Reference Price: RMB 60 per person
Comments: The taste is really good. The three-yellow chicken we ordered was tender and delicious. We walked past it when we were looking for it, but it's easy to find, on the roadside. The yogurt is not as sour as the plain one, and the big plate chicken is a bit spicy, but the taste is really super good. I also added a portion of wide noodles, which was delicious.
Xinjiang First Plate (Nanhu Road Branch)
Description: Besides Little Li, Xinjiang First Plate is the most popular large plate chicken restaurant in Urumqi.
Address: 555 Tiyuguan Road, Tianshan District, Urumqi (near Sanshan Square).
Contact: 0991-8834777.
Hours: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Price: 68 RMB per person.
Review: I came here specifically to try authentic big plate chicken. With a large Guinness World Record sign hanging outside, the place is incredibly popular, packed at lunchtime. They offer several different types of chicken, including free-range and fighting chickens. I ordered a medium-sized fighting chicken, and when it arrived, I was surprised by the large square plate. The bones and meat were larger than those of regular chicken. It was delicious, but we only managed to finish half the plate between us. It was such a waste.
【No. 17 Pilaf King】
Introduction: Speaking of pilaf, you have to go to "No. 17 Pilav King" in Urumqi. The pilaf here is not only delicious but also has plenty of meat.
Address: No. 268, Hetian Street, Shayibake District, Urumqi
Contact: 0991-5890117
Price: RMB 33 per person
【Abra’s Naan】
Introduction: Naan has a long history in Xinjiang. Its golden crust was known in ancient times as "Hu Bing" or "Lu Bing." Made primarily of flour, it's often fermented, but without alkali, it uses a small amount of salt. It's thin in the middle, slightly thicker at the edges, and features numerous decorative patterns. Numerous variations exist, using a wide variety of ingredients.
Address: No. 104, Northwest Road
Reference price: 5 yuan
Comment: Waiting in line for over half an hour just to eat naan was ridiculous...but Xinjiang really changed my impression of naan. The naan in Shenzhen was so hard and dry that I couldn't even bear to try it. But the freshly baked naan here was so soft and fragrant. I wonder if it's because of the different flour.
【Mamuti Specialty Baked Buns】
Introduction: A time-honored brand specializing in Xinjiang baked buns.
Address: No. 952, Northwest Road
Reference price: 8 yuan per person
Comment: Baked buns are also a Xinjiang specialty, and the combination with mutton filling is really satisfying. Of course, you may not be used to it at first bite, but you will really fall in love with it!
When traveling to Xinjiang, many people will think about buying some gifts to give to others. So where should they buy them?
Xinjiang's specialty products are readily available in Urumqi, and they're not the most expensive. If you visit the Sunday bazaar, you might even see a variety of handmade goods on the streets near Erdao Bridge. Xinjiang's raisins and red dates are particularly handy.
Tip: In Xinjiang, people generally use the "metric system" when shopping in the market, and use "kilograms" instead of "jins" to measure weight.
Raisins:
Xinjiang's high-quality raisins are all made from Turpan's seedless white grapes, which are dried naturally in the local unique drying rooms. Turpan's drying rooms are a major local feature. When the grapes are ripe, local people quickly transport the picked grapes to the drying rooms. The raisins dried in the drying rooms have a pure color and unique flavor. They are a multi-purpose, pure natural and healthy food.
Almonds, also known as almond
apricots and thin-shelled almonds, are a prized dried fruit by the Uyghur people of Xinjiang. They are primarily grown in Shufu, Yingjisha, Shache, and Yecheng counties in the Kashgar Oasis south of the Tianshan Mountains. Although almonds and American almonds belong to the same genus, they differ in their origin and growing environment.
The Yingjisha knife
, named after its origin in Yingjisha County, boasts a history of over 400 years. Made of fine materials and meticulously crafted, it boasts beautiful shapes, diverse forms, and elegant patterns, imbued with a strong ethnic style. However, it is a controlled knife and cannot be carried on planes or trains; it can only be mailed.
Xinjiang carpets
are renowned not only domestically but also internationally. Their lustrous, smooth surfaces, firm, soft panels, and elegant aesthetics, combined with vibrant colors and patterns that express distinct ethnic characteristics and rich local flavor, make them unique in the international carpet industry. As a key traditional and valuable export product from Xinjiang, Xinjiang carpets have garnered acclaim worldwide and are known as distinctive "Eastern" carpets.
There are many places to buy dried fruit, from the Grand Bazaar to various small roadside shops. The prices will definitely vary depending on the place. I recommend going to the largest local dried fruit markets, Beiyuanchun Dried Fruit Market and Hualing Dried Fruit Market. They have a wide selection and are very affordable. You can also have your purchases shipped directly to your home, with a very affordable shipping fee of 8 yuan per kilogram.
If you want to buy handicrafts and blankets, it is recommended to go to the International Grand Bazaar and the Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar, where there are many handicraft shops. To some extent, Erdaoqiao is the symbol and landmark of Urumqi. It is a must-see place for all tourists to Urumqi and is a microcosm of Central Asian style.
