# Urumqi travel guide (乌鲁木齐) Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region · Northwest, China · 11 places Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/destinations/xinjiang-uygur/urumqi ## Quick itinerary - **Day 1:** Museum → Hongshan Park → Shuimogou Scenic Area → Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar - **Day 2:** Urumqi → Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) (if your itinerary is limited to the Urumqi area, you can explore nearby places such as Nanshan Pasture instead) ## The feel of the place - **A City Like Afanti:** The song “The Visitor from the Iceberg” made Xinjiang a symbol of faithful love. Why are the flowers so red? Because of the clear sky and the radiant smiles of the Uyghur girls. The Tianshan Mountains are the “ribs” of Xinjiang, dividing it into the Junggar Basin of northern Xinjiang and the Tarim Basin of southern Xinjiang. Grown within these ribs, Urumqi is as complex and expansive as Uncle Afanti himself. - **Bazaar:** In the old tale, the rich lord sold his shade, because shade was so precious. Every city across vast Xinjiang has a bazaar, markets of all sizes where you can buy just about anything: finely made knives, gorgeous rugs, mountains of fruit and plump onions. What would you like? Come and take a look. The sunshine here is second only to the Tibetan Plateau, so you might just be tempted to buy some shade. ## The feel of the place ### Preparation and Advice ### Language As the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Han Chinese make up the majority here, and Mandarin is the common language. In the nearby mountains this may be less convenient, but basic communication is generally possible. ### Climate and Travel Season Urumqi receives more rainfall than the desert areas of northern and southern Xinjiang, and its temperatures are fairly moderate. However, visitors from southern China may find the climate hard to adjust to at first. Summer highs reach around 40°C, but the day-night temperature difference is more than 10°C, so it never feels as sweltering as in most cities. For trips in summer and autumn, sun protection and cooling products are essential. ## Getting there & around ### Getting There For travellers, Urumqi's main advantage is how easy it is to get in and out. Unless you have come all the way by long-distance bus from Gansu or Tibet, in which case it can be the end or start of your journey, it is a convenient gateway. ### By Air Diwopu International Airport is 16 km from the city centre. A Civil Aviation Express links the airport with downtown for ¥15. Bus routes 27, 51 and 306, as well as Metro Line 1, also run from the airport into the city. A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs about ¥35. ### By Rail Urumqi has four railway stations: Urumqi South, Urumqi West, Urumqi East and Urumqi North. The two main passenger stations are South and West. Urumqi South Station, on Qingfeng Road, is the departure point for trains to northern Xinjiang. Urumqi West Station is the departure point for trains to southern Xinjiang and the rest of China. On 16 November 2014, the Urumqi South to Hami section of the Lanzhou–Xinjiang High-Speed Railway opened for service, marking Xinjiang's entry into the high-speed rail era. ### By Road Xinjiang's road network is fairly well developed, radiating from Urumqi to all prefectures and cities across the autonomous region. Bus types include ordinary, express and sleeper coaches. ### Long-Distance Bus Stations and Departure Destinations ### Getting Around the City Urumqi's bus network is fairly comprehensive. Besides bus routes to every part of the city, there are seven BRT express bus lines and three metro lines. Taxis start at ¥12, and most drivers are Han Chinese, so communication is not a problem. Note that if you leave the city at night, the driver will take your ID card to a roadside checkpoint to register it. This is normal. Also, men are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat of a taxi at night. This is a taxi custom. ### Travel Seasons Extreme minimum temperatures drop to around -40℃, and you can ski on the Tianshan in winter, so Urumqi can be visited year-round. The usual travel season, however, runs from May to October, and September is the best month, with comfortable temperatures. ### Xinjiang's Superlatives ### Qogir Peak The world's second-highest peak (8,611 m) ### Turpan Depression Lies 154 m below sea level ### Taklimakan Desert China's largest desert ### Tarim River China's longest inland river ### Xinjiang Travel Tips 1. Clothing: Xinjiang's day-night temperature gap can reach 10–15℃. If you plan to stay overnight at Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), visit Nanshan Pasture, hike to No. 1 Glacier, tour Kanas Lake or go to the Bayinbuluk Grassland, bring an outer layer and a sweater. 2. Food: Xinjiang is the home of fruit, and eating fruit here is a great pleasure. But never drink hot tea right after eating fruit, as this can cause diarrhea. 3. Accommodation: Xinjiang has a typical continental arid climate with large temperature swings between day and night. When sleeping at night, set the air conditioning to a moderate level, and don't let the room get too cold or sleep without a blanket, as this can make you unwell. 4. Getting Around: Xinjiang is vast, and journeys by road can be long. Many sights require you to get out and walk, or to experience riding horses and camels yourself. A comfortable pair of shoes is therefore especially important. 5. Other: When travelling in Xinjiang, be sure to consult professionals at travel agencies based in Xinjiang. Never go on your own or rent a car yourself, as Xinjiang has too many unpredictable factors. - **Civil Aviation Airport Information Desk** — - **Wuxi Station Information Desk** — - **Urumqi Station Information Desk** — - **Jungong Passenger Station (军供客运站)** — (Near No. 35 Nanzhan Road, Urumqi, 0991-5596315) - **Nanjiao Long-Distance Bus Station (南郊客运站)** — (No. 21 Yan'erwo Road, Tianshan District, Urumqi, 0991-2866635) - **Mingyuan Bus Station** — (No. 138, West Lane, North Youhao Road, Urumqi, 0991-4291561) - **Beijiao Bus Station** — (No. 437 North Nanhu Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi, 0991-4875555) - **Nianzigou Long-Distance Bus Station** — (No. 49 Heilongjiang Road, Saybagh District, Urumqi, 0991-5878614) ## Eat & drink Do you eat lamb? If not, feel free to skip this section and go find fruit on every street corner instead. After all, this is Xinjiang! ### Helpful Tips Xinjiang cuisine centres on beef and lamb, which can be hard on the digestive system. Don't let the tempting flavours upset your stomach. Drinking plenty of tea is a good way to cut through the greasiness. ### Beef and Lamb 1. Xinjiang's lush pastures and climate are ideal for sheep, so the lamb raised here is exceptionally tender. 2. Most of Xinjiang's ethnic minorities are Muslim, and beef and lamb are their staple meats. They have developed exquisite techniques and seasonings for turning lamb into refined dishes. When a whole roast lamb, draped in red silk with glistening golden-brown skin, is carried to the table, how could you not be amazed? ### Kebabs When you visit a night market, don't make the mistake of asking for the wrong thing. Locals go there mainly to drink beer and eat grilled meat. Xinjiang people call lamb skewers 'kebabs' (kǎo ròu), so ordering 'lamb skewers' will immediately mark you as an outsider. ### Eating Bànmiàn (Mixed Noodles) When in Xinjiang, be sure to try the local bànmiàn (mixed noodles). They come with lamb, vegetables or egg. ### Specialty Foods - **Roast Whole Lamb** — Known in Uyghur as ‘tonur kawap’, genuine roast whole lamb is one of Xinjiang's signature dishes. Plump wethers or lambs around one year old are used. The hooves and innards are removed, and the carcass is coated with a paste of white flour, egg, salt, pepper and cumin. It is then skewered on a spiked wooden pole, set over a special naan oven, and turned constantly so the meat cooks evenly, roasting for over an hour. You'll see small stalls selling roast whole lamb at many bazaars. It's worth a try. The flavour may not match that of a big restaurant, but it has more rustic charm. - **Lamb Buns** — Xinjiang lamb buns are made with carefully selected plump lamb and finely chopped onion, mixed with seasonings. Thin-skinned buns are steamed, while the long, thick-skinned ones are baked in a naan oven. Absolutely delicious. - **Latiaozi (Hand-Pulled Noodles)** — Made with a special flour. As Xinjiang friends put it, noodles eaten on the mainland throw away the essence of the flour, so they turn out soft and flavourless, nothing like Xinjiang noodles. The dough is kneaded and hand-stretched into long strands, boiled, then stir-fried with lamb, onion, potato and other vegetables until glossy and golden. Latiaozi is sold in every major city on the mainland, but few shops can match a humble stall in Xinjiang. - **Polo (Uyghur Pilaf)** — Polo is one of the staple dishes Uyghur families serve to relatives and honoured guests at festivals and weddings. Sweet polo is mostly vegetarian, made mainly with rice, egg, carrot, raisins, dried apricots, peanuts and oil. Savoury polo is mostly meat-based: cooked rice is mixed with diced beef or lamb, carrot and onion, and simmered in a seasoned broth, until the rice is glossy and golden with lamb fat. A word of advice: restaurants now provide chopsticks and spoons, so you don't need to eat with your hands. - **Xuezhan Dapanji (Northwest Road Branch)** — Always busy. The smell of fiery chilli oil greets you as soon as you walk in. The big plate chicken is very spicy and comes with plenty of dry-fried chillies. For a better experience, order a serving of lapi (cold stretched noodles) or pidai (wide noodles) to mix in as you eat. (No. 2 Northwest Road, Saybagh District, 0991—4830146) - **Night Market** — No trip to Xinjiang is complete without visiting a local night market. There is one near Erdaoqiao Station (二道桥站), which is where locals go for snacks. It gets even livelier after 8 pm. Snack stalls line both sides of the street, with small tables out front so you can sit and eat. There is a wide variety, including lamb offal soup, grilled baozi, grilled naan and other Xinjiang specialties, and of course plenty of lamb skewers! Now and then you may even come across a band singing and dancing, and the atmosphere is wonderfully lively. ## Shopping Bazaars are the top choice for travellers buying souvenirs, and Erdaoqiao Bazaar has the greatest concentration of ethnic-minority goods stores in Urumqi. Specialities from all over Xinjiang are available here, and prices are not necessarily higher than at their places of origin. Craftsmanship is generally average; for example, genuine Yengisar knives can only be bought in Yengisar County itself. Near Erdaoqiao Bazaar is a market called Rebiya, similar to a wholesale market in Beijing, with slightly fairer prices than the street stalls. The night market on Wuyi Road is also well known. ### Recommended Shopping ### Recommended Specialities Yengisar knives, Uyghur embroidered caps, Xinjiang carpets, mutton-fat jade, assorted melons and fruit, snow lotus, and more. - **Xinjiang Minjie Market** — Located in the middle section of Longquan Street, this is currently the largest ethnic-trade centre in Xinjiang. Its most distinctive feature is the scale models of Xinjiang's 15 prefectures, regions and cities, along with 13 folk museums. The building blends Islamic and European styles with Central Plains and modern culture, and is one of Urumqi's landmark buildings. ## Where to stay Finding accommodation in the capital is no problem at all. Guesthouses and hostels are everywhere, and mid-range and budget hotels are the first choice of independent travellers. Hygiene standards are good and transport is convenient. ## Things to see - **Hongshan Park** (★★★★): Admission Free; Far-View Tower ¥10 Near Hongshan Park (bus stop); Opening hours 2026.01.01-2026.12.31 08:00-22:00; Time needed 3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/hongshan-park - **Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum** (★★★★): Admission Free (reservation required); Opening hours 10:30–19:00 (closed Mondays); Time needed 3–4 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/xinjiang-uygur-autonomous-region-museum - **Nanshan Scenic Area** (★★★★): Admission ¥45; horse riding ¥80/hour; visiting a Kazakh felt yurt ¥20; Opening hours 2026.01.01-2026.12.31 07:00-22:00; Time needed 3–5 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/nanshan-scenic-area - **Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar** (★★★): Admission Free; Silk Road Sightseeing Tower ¥50; Opening hours The bazaar area is open all day; the Silk Road Sightseeing Tower is open 10:00–20:00; Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/xinjiang-international-grand-bazaar - **Tianshan Grand Canyon Scenic Area** (★★★★): Admission ¥110 (entry + return shuttle); Opening hours 9:30–19:00 (May 1–October 31); 10:00–18:00 (November 1–April 30); Time needed 0.5–1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/tianshan-grand-canyon-scenic-area - **Salt Lake Ecotourism Area** (★★★): Admission ¥19.9; Opening hours Winter 10:00-19:00; summer 10:00-20:30; Time needed 3-5 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/salt-lake-ecotourism-area - **Shuimogou Park** (★★★): Admission Free; Opening hours Open all day (all year 2026); Time needed 1–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/shuimogou-park - **Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park** (★★★): Admission ¥190; Opening hours 8：00—22：00; Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/xinjiang-ancient-ecological-park ## Day trips & beyond - **Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) Scenic Area** (★★★★): Admission From ¥105 (includes shuttle bus; free admission for children under 6 years old/under 1.3 m; free admission for those aged 65 and over; etc.); Opening hours 9:00–19:00 (April–October); 9:30–19:00 (November–March); Time needed 4–6 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/tianshan-tianchi-heavenly-lake-scenic-area - **Jiangbulake Scenic Area** (★★★★): Admission From ¥25 (peak season about ¥55; free for children under 1.1 m; free for those aged 65 and over; etc.); Opening hours Peak season (May-October) 09:30-20:00; off-season 10:00-18:00; 10:00-19:00 applies from 2026.08.25-12.31; Time needed 0.5–1 day — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/jiangbulake-scenic-area - **Dabancheng** (★★★★): Admission From ¥40; Opening hours 09:30-00:00 (last entry 20:00); Time needed 2–3 hours — https://cnatrip.com/en/places/dabancheng --- Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), pp. 810–825. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.