Urumqi Travel Guide
Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, is just like a piece of emerald embedded at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. As home to 49 minority ethnic groups, this graceful prairie city is an important stop along the ancient Silk Road, leading to Central Asia and even as far as Europe.
The city lies in the shadow of the lofty ice-capped Bogda Peak with vast Salt Lake to the east, rolling pine-covered Southern Hill to the south, and alternating fields and sand dunes of Zunggar Basin to the northwest. With shorter spring and autumn but longer winter and summer, May to October is the golden season for travel, when flowers are in full bloom and the fruits, like melons and grape, are ripe with fragrance. The 2 hours' time difference between Xinjiang and Beijing lead to local working time starting from 9:30 or 10:00. The temperature varies widely between day and night. Considering this, you're advised to set out on your travels around noon each day.
The city lies in the shadow of the lofty ice-capped Bogda Peak with vast Salt Lake to the east, rolling pine-covered Southern Hill to the south, and alternating fields and sand dunes of Zunggar Basin to the northwest. With shorter spring and autumn but longer winter and summer, May to October is the golden season for travel, when flowers are in full bloom and the fruits, like melons and grape, are ripe with fragrance. The 2 hours' time difference between Xinjiang and Beijing lead to local working time starting from 9:30 or 10:00. The temperature varies widely between day and night. Considering this, you're advised to set out on your travels around noon each day.
Recommended Tours
It is a hub linking China with East Asia and also Europe. As such Urumqi Airport plays a significant role for traveling to cities in China, East Asia, European countries and other destinations within Xinjiang. Long-distance buses to most attractions are available from the city. The Lanzhou-Urumqi high-speed train makes train trip to Xinjiang fast, convenient and comfortable.
Almost all cuisines of China can be found here, so there is no need to worry about eating. Eating food from different local ethnic groups is a must-do activity. Kebabs, Nang and Xinjiang Noodles of Uyghur, cheese and Boiled Lamb from Mongolia, bread and dairy-products from Russia ensure that you will not help having a try of some if not all that is on offer. Various local fruits and nuts will leave you a sweet memory.
Coming here will not let you return to your country empty-handed. Shopping in the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is a pleasant experience. Bargain hunting for handicraft souvenirs such as rugs, carpets, Uygur-style hats and knitted sweaters, ethnic costumes, hand-made embroideries and carved jade, will definitely draw your intense interest.
Nightlife here provides a multiple-range of choices such as watching the ethnic song-and-dance show, tasting native delicacies in the night market, or simply hanging out in bars. Shopping along Zhongshan Road or at Er Dao Qiao Market is sure to make your night interesting. Or one can climb the Red Hill to appreciate the beautiful night view of the whole city.
Festivals
The most important local festivals are the annual Corban Festival and Lesser Bairam. Corban Festival, also known as “Sacrifice Festival”, falls on December 10th in the Islamic calendar and lasts three days. During that time, ethnic activities, thumping singing and dancing parties will be held in both urban and rural areas. All homes serve their visitors delicious mutton. Lesser Bairam, also called “Fast Breaking Festival”, is the New Year’s Day of the Hui nationality as well as some other ethnic groups. It is the holiday at the end of Ramadan. The annual Silk Road Snow Folk Festival, from December to the next March, allows visitors to enjoy the fun of skiing.
Although it is remote, its history can be traced back to the Neolithic Age. It used to be a residence of some northern nomadic people. From1755 onwards, the start of fast development got underway in this area and the city got the name “Urumqi”. In 1884, it changed its name to “Dihua” and was regarded as a political center. From 1954, it reverted to its original name and is the capital city of Xinjiang.
Some fast facts and practical information provided below will facilitate your life and trip in the city.
- Area & Zip Code
- Useful Phone Numbers
- Post Office
- Money Exchange
- Hospital
- Famous University
Further Rreading
- Last updated on Jul. 22, 2024 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on Urumqi Travel
Asked by Marvin from SINGAPORE | Oct. 01, 2024 03:47
Reply
ReplyUrumqi - Hostels
Hello,
Appreciate you kind advise on
a). where can we find information on Hostels/ Youth Hostels in Urumqi
b). any recommendations of Hostels/ Youth Hostels will be most helpful
TQ
Appreciate you kind advise on
a). where can we find information on Hostels/ Youth Hostels in Urumqi
b). any recommendations of Hostels/ Youth Hostels will be most helpful
TQ
Answers (1)
Answered by Joshua | Oct. 08, 2024 00:56
0
0Reply
00ReplyYou can find many hotels in Urumqi by searching online.
Recommended hostels or youth hotels in Urumqi:
Xiyu Harbour Youth Hostel
Jingqiao Youth Hostel
JHH Hotel
Recommended hostels or youth hotels in Urumqi:
Xiyu Harbour Youth Hostel
Jingqiao Youth Hostel
JHH Hotel
Asked by Shakil from MALAYSIA | Apr. 16, 2024 04:29Reply
Replydirect express buses departing from the gate of People Park or Hongshan Hotel.
is this information valid for 2024 - May I will be there in MAY ans I wish to take publuc transport to Tian Shan Mountain - save money
Answers (1)
Answered by Lori | Apr. 16, 2024 23:5700Reply
00ReplyThe airport express bus line 1 passes Nianzigou, not far from People's Park, and run to South Railway Station.
Are you going to the Heavenly Lake and Grand Canyon of Tianshan Mountains?
To the lake, you can take bus no. D009 at Hongshan park to 装饰公司, then walk northward to Beijiao Bus Station and take a bus to Fukang there. At Fukang Bus Station, you can take a special line to the lake.
To the Grand Canyon, you can also take a direct bus at Shiqihu, Liudaowan and Jixiechang at 08:30 and 09:00 to the apot.
Are you going to the Heavenly Lake and Grand Canyon of Tianshan Mountains?
To the lake, you can take bus no. D009 at Hongshan park to 装饰公司, then walk northward to Beijiao Bus Station and take a bus to Fukang there. At Fukang Bus Station, you can take a special line to the lake.
To the Grand Canyon, you can also take a direct bus at Shiqihu, Liudaowan and Jixiechang at 08:30 and 09:00 to the apot.
Asked by Sandra Lee from SINGAPORE | Feb. 29, 2024 16:12Reply
ReplyUrumqi
4 of us Adults planning to spend 3 days in
Urumqi in the month of September. Can you recommend me a local guide cum driver we can hire
Urumqi in the month of September. Can you recommend me a local guide cum driver we can hire
Answers (1)
Answered by James | Feb. 29, 2024 18:0900Reply
00ReplyYou may try at e-Hi car website.
Asked by Pete from UNITED KINGDOM | Jul. 30, 2023 02:32Reply
ReplyForeigners allowed?
Are there any areas of Xinjiang where foreigners cannot go? And if so, are they clearly signed or do you have the potential to just stumble into them?
Answers (1)
Answered by Vivian | Jul. 31, 2023 20:4700Reply
00ReplyI think you are talking about the boundary areas with neighbouring countries. Generally, if you go here for sighteeing only, no special travel permit will be required. Anyway, you may contact local tourism bureau or travel agencies for more details.
Asked by Petra Krupickova from CZECH | Jun. 27, 2019 20:26Reply
ReplyI would like to visit Kanas Lake in July
but I heard that Sayram lake host Naadam Festival from July 13 to 15. Is the Naadam Festival worthy? Is it possible to go from Kanas Lake to Sayram lake with public transport? Thank you very much.
Answers (1)
Answered by Andrew from USA | Jun. 30, 2019 20:0800Reply
00ReplyThe Naadam Festival is the grandest festival in a year. It is totally worthy. Most people choose self-drive tour between these two lakes.