Urumqi乌鲁木齐

Overview

Located in central Xinjiang at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and southern edge of the Junggar Basin, Urumqi is the political, economic, and cultural center of Xinjiang and an important gateway opening westward. This multi-ethnic city is home to 43 ethnic groups including Han, Uyghur, Kazakh, and Hui, creating a uniquely diverse urban landscape. Hongshan Park is the city's green lung, the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is Asia's largest bazaar, and the picturesque Heavenly Lake is just an hour's drive away.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Heavenly Lake (Tianshan Tianchi)

A national AAAAA scenic area, an alpine lake at 1,980 meters beneath Bogda Peak with crystal waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains — hailed as the 'Jade Pond.'

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

The world's largest bazaar with nearly 100,000 square meters and over 3,000 shops — the best place for folk experiences, food, and shopping.

Hongshan Park (Red Mountain Park)

Urumqi's iconic park named after the Red Mountain, with a Qing Dynasty pagoda at the summit offering panoramic city views.

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum

A national first-class museum with nearly 50,000 artifacts, most famous for the 'Loulan Beauty' mummy and Silk Road relics.

Nanshan Pasture

A Tianshan pasture about 60 km south of downtown with green meadows and herds in summer; experience Kazakh herder life.

Food & Snacks

Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken

One of Xinjiang's most iconic dishes — chicken, potatoes, peppers, and wide noodles stewed in a huge plate, usually shared by 2-3 people.

Xinjiang Lamb Skewers

Local sheep meat grilled on iron skewers with cumin and chili — the most common street food in Xinjiang.

Pilaf

A traditional Uyghur dish of braised lamb, carrots, onions, and rice — glossy, fragrant, and a daily staple.

Baked Buns (Samsa)

Traditional Uyghur baked pastries with lamb and onion filling, stuck to the walls of a tandoor oven until golden and crispy.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• Xinjiang Tianshan (2013) — Inscribed as UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2013. Tianshan is one of the world's largest mountain ranges, featuring spectacular natural landscapes and rich biodiversity.
• Uyghur Muqam Art (2005) — Inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Heritage List in 2005. Muqam is the general term for Uyghur classical music suites, integrating song, dance and music, representing the essence of Uyghur culture and art.
• Uyghur Meshrep (2010) — Inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Heritage List in 2010. Meshrep is a traditional Uyghur folk gathering and entertainment form, integrating song, dance, games, and food, serving as an important carrier of community cultural exchange.

Practical Tips