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Urumqi Travel Guide 2026

Xinjiang's sprawling capital. The world's most inland major city, Heavenly Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, the Grand Bazaar, and Uyghur food culture unlike anywhere else in China.

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Urumqi travel photo

Quick Answer

Urumqi (乌鲁木齐, Wūlǔmùqí) is the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and the world's most inland major city — 2,500 km from any ocean. It is a city of Uyghur, Han, Kazakh, Hui, and Kyrgyz cultures compressed into a sprawling Central Asian metropolis of 4 million people. The Grand Bazaar is the largest in the world by scale. Heavenly Lake (天山天池, Tiānshān Tiānchí) sits in the Tianshan Mountains 110 km east at 1,907 meters. The Xinjiang Regional Museum holds 3,800-year-old Tarim mummies. The food — big-plate chicken, lamb skewers, polo (pilaf), naan bread, laghman noodles — pulls from Uyghur, Hui, and Central Asian traditions. Plan 2-3 days for the city and a full day for Heavenly Lake. Security is heavy. Bring your passport everywhere.

Worth visitingYes for Silk Road history, Central Asian food culture, and Heavenly Lake — but the heavy security presence and long distances mean it suits travelers already committed to a Xinjiang trip rather than a casual detour
Recommended days2-3 days for the city plus 1 day for Heavenly Lake; 1-2 days more if heading to Turpan
Best time to visitMay to October; August to October for grape harvest and comfortable temperatures
Daily budget$45 (backpacker) / $140 (mid-range) / $350+ (luxury)
Family friendlyModerate — the Grand Bazaar and Heavenly Lake work for kids, but distances are long and security checks slow everything down
Solo friendlyWorkable but lonely — Urumqi is more a functional city than a backpacker hub, and solo infrastructure (hostels, traveler cafes) is thinner than in eastern China
AirportUrumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC), 16 km north of the city center
High-speed rail1 hour to Turpan, 5 hours to Dunhuang, 10+ hours to Lanzhou
LanguageMandarin and Uyghur (Turkic language written in Arabic script); English is rare outside international hotels; younger Uyghurs often speak both languages
CurrencyCNY (¥) — Alipay and WeChat Pay accept foreign Visa/Mastercard
Time zoneChina Standard Time (UTC+8) — geographically UTC+6, so sunrise is around 7 AM and summer sunset is as late as 10 PM
Last updated2026-06-18

Why visit Urumqi? Is it worth it?

Urumqi is a difficult city to love on first encounter. It is sprawling, concrete-heavy, and punctuated by security checkpoints that make a walk to the corner store feel like navigating an airport. The air can be thick with coal dust in winter, and the distances between anything worth seeing are punishing. I spent my first afternoon in Urumqi in 2023 wondering if I had made a mistake — the hotel was a fortress, the streets were quiet, and the city felt clenched. Then I walked into the Grand Bazaar at sunset, watched a Uyghur baker pull rounds of naan from a tandoor with his bare hands, and ate lamb skewers (羊肉串, yángròu chuàn) dusted with cumin and chili so fresh that the fat was still crackling, and the city started to make sense. Urumqi is not charming. It is not easy. But it is one of the few places in China where you can feel the full weight of Central Asia pressing against the Chinese interior — in the food, in the faces, in the Uyghur script on shop signs, in the call to prayer that the government tries to suppress but that still echoes faintly through the older neighborhoods at dawn. If you want a polished Silk Road experience, go to Dunhuang. If you want to stand in a city that sits at the exact geographic pivot between China and the Turkic world, Urumqi is where you go. The Heavenly Lake (天山天池, Tiānshān Tiānchí) alone justifies a detour — the Tianshan snow peaks reflected in alpine water at 1,907 meters produce the kind of photograph that looks fake until you see it with your own eyes. And the Xinjiang Regional Museum, with its 3,800-year-old mummies and Silk Road textiles, is one of the best provincial museums in China, period. Urumqi earns its place, but it asks more of the traveler than most Chinese cities do.

What is the history of Urumqi from Silk Road outpost to Xinjiang capital?

Urumqi's name comes from the Oirat Mongol phrase meaning "beautiful pasture." For most of its premodern history it was exactly that — grassland at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, populated by nomadic herders. The city as a fixed settlement did not exist until the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), when the Qianlong Emperor established a military garrison here in 1755 after defeating the Dzungar Khanate and incorporating the region into the Qing empire. The Qing named the settlement Dihua (迪化), meaning "to enlighten and civilize," and built it up as the administrative center for the newly conquered territory that would become Xinjiang — literally "New Frontier." The name Urumqi was restored in 1954 under the PRC. Through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city absorbed waves of Han settlers, Hui Muslim refugees from the Gansu rebellions, and Uyghur and Kazakh populations from across the region. It became the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in 1955 and underwent a massive expansion in the reform era after 1978, growing from a modest provincial town to a sprawling city of more than 4 million people. The historical layers are less visible here than in China's eastern cities — most of old Dihua was demolished in the 20th century — but the demographic layers are unmistakable. Uyghur, Han, Hui, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Mongol communities live in overlapping but distinct neighborhoods, and the political tension between Xinjiang's ethnic groups and the Chinese state is the subtext of daily life in the city. Understanding even the broad outline of this history is essential, because Urumqi is not just another Chinese provincial capital — it is the administrative nerve center of one of the most contested territories in modern China.

What is the geography and climate like in the world's most inland city?

Urumqi holds the Guinness World Record for the most inland city from any ocean — 2,500 kilometers to the nearest coastline in any direction. It sits in the Junggar Basin, a vast semi-arid depression between the Tianshan Mountains to the south and the Altai Mountains to the north, at an elevation of about 800 meters. The climate is continental arid: hot summers with daytime highs of 30-38°C in July and August, very cold winters with daytime highs around -5 to -10°C and nighttime lows dropping to -15 to -25°C in January, and dry year-round with total annual precipitation under 300 mm. Spring and autumn are brief — a few weeks of pleasant weather around May and late September before the extremes set in. Wind from the Gurbantünggüt Desert to the north can whip dust through the city in spring. The Tianshan Mountains, visible as a snow-capped wall to the south on clear days, provide the snowmelt that feeds the city's water supply and the oasis agriculture of the surrounding plains. The time zone is an oddity worth understanding: geographically Urumqi sits in the UTC+6 zone, but all of China officially runs on Beijing time (UTC+8). In summer, the sun rises around 7 AM and sets after 10 PM — you can eat dinner in full daylight at 9 PM. Some Uyghurs unofficially use Xinjiang time (UTC+6) for their own schedules, which means you should always double-check meeting times with locals. Foreign travelers operating on a tight itinerary should just use Beijing time and adjust their body clocks to the late sunset.

How to get to Urumqi

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) is 16 km north of the city center and the busiest airport in western China. It has direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, and international destinations including Almaty, Tashkent, Bishkek, Moscow, and Istanbul. The airport has a metro line (Line 1 extension) to the city center, taking about 30 minutes for ¥8, plus shuttle buses and taxis. A DiDi or taxi from the airport to the city center costs roughly ¥50-80 and takes 30-40 minutes. High-speed rail connects Urumqi to Turpan (1 hour, ¥50-80 second class), Dunhuang (5-6 hours, ¥250-350), and Lanzhou (10-12 hours, ¥500-700) on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang HSR line. The Urumqi Railway Station (乌鲁木齐站) is the main HSR terminal, a gleaming modern station in the northwest of the city. The older Urumqi South Station (乌鲁木齐南站) handles some conventional trains. For travelers arriving from Central Asia, Urumqi has rail connections to Almaty (Kazakhstan) via the Khorgos border crossing, though the journey is long (24+ hours) and border formalities are time-consuming. International flights from Almaty to Urumqi take 1.5 hours and are the more practical option for most travelers.

How to get around Urumqi

Urumqi is a large, spread-out city and walking between neighborhoods is impractical. The metro (Line 1) runs north-south and connects the airport, the railway station, the city center, and the Grand Bazaar area — it is modern, clean, and signed in Chinese, Uyghur, and English. Fares are ¥2-8 depending on distance. The metro is the most efficient way to cross the city, but it does not reach Heavenly Lake or the Southern Pastures. City buses are extensive but slow and Chinese-only. Taxis are plentiful, metered, and affordable at ¥10-30 for most city trips. DiDi is available and recommended for foreign travelers — it removes language friction and pricing is transparent. For Heavenly Lake, most travelers book a full-day car with driver (roughly ¥400-500 round trip as of June 2026, covering the 220 km round trip from the city center), or join a group tour from the bus station area (¥150-250 per person including entrance fee). The Southern Pastures are reached by hired car (roughly ¥350-450 round trip) or coach from the long-distance bus station. Keep your passport on you at all times — police and security checkpoints may request ID, and passengers in taxis and private cars are frequently asked to show identification at highway checkpoints and city-center roadblocks. Without your passport, you may be denied passage or detained for verification.

Is Heavenly Lake (天山天池) worth a Tianshan day trip?

Heavenly Lake (天山天池, Tiānshān Tiānchí) is the single best natural site near Urumqi and the primary reason many travelers include the city in their itineraries. The lake sits at 1,907 meters in a glacial valley on the northern slope of Bogda Peak (5,445 meters), 110 km east of Urumqi in the Tianshan Mountains. The drive takes about 2 hours each way, climbing through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery until the road opens onto a crescent of water so blue it looks Photoshopped, backed by snow peaks and ringed by spruce forest. When I first saw the lake in October 2023, the larch forests had turned gold and the peaks had their first dusting of winter snow, and the reflection of Bogda's summit in the still morning water was so perfectly symmetrical that I wasted thirty minutes trying to capture it on a phone camera that flattened the scene into a postcard. The developed visitor area at the lakeshore has a pier, tourist boats (¥60-100 per ride), and walking paths along the shore. It is pleasant enough, but the better experience is to walk the trail that climbs the western ridge behind the lake, gaining about 300 meters of elevation for a panoramic view of the full lake basin against Bogda Peak that the shoreline crowd never sees. The hike takes about 2-3 hours round trip from the visitor center and is moderately steep in sections — wear hiking shoes and bring water. Kazakh herders set up yurt camps near the upper lake in summer, offering horseback riding and butter tea. Admission is ¥100 as of June 2026 (park entry) plus ¥30 for the shuttle bus from the park gate to the lake (mandatory, since private cars cannot enter the core scenic area). The park is busiest on summer weekends and during the October Golden Week, when the shuttle bus queue can exceed an hour. Go on a weekday in September or early October for the best balance of autumn color, manageable crowds, and clear skies. Bring layers — the lake is cold year-round, and the wind off the snow peaks can drop the temperature 10 degrees in minutes.

What should you know about the Xinjiang Regional Museum and the Tarim mummies?

The Xinjiang Regional Museum (新疆维吾尔自治区博物馆) is the best museum in western China and worth at least two hours of any visit to Urumqi. The headline draw is the Tarim mummies — naturally preserved human bodies dating to 1800 BCE to 200 CE, found in the Tarim Basin deserts of southern Xinjiang where the extreme aridity and salt-rich soil stopped decomposition almost completely. The most famous is the Beauty of Xiaohe (小河公主), a young woman buried around 1800 BCE with European-like facial features, a felt hat, leather boots, and a woven wool cloak — she looks less like an ancient mummy and more like a person who fell asleep in the desert yesterday. The mummies are displayed in climate-controlled cases with fabric, tools, and grave goods arranged around them. The second floor covers the Silk Road through Xinjiang, with Tang-dynasty silk, Persian glass, and Sogdian silver found at sites along the northern and southern Tarim routes. The Uyghur cultural exhibits on the upper floors are more propagandistic — cheerful photos of ethnic unity and modernization — but the traditional clothing, musical instruments, and yurt furniture are genuine and well presented. The museum is free with passport and photo ID. English labeling is good on the major exhibits but spotty in the side galleries. The museum is closed on Mondays. Allow 2-3 hours. Photography is permitted in most galleries but not in the mummy hall (flash is prohibited everywhere). The museum is near the city center, reachable by metro Line 1 or a short DiDi ride. Go in the morning to avoid school groups.

What are the Grand Bazaar and Erdaoqiao Market like to visit?

The Grand Bazaar (新疆国际大巴扎) is the world's largest bazaar by built area at 100,000 square meters. Its Uyghur-style architecture houses arched walkways and hundreds of stalls selling dried fruit, carpets, spices, jade, silk, and souvenirs. It is tourist-oriented, undeniably so: the prices are higher than in local markets, the Uyghur crafts are mass-produced alongside genuine handwork, and the atmosphere is more theme park than traditional souk. That said, it is also the single most visually distinctive market complex in China, and the sheer variety of goods, the smell of roasting lamb and fresh naan, and the hum of Uyghur and Mandarin mixing in the crowd make it worth a couple of hours. The dried fruit section is the best place to buy Xinjiang raisins, apricots, figs, and jujubes (red dates, 红枣, hóngzǎo) — sample before buying, quality varies, and bargaining is expected on larger purchases. The carpet section has genuine hand-knotted Xinjiang wool carpets at ¥500-5,000+ depending on size and knot density, but most stalls also sell cheaper machine-made versions — ask directly which is which. The knife section sells Uyghur pichak (traditional folding knives with horn handles) but note that knives cannot be taken on flights or trains, and many vendors can arrange shipping within China. The naan bakery near the main entrance is the most photographed stall in the complex — bakers slide rounds of dough into clay tandoor ovens with long wooden paddles, pulling them out minutes later as crisp, golden discs of bread that cost ¥3-5 each. The Erdaoqiao Market (二道桥市场) directly across the street is smaller, older, and less touristy — the ground floor food stalls sell samsa (烤包子, kǎo bāozi, baked meat pies) from tandoor ovens for ¥3-5 each, and the upper floors have Uyghur fabrics and household goods for local shoppers rather than tourists. Most travelers prefer Erdaoqiao for food and the Grand Bazaar for souvenirs.

Where to stay in Urumqi

Urumqi's accommodation clusters around three areas. The city center around Nianzigou and the commercial district near Hongshan Park has the largest concentration of international-brand and domestic-chain hotels, with mid-range options at ¥250-500 per night and luxury hotels at ¥600-1,200 (the Hilton, Sheraton, and Intercontinental are clustered here). This is the most convenient base for sightseeing, with metro access and short DiDi rides to most attractions. The area around the Grand Bazaar and Erdaoqiao in the south of the city is more atmospheric and better for food, with Uyghur-run guesthouses and small hotels at ¥120-300 per night — less polished, but you can walk to the bazaar and the best Uyghur restaurants, and the neighborhood feels more like Central Asia than China. The area around the Urumqi Railway Station in the northwest is newer and more sterile, with clean chain hotels at ¥200-400 per night, but it is convenient for early-morning HSR departures to Turpan or Dunhuang. Budget travelers will find small Chinese business hotels throughout the city at ¥100-180 per night, clean but basic. Hostels are scarcer than in eastern Chinese cities and the backpacker scene is thin — Xinjiang's long distances and security climate mean fewer independent budget travelers make it here. Book ahead in July-August and during the October Golden Week. For a splurge, the Tianshan Mountain resorts near Heavenly Lake offer high-end rooms with mountain views at ¥800-2,000 per night, but they are isolated and a 2-hour drive from the city — only worth it if Heavenly Lake is your priority and you want sunrise access.

What to eat in Urumqi

Urumqi has the most distinctive food culture of any Chinese provincial capital, a Central Asian cuisine that shares more DNA with Almaty and Tashkent than with Beijing or Shanghai. The signature dish is big-plate chicken (大盘鸡, dàpán jī) — a massive platter of bone-in chicken braised with potatoes, peppers, and chili in a dark, spicy sauce, served with wide hand-pulled noodles (皮带面, pídài miàn) on the side to soak up the sauce. A single order feeds 3-4 people and costs ¥60-100. It was invented in Urumqi in the 1990s by a Hui chef and is now so canonical that every Xinjiang restaurant in China serves a version of it. Lamb skewers (羊肉串, yángròu chuàn) are the street food backbone — cubes of lamb fat and lean meat threaded on metal skewers, grilled over charcoal, and dusted with cumin, chili powder, and salt. They cost ¥3-5 per skewer and are eaten standing at a grill counter, ideally with a piece of naan in the other hand. Polo (抓饭, zhuāfàn) is the Uyghur pilaf — rice cooked with lamb, carrots, raisins, and cumin in a giant iron pot, traditionally eaten with the right hand (the name means "grabbed rice"). A plate costs ¥20-35 as of June 2026 and is the standard lunch for Uyghur families. Naan bread (馕, náng) is baked in tandoor ovens and sold on every street corner for ¥3-5 per round in June 2026 — plain, sesame-topped, or stuffed with meat and onion. Laghman noodles (拉条子, lātiáozi) are thick hand-pulled wheat noodles with stir-fried beef, peppers, onion, and tomato, a Uyghur adaptation of Chinese lamian that is spicier and heavier, costing ¥15-25 per plate. Samsa (烤包子, kǎo bāozi) are baked meat pies — diced lamb and onion folded into a square of dough and baked against the wall of a tandoor oven — sold from street stalls for ¥3-5 each. Kumiss (马奶酒, mǎnǎi jiǔ) is fermented mare's milk, mildly alcoholic and sour, a Kazakh drink served in yurt camps at the Southern Pastures — it is an acquired taste, which is to say most travelers try it once and decide that one try was sufficient. Grape wine from Turpan, melons from Hami, and pomegranate juice pressed fresh at the Grand Bazaar round out the drink options.

How should you plan Urumqi itineraries for 1, 2, and 3 days?

Day 1 covers the city core. Start at the Xinjiang Regional Museum in the morning (arrive by 9:30 AM, allow 2-3 hours for the mummies and Silk Road galleries). Have lunch at a Uyghur restaurant in the city center — polo (pilaf) and lamb skewers. After lunch, DiDi to Red Hill (红山) for city views and the Qing pagoda (allow 1-1.5 hours), then head to the Grand Bazaar and Erdaoqiao Market for the late afternoon and evening — the bazaar is best from 4 PM onward, the naan bakery is most active in the late afternoon, and dinner at the Erdaoqiao food stalls (samsa, lamb skewers, fresh naan) is the most atmospheric meal in Urumqi. Day 2 is the Heavenly Lake day trip. Leave by 8 AM with a hired car or group tour. Arrive by 10 AM, spend the morning along the lakeshore (boat ride optional), have lunch at a Kazakh yurt near the lake, then hike the western ridge trail in the afternoon for the panoramic view (2-3 hours round trip). Return to Urumqi by 7 PM, have big-plate chicken for dinner, and collapse. Day 3 adds depth: the Southern Pastures in the morning (leave by 8 AM, arrive by 10, horseback riding and Kazakh yurt visit, allow 3-4 hours), return by 3 PM, spend the late afternoon at Shuimogou Park for a quieter dose of local life, then a final Urumqi dinner. Travelers with only 1 day should do the Xinjiang Regional Museum in the morning and the Grand Bazaar in the afternoon — skip Heavenly Lake, which demands a full day. Travelers with 4-5 days should add a 2-day side trip to Turpan (1 hour by HSR) for the ancient city of Gaochang, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, the Flaming Mountains, and the grape valley.

What do foreign travelers need to know about security and surveillance in Urumqi?

Xinjiang has the heaviest security apparatus of any Chinese province, and Urumqi is the most heavily policed city in the region. This is not a subtle reality — you will encounter metal detectors at hotel entrances, subway stations, shopping malls, and even large restaurants. Police checkpoints (警务站, jǐngwù zhàn) appear every few blocks in the city center, and armed police and paramilitary officers are a constant visible presence. Your passport must be carried at all times — hotels photocopy it at check-in, police at checkpoints may demand to see it, and the metro requires a passport scan for foreigners. Photographing police, checkpoints, military vehicles, or security personnel is strictly prohibited and can result in detention. Do not test this — the enforcement is real and consequences are swift. The level of surveillance and the visible security presence is often disconcerting for Western visitors who have never experienced anything like it. For Urumqi residents, especially Uyghur residents, the security apparatus is far more intrusive than what foreign tourists see: restrictions on religious practice, digital monitoring of phones and internet activity, and movement controls that vary by neighborhood and ethnicity. As a foreign traveler you are largely outside the direct enforcement — you are a curiosity, not a target — but your movements are tracked, your hotel reports your stay to the Public Security Bureau, and your passport will be checked repeatedly. Accept this as the operating environment and do not challenge it. The most practical advice: bring your passport everywhere, carry a photocopy of your visa page as backup, do not photograph anything security-related, and be patient when security lines slow you down. Urumqi makes all of this worth it for the food, the lake, the museum, and the Central Asian atmosphere, but you need to know what you are walking into.

What is the internet and connectivity like in Urumqi?

Internet access in Urumqi is more restricted than in eastern China. The Great Firewall is in full force — Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Gmail, Facebook, YouTube, and most Western social platforms are blocked. A working VPN downloaded and tested before entering China is mandatory. Hotel Wi-Fi in international-brand hotels is generally reliable and fast enough for VPN use. Budget hotels and guesthouses often have slower or more heavily filtered connections. Chinese SIM cards from China Mobile or China Telecom provide the most reliable data connection and are available at the airport on arrival for roughly ¥100-200 for a month of 10-30 GB. SIM registration requires your passport and a photo — the process takes about 15 minutes at the airport counter. A particular issue in Xinjiang: mobile internet is sometimes throttled or cut entirely during security incidents or sensitive political anniversaries. This is unpredictable, and there is no workaround when it happens. Carry offline maps (Maps.me or an app with downloaded China maps), an offline translation app (Pleco with downloaded dictionaries is the gold standard), and a list of hotel and attraction addresses in Chinese characters on paper or in a notes app. If you rely entirely on real-time connectivity, Urumqi will humble you at some point.

What practical information do you need on money, visas, and getting help?

The currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY, ¥). Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate in Urumqi and both accept foreign Visa and Mastercard — link your card before arriving. Cash is useful for street stalls around Erdaoqiao and small Uyghur bakeries that may not accept foreign-linked payment apps. Bank of China, ICBC, and Agricultural Bank of China ATMs accept foreign cards — look for branches near the Grand Bazaar and the city center. Visas: Xinjiang is part of China and covered by the standard Chinese tourist visa (L visa). There are no additional permits required for foreign tourists to visit Urumqi, Turpan, or any other major Xinjiang city — the special permits that were previously required for certain parts of Xinjiang have been largely phased out for standard tourist destinations, though remote border areas may still require permission. Always check the latest visa and permit rules with the Chinese embassy or a licensed travel agency before booking, as Xinjiang-specific restrictions can change without notice. Medical care: the Urumqi General Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University (新疆医科大学第一附属医院) is the best hospital in the region, with an international department and some English-speaking staff. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — the nearest international-standard hospitals are in Beijing (4 hours by air). Pharmacies are common but staff speak limited English, so bring a Chinese translation of any medications you may need. Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion.

What safety and warnings should you know for Urumqi?

Urumqi is broadly safe for foreign tourists in the sense that violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. The risks are structural, not criminal. The first and most important warning: do not discuss Xinjiang politics, Uyghur rights, or Chinese government policy with anyone you do not know well. This is not paranoia — conversations about these topics are actively monitored, and foreigners are occasionally questioned about their views. If a stranger asks what you think about Xinjiang, deflect politely: "I am just a tourist here to see the lake and the bazaar." Second: always carry your passport. Random ID checks happen at metro stations, highway toll gates, hotel lobbies, and sometimes at the entrance to shopping malls. Being unable to produce identification is treated as suspicious. Third: do not photograph anything military or police-related. The enforcement of this rule is strict and consistent. Fourth: be careful with alcohol — Urumqi has a significant drinking culture among Han residents, but public drunkenness draws police attention, and foreign travelers who attract security notice for any reason will have their stay made more difficult. Fifth: traffic — Urumqi drivers are aggressive by Chinese standards, and crossing wide multi-lane roads on foot requires alertness. Sixth: altitude is not a concern in Urumqi itself (800 meters), but the Southern Pastures reach 2,500 meters and Heavenly Lake is at 1,907 meters — mild altitude symptoms are possible at the upper elevations. Seventh: the city's air quality drops significantly in winter (November-March) when coal heating peaks — PM2.5 levels can exceed 200 μg/m³, and travelers with respiratory conditions should bring masks and limit outdoor time in the coldest months. The single piece of advice I return to: Urumqi is safe if you follow the rules, but the rules are stricter and more consequential than in eastern China, and the margin for naive mistakes is narrower.

What is the weather like in Urumqi and what should you pack?

Summer (June-August) brings daytime highs of 30-38°C with low humidity — the heat is dry and bearable in shade but punishing in direct sun. Pack light breathable clothing, sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Evenings cool to 18-22°C, so a light jacket is useful. Winter (November-March) is severe cold season, with daytime highs of -5 to -10°C and nighttime lows dropping to -15 to -25°C. You need thermal base layers, an insulated coat rated to at least -25°C, insulated boots with good grip for ice, thick gloves, a wool scarf, and a hat that covers your ears. Winter air is dry and cold — lip balm and moisturizer are necessities, not comforts. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most comfortable seasons, with daytime highs of 15-25°C. Pack layers — a fleece or light down jacket for evenings and a windbreaker for the spring dust. The Tianshan wind can pick up fast, and the temperature drops as you gain elevation, so even summer trips to Heavenly Lake require a warm layer in your daypack. Rain is uncommon year-round but possible, and a packable rain jacket is sufficient. The most common packing mistake for Urumqi: underestimating winter cold. This is a city where January temperatures rival Harbin, and the hotel heating is strong, but the gap between indoor warmth and outdoor cold is severe.

How Urumqi fits into a larger China trip

Urumqi is a city you commit to, not a city you drop into casually. It sits at the far end of the Lanzhou-Xinjiang HSR line, and getting there from eastern China eats a full day of travel in each direction. The most natural routing is the Xinjiang loop: fly into Urumqi, spend 2-3 days in the city, take the 1-hour HSR east to Turpan for 2 days (ancient Silk Road cities, Bezeklik caves, Flaming Mountains), then fly out of Urumqi or continue west to Korla, Kuqa, and ultimately Kashgar (1.5 hours by air from Urumqi). This Xinjiang-focused trip takes 10-14 days minimum and is the right approach for travelers who specifically want the Silk Road and Central Asian experience. The second routing is the Hexi Corridor + Xinjiang extension: Xi'an to Lanzhou to Zhangye to Jiayuguan to Dunhuang, then continue west by HSR to Turpan and Urumqi, flying home from Urumqi. This is a 14-18 day trip that covers the full sweep of the Silk Road inside China. The third option is the Central Asian overland route: fly into Urumqi, then cross into Kazakhstan at Khorgos (12 hours by bus or train from Urumqi, continuing to Almaty), or fly directly from Urumqi to Almaty, Tashkent, or Bishkek. Urumqi works as a transit hub for Central Asia in a way no other Chinese city does. For most first-time visitors to China, Urumqi is not the right choice — it is too far, too demanding, and too specific. For travelers on a second or third China trip who have already seen Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Guilin, and who want the western frontier, Urumqi is unmatched. Pair it with Turpan at minimum, Kashgar for the full Xinjiang immersion, and Dunhuang as the eastern bookend of a proper Silk Road journey.

Is Turpan worth a side trip from Urumqi?

Turpan (吐鲁番, Tǔlǔfān) is the essential side trip from Urumqi, 1 hour east by high-speed rail, and it is one of the most rewarding destinations in Xinjiang. The Turpan Depression is the third-lowest point on Earth at 154 meters below sea level, and the combination of extreme heat, Silk Road history, and Uyghur oasis culture makes it unforgettable. The headline sites: the ancient city of Gaochang (高昌故城, Gāochāng Gùchéng), a sprawling Tang-dynasty Silk Road city ruin built of rammed earth, partially eroded but still legible as a city plan, ¥40, allow 2-3 hours. The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (柏孜克里克千佛洞), a Buddhist cave complex on the cliffs of the Flaming Mountains, with murals from the 5th-14th centuries — heavily damaged by early 20th-century European expeditions that removed the best panels, but still atmospheric and historically important, ¥40. The Emin Minaret (苏公塔, Sūgōng Tǎ), an 18th-century Uyghur minaret in tapering mud-brick, the tallest minaret in China, ¥30. The Karez irrigation system (坎儿井), an underground aqueduct network built by Uyghur engineers over centuries, a visit to a karez museum explains how the Turpan oasis survives in one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, ¥40. The Flaming Mountains (火焰山, Huǒyàn Shān), red sandstone ridges that glow like fire at sunset and are the setting of a famous chapter in the classical novel Journey to the West, visible from the highway, free. The Grape Valley (葡萄沟, Pútáo Gōu) is a pleasant shaded valley of trellised grapevines and Uyghur family restaurants — touristy but a cool refuge from the summer heat. Turpan in summer is punishingly hot (40-48°C), so visit in May, September, or October. Plan 2 days for Turpan, staying in a small Uyghur-run guesthouse in the old town rather than the modern city center. The Turpan-Urumqi HSR runs frequently and takes 1 hour. Combined, Urumqi (3 days) plus Turpan (2 days) makes an excellent 5-day introduction to Xinjiang.

What are the Southern Pastures and the Kazakh grasslands near Urumqi?

The Southern Pastures (南山牧场, Nánshān Mùchǎng) are Urumqi's closest nature escape — alpine meadows and rolling grasslands 75 km south of the city in the northern Tianshan foothills. Kazakh herders move their sheep and horses between summer pastures at 2,000-2,500 meters. The main access point is the Xibaiyanggou (西白杨沟) scenic area, with a narrow valley of spruce forest, wildflowers in June-July, and a waterfall at the head of the trail. Kazakh families set up yurt camps along the valley in summer, offering horseback rides (¥60-100 per hour), butter tea, and overnight yurt stays (¥100-200 per person including meals). The horseback riding is the real draw — it is not a managed tourist ride on a circular track, it is a Kazakh herder leading you up through mountain meadows on a working horse, with views of the Tianshan snow peaks opening up as you climb. The yurt stays are basic (sleeping on felt mats around a central stove) but the hospitality is genuine and the night sky at 2,200 meters without light pollution is remarkable. The Southern Pastures are best from June to September when the grasslands are green and the flowers bloom. Winter turns them into a ski area — the Silk Road International Ski Resort operates on the northern slopes. To reach the Southern Pastures, hire a car with driver for the day (roughly ¥350-450 round trip), or take a coach from the Urumqi Long-Distance Bus Station to Nanshan (about ¥40 one way, 2 hours). The road is paved and well maintained. Go on a weekday — weekends bring domestic tourists and the yurt camps fill up.

What should you know about Red Hill and the Urumqi city landscape?

Red Hill (红山, Hóng Shān) is a 910-meter red sandstone ridge in the middle of Urumqi, topped by a Qing-dynasty pagoda built in 1788, and it is the city's visual signature. The pagoda (镇龙塔, Zhènlóng Tǎ, literally "Dragon-Suppressing Pagoda") stands eight stories tall and was built during a drought when the local population believed a dragon living in the hill was holding back the rain — the pagoda was meant to suppress it. The hilltop platform offers the best panoramic view of Urumqi: the modern skyline of glass towers and concrete blocks spreading across the plain, the Tianshan snow peaks sharp on the southern horizon, and the sprawl of the Grand Bazaar district to the south. The contrast between the 18th-century pagoda and the 21st-century tower blocks behind it is Urumqi in a single frame. The hill is a public park, with paved paths, exercise equipment, and retirees playing cards under the trees. The adjacent Hongshan Park has a small Ferris wheel (¥20) and a lake with paddle boats. It takes about 30-45 minutes to walk up from the park entrance to the pagoda, with stairs in the final section. The best time to visit is late afternoon — the setting sun behind the Tianshan turns the peaks pink and the city lights start to come on. Entry to the hill is ¥20 as of June 2026. Not the most important site in Urumqi, but the most efficient way to orient yourself and the best single photo in the city.

What is the monthly weather for Urumqi in this planner's guide?

January: cold, dry, daytime highs -5 to -10°C, nighttime lows -15 to -25°C, occasional snow. The museum and Grand Bazaar (indoor sections) are fine, Heavenly Lake is frozen and closed. February: still cold, slightly warmer than January, the low season for tourism with deeply discounted hotels. March: transitional, daytime highs 5-10°C, melting snow and mud, dusty winds from the Gurbantünggüt Desert. Not a good month to visit. April: spring arrives, daytime highs 15-20°C, flowers in the Botanical Garden, the first month when outdoor sightseeing is comfortable. May: the best spring month, daytime highs 22-28°C, green grasslands at the Southern Pastures, Heavenly Lake ice has melted, moderate crowds. June: warm, daytime highs 28-33°C, dry heat, all sites accessible, the best month before the summer tourist rush. July: hot, daytime highs 33-38°C, the peak domestic tourist month, book hotels ahead, the Southern Pastures are in full green, grape season begins. August: hottest month, similar to July, the grape harvest in Turpan, the heaviest tourist crowds, hotel rates at annual highs. September: excellent month, daytime highs 22-28°C, autumn colors begin, grape and melon harvest continues, the best month overall for Urumqi. October: daytime highs 12-18°C, larch forests around Heavenly Lake turn gold, the best month for photography, but the October Golden Week (October 1-7) brings massive crowds and inflated prices — avoid the city that week. November: cold settles in, daytime highs 0-5°C, first snow on the Tianshan, hotels drop to low-season rates, the bazaar and museum are functional but the outdoor sites are closing. December: winter, cold, similar to January, low season.

What is actually worth buying when shopping in Urumqi?

The Grand Bazaar offers the full range of Xinjiang souvenirs, but quality and authenticity vary sharply. Dried fruit is the safest and best buy: Xinjiang raisins (新疆葡萄干), apricots (杏干, xìnggān), figs (无花果干, wúhuāguǒ gān), and jujubes (红枣, hóngzǎo) are sold by weight and range from ¥30-80 per kilogram depending on grade. Sample before buying, and check for moisture — properly dried fruit should be leathery, not sticky. Xinjiang carpets (新疆地毯) are hand-knotted wool in traditional Uyghur geometric and pomegranate patterns. A good-quality 1x2 meter carpet costs ¥1,500-4,000 and the knot density and wool quality vary widely — ask to see the back of the carpet (more knots per square inch = higher quality), and bargain with a target of 20-30% below the initial asking price. Most carpet vendors in the Grand Bazaar sell a mix of genuine hand-knotted pieces and cheaper machine-made versions — ask directly "hand-knotted?" (手工的? shǒugōng de?) and verify by checking the back of the weave. Uyghur knives (英吉沙小刀, Yīngjíshā xiǎodāo) are traditional folding knives with horn or bone handles, named after the town of Yengisar near Kashgar. They are sold in the Grand Bazaar knife section but cannot be taken on flights or trains — vendors can arrange domestic shipping for ¥30-80. Xinjiang jade (和田玉, Hétián yù) — nephrite and the famous "mutton fat" white jade from Khotan — is the most expensive local product and the easiest to fake. A small genuine Hetian jade pendant costs ¥500-2,000 in a reputable shop; street stalls selling ¥50 jade are selling dyed quartz or plastic. Buy jade only from a shop that provides a certificate of authenticity from the Xinjiang Jade Testing Center, and even then, assume the certificate may not be reliable. For affordable small souvenirs: Uyghur embroidered doppa caps (¥30-80), Kazakh felt ornaments (¥20-60), Silk Road themed postcards and prints (¥5-15), and packets of Xinjiang cumin and chili powder that you can take home for cooking (¥10-20).

What is Urumqi's food scene like beyond the tourist trail?

The Grand Bazaar and Erdaoqiao Market cover the tourist-facing food experience, but the best meals in Urumqi happen in neighborhood Uyghur and Hui restaurants that see almost no foreign visitors. For big-plate chicken (大盘鸡, dàpán jī), the best-known spot is the Shawan Big-Plate Chicken chain (沙湾大盘鸡), which originated the dish and has locations across the city — order the original recipe with wide hand-pulled noodles (皮带面, pídài miàn) on the side. For polo (pilaf, 抓饭), the Uyghur restaurants in the Tuanjie Road area (团结路, Tuánjié Lù) south of Erdaoqiao serve the best versions in the city, with lamb, raisins, and carrots cooked in a giant iron pot until the rice is glossy and fragrant — a plate costs ¥20-30. For lamb skewers, skip the Grand Bazaar stalls and find a Uyghur grill on the street in the Nanhu area (南湖, Nánhú) — look for a blue metal cart with a charcoal trough and Uyghur men standing around it eating skewers, which is the universal signal that the meat is fresh and the cumin is properly roasted. For breakfast, Uyghur restaurants serve hot naan straight from the tandoor with butter and tea, or samsa (baked meat pies) with black tea. For a cold dessert, Xinjiang-style ice cream (冰淇淋, bīngqílín) made from sheep milk is sold from small shops in the Uyghur neighborhoods — denser and less sweet than Western ice cream, with a slightly gamey aftertaste that is either endearing or off-putting depending on your palate. The Hui restaurants in the Donghu area serve a different style of Xinjiang food — Chinese Muslim cooking that emphasizes big-plate chicken, beef noodles, and steamed buns, with less Uyghur influence and more Gansu flavor. Most Uyghur restaurants in Urumqi are halal and do not serve alcohol, but the Hui and Han restaurants do. If you want beer with your lamb skewers, ask for a Han or Hui restaurant.

What are the emergency contacts in Urumqi?

Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Fire: 119. The Xinjiang Medical University First Affiliated Hospital (新疆医科大学第一附属医院) at 137 Liyushan South Road is the best hospital in the region, with an international department and some English-speaking staff — it is the hospital to aim for in an emergency. The Urumqi Friendship Hospital (乌鲁木齐市友谊医院) is a second option. For lost passports, contact your country's embassy or consulate — the nearest major consulates are in Beijing (all countries), with some countries operating consulates in Chengdu and Shanghai. The Urumqi Public Security Bureau Entry-Exit Administration handles visa extensions at 691 Nanhu East Road. The Urumqi Tourism Complaint Hotline is 0991-12301, though English is unlikely and service quality is inconsistent. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential — the nearest international-standard hospitals are 4 hours away by air in Beijing. In political or security incidents, follow police instructions, do not argue, and contact your embassy as soon as it is safe to do so.

Top attractions

Heavenly Lake (天山天池, Tiānshān Tiānchí)

Alpine lake at 1,907m in the Tianshan Mountains, 110 km east of Urumqi. Snow-capped peaks reflected in clear blue water. Boat rides, hiking trails, Kazakh yurt stays. ¥100 as of June 2026. Full day trip. UNESCO Tianshan site.

Xinjiang Regional Museum (新疆维吾尔自治区博物馆)

Home to the famous Tarim mummies — 3,800-year-old naturally preserved bodies with European features, plus Silk Road textiles, Tang figurines, and Uyghur cultural exhibits. Free. Allow 2-3 hours. Closed Mondays.

Grand Bazaar (新疆国际大巴扎)

The world's largest bazaar by scale at 100,000 m². Uyghur crafts, dried fruit, carpets, knives, spices, and naan. Tourist-oriented but genuinely impressive. Free entry. Allow 2-3 hours. Best in late afternoon.

Red Hill (红山, Hóng Shān)

Urumqi's city landmark — a 910m red sandstone hill with a Qing-dynasty pagoda and panoramic views of the city skyline against the Tianshan backdrop. ¥20. Allow 1-1.5 hours. Best at sunset.

Southern Pastures (南山牧场, Nánshān Mùchǎng)

Kazakh herder grasslands 75 km south of Urumqi, with yurt stays, horseback riding, and alpine meadows at 2,000-2,500m elevation. ¥30-50 entry. Half to full day. Best June-September.

Shuimogou Park (水磨沟公园)

Large city park in eastern Urumqi with a Qing-dynasty water mill, willow-lined streams, and locals playing cards and singing. Free. A good place to see everyday Urumqi life. Allow 1-2 hours.

Urumqi Botanical Garden (乌鲁木齐植物园)

Greenhouse and garden complex in north Urumqi with desert plants, alpine species, and seasonal flower displays. ¥20. Allow 1-1.5 hours. Best in spring and summer.

Erdaoqiao Market (二道桥市场)

The older, less touristy market adjacent to the Grand Bazaar. Uyghur fabrics, spices, samsa (baked meat pies) from tandoor ovens, and everyday household goods. Free. Allow 1-2 hours. More authentic than the Grand Bazaar.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special permit to visit Urumqi as a foreigner?
No. Urumqi is open to foreign tourists on a standard Chinese tourist visa (L visa). No additional permit is required for Urumqi, Turpan, or any major Xinjiang city. Remote border areas may still require permission, but standard tourist destinations do not. Always check the latest rules with the Chinese embassy before booking, as Xinjiang-specific restrictions can change.
Is Urumqi safe for foreign tourists?
Yes, in the sense that violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare. The security presence is heavy and visible — metal detectors, passport checks, armed police, surveillance cameras — and this can feel disconcerting. Carry your passport at all times, do not photograph police or military facilities, and do not discuss Xinjiang politics with strangers. Follow the rules and the visit will be uneventful.
What is the best food in Urumqi?
Big-plate chicken (大盘鸡, dàpán jī), lamb skewers (羊肉串, yángròu chuàn), polo (pilaf, 抓饭, zhuāfàn), naan bread (馕, náng), laghman noodles (拉条子, lātiáozi), and samsa (baked meat pies, 烤包子, kǎo bāozi). The Grand Bazaar and Erdaoqiao Market have the best concentration of food stalls. Uyghur restaurants in the Tuanjie Road area serve the best polo. The Shawan Big-Plate Chicken chain originated the city's signature dish.
How do I get to Heavenly Lake from Urumqi?
Hire a car with driver (roughly ¥400-500 round trip, 2 hours each way, 220 km total) or join a group tour (¥150-250 per person including entrance fee). The park shuttle bus from the gate to the lake is mandatory (¥30). Admission is ¥100 as of June 2026. Leave Urumqi by 8 AM to reach the lake before the midday crowds. Return by 7 PM.
Does Urumqi have good hotels?
Yes, for a western Chinese city. International brands (Hilton, Sheraton, Intercontinental, Holiday Inn) cluster in the city center at ¥250-1,200 per night. Uyghur-run guesthouses near the Grand Bazaar are more atmospheric and cheaper (¥120-300) but less polished. Budget chain hotels are ¥100-180. Book ahead in July-August and during the October Golden Week. Hostels are scarcer than in eastern China.
Can I visit Turpan as a day trip from Urumqi?
Yes — the high-speed rail takes 1 hour each way (¥50-80 second class). A day trip is tight but doable: catch a 7 AM train, arrive Turpan North by 8 AM, visit the ancient city of Gaochang, the Bezeklik Caves, and the Flaming Mountains with a hired car (¥300-400 for the day), then catch an 8 PM train back. A 2-day stay with an overnight in a Turpan guesthouse is more rewarding and less rushed.
What are the Tarim mummies and where can I see them?
The Tarim mummies are naturally preserved human bodies dating to 1800 BCE-200 CE, found in the Tarim Basin deserts. The most famous — the Beauty of Xiaohe — has European-like facial features and is displayed with her grave goods at the Xinjiang Regional Museum in Urumqi. The museum is free, closed Mondays, and allows 2-3 hours. Photography is generally permitted but not in the mummy hall. The mummies are among the most important archaeological discoveries in Central Asia.
Why is the Grand Bazaar worth visiting?
It is the largest bazaar in the world by scale (100,000 m²) and the best single concentration of Uyghur crafts, dried fruit, carpets, and naan bakeries in Xinjiang. It is tourist-oriented, but the scale and atmosphere are genuinely impressive, and the dried fruit and naan are excellent. Combine it with the less touristy Erdaoqiao Market directly across the street for a more authentic experience. Allow 2-3 hours, best in late afternoon.
Is the internet restricted in Urumqi?
Yes, more than in eastern China. The Great Firewall blocks Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Gmail, and Western social platforms. Mobile internet is sometimes throttled during security incidents. A VPN downloaded before entering China is essential. Carry offline maps and translation apps as backup. Hotel Wi-Fi in international-brand hotels is generally reliable for VPN use. Chinese SIM cards are available at the airport.
What is the best time of year to visit Urumqi?
September is the single best month — daytime highs of 22-28°C, clear skies, autumn colors at Heavenly Lake, grape and melon harvest in Turpan. May is also excellent with green grasslands and moderate temperatures. Avoid July-August heat (33-38°C) unless Heavenly Lake is your main focus. Avoid October Golden Week (October 1-7) for domestic crowds. Winter (November-March) is very cold and outdoor sites close or freeze.
How do I get from Urumqi to Kashgar?
Fly — the flight takes 1.5 hours and costs roughly ¥600-1,200 one way as of mid-2026. There are 10+ daily flights. The train takes 20-24 hours and crosses the Taklamakan Desert; it is a scenic ride but a long one, and most travelers fly. Kashgar is 1,500 km southwest of Urumqi and is the cultural heart of Uyghur Xinjiang, with the Sunday Livestock Market, the Id Kah Mosque, and the old city.
What is the time zone situation in Urumqi?
All of China officially uses Beijing time (UTC+8), but Urumqi is geographically in the UTC+6 zone. In summer, sunrise is around 7 AM and sunset is as late as 10 PM. Some Uyghurs unofficially use Xinjiang time (UTC+6) for their own schedules — always confirm meeting times with locals by specifying "Beijing time" (北京时间). Foreign travelers should operate on Beijing time and adjust to the late sunset.
What should I wear in Urumqi?
In summer, light breathable clothing with sun protection (SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses). In winter, full cold-weather gear rated to -25°C — thermal base layers, insulated coat, insulated boots, thick gloves, wool scarf, ear-covering hat. In spring and autumn, layers with a warm jacket for evenings. At Heavenly Lake and the Southern Pastures, bring a warm layer even in summer — the mountain wind drops the temperature 10°C quickly. Modest dress is culturally appropriate in Uyghur neighborhoods and religious sites.
Can I drink alcohol in Urumqi?
Yes, in Han and Hui restaurants and hotels. Uyghur restaurants are generally halal and do not serve alcohol. Beer (¥10-20) and baijiu (Chinese grain spirit) are available. Public drunkenness draws police attention and foreign travelers who attract security notice will have added scrutiny — drink moderately in public spaces.
Is Urumqi a good destination for families with kids?
Moderate. The Grand Bazaar is visually engaging for children and the dried fruit sampling is a reliable hit. Heavenly Lake works for older children (6+) who can handle the shuttle bus and the shoreline walk. The Tarim mummies at the museum captivate older children interested in archaeology. The downsides: long distances, slow security checks, and limited family-oriented infrastructure. The Southern Pastures horseback riding is great for children comfortable around horses. Urumqi is a better family destination in May, June, and September when outdoor conditions are pleasant.
How many days do I need in Urumqi?
3 days minimum for the city plus 1 day for Heavenly Lake. Day 1: Xinjiang Regional Museum and Grand Bazaar. Day 2: Heavenly Lake day trip. Day 3: Red Hill, Southern Pastures, and a proper Urumqi dinner. Add 2 days for Turpan if you are making a Xinjiang loop. Travelers with only 1 full day should do the museum and the bazaar and save the lake for a return trip.
What is the single biggest mistake travelers make in Urumqi?
Not carrying their passport. Urumqi has more ID checks than any city in China outside of Tibet, and being unable to produce identification leads to delays, questioning, and potential detention. Carry your passport on your person at all times — not in a hotel safe, not in a bag you left in the car. A photocopy is helpful as backup but may not be accepted for official checks.
How do I get to Urumqi from Central Asia?
Fly — direct flights from Almaty (1.5 hours, ¥800-1,500), Tashkent (2.5 hours), Bishkek (2 hours), and Moscow (4.5 hours) operate regularly. The land border at Khorgos (for Kazakhstan) is open to international travelers, but the bus/train journey is long (12+ hours to Almaty) and border formalities are time-consuming. Flying from Almaty to Urumqi is the standard crossing point for the Central Asia-China overland route.
What is the Red Hill and is it worth the visit?
Red Hill (红山, Hóng Shān) is a 910m red sandstone ridge in central Urumqi topped by an 18th-century pagoda and offering the best panoramic city views against the Tianshan backdrop. It is a quick visit (1-1.5 hours), costs ¥20, and gives you the single best orientation photo in the city. Best at sunset when the Tianshan peaks turn pink. Worth it if you have a free afternoon.
Can I use Alipay and WeChat Pay in Urumqi?
Yes — both are universal in Urumqi hotels, restaurants, and attractions, and both now accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. Link your card before arriving in China. Cash is useful for street stalls around Erdaoqiao and small Uyghur bakeries. Bank of China and ICBC ATMs near the Grand Bazaar and the city center accept foreign cards.

References

  1. Urumqi — Wikipedia
  2. Xinjiang Regional Museum
  3. Heavenly Lake of Tianshan — UNESCO
  4. Tarim mummies — Wikipedia
  5. Xinjiang — Wikitravel
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