The best route for tourism in Urumqi can be arranged as a three-day and two-night itinerary, which allows you to fully experience the city’s characteristics while also enjoying the surrounding natural scenery. Here is the recommended route:?
Day 1: City Exploration and Cultural Experience?
Morning: Depart from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport or Urumqi Railway Station and first head to Hongshan Park. Here is the commanding height of Urumqi, where you can overlook the entire cityscape, making it a great place for leisure and sightseeing.?
Noon: Head to the International Grand Bazaar to experience the rich Western Regions’ atmosphere, purchase unique handicrafts, and taste dried fruit delicacies. The Grand Bazaar is not only a shopping paradise but also a window to understand Xinjiang’s ethnic culture.?
Afternoon: Visit the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum to learn about the historical culture of Xinjiang. The museum’s treasures, such as the "Five Stars Emerging in the East for the Benefit of China," are definitely worth seeing.?
Evening: Taste local Xinjiang cuisine in Lingguan Alley or Heping South Road, such as meat nan (a type of bread), yogurt zongzi (rice dumplings wrapped in reed leaves), freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, etc.?
Day 2: Natural Scenery Tour?
Morning: Head to Tianshan Tianchi to admire the magnificent scenery of the alpine lake. The water of Tianchi Lake is clear and azure, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and it is known as the "Fairyland of the Jade Pool".?
Afternoon: Drive to Nanshan Scenic Area or Nanshan Pasture to experience grassland scenery and outdoor activities. Here, you can ski, hike, ride horses, shoot arrows, etc., making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.?
Evening: Enjoy an authentic Kazak dinner in a yurt beside the pasture and experience the daily life of grassland herdsmen.?
Day 3: Cultural Immersion and Free Activities?
Morning: You can choose to visit Urumqi Botanical Garden or Shuimogou Park to experience the harmonious coexistence of natural scenery and cultural landscapes.?
Afternoon: Free activities based on personal interests. You can once again visit the Grand Bazaar to stroll through the night market and purchase specialties; or head to historical buildings like Shaanxi Mosque to feel the profound cultural heritage of Urumqi.?
Evening: End your pleasant journey and prepare to return or continue exploring other beautiful scenery in Xinjiang.?
This route covers Urumqi’s urban landscape, natural scenery, historical culture, and culinary experiences, making it the best choice for tourism in Urumqi.?