There are many worthwhile attractions around Urumqi, Xinjiang. Here are some recommendations and travel guides:
Hongshan Park:
A landmark attraction in Urumqi, famous for its "Red Mountain Sunset". The mountain features the Great Buddha Hall and Overlooking Pavilion, making it an excellent spot to enjoy the city’s scenery.
International Bazaar:
Located on Erdaoqiao Street in Jiefang South Road, it covers an area of nearly 40,000 square meters and features commercial buildings with Western Regions characteristics, making it a must-visit destination for experiencing Xinjiang’s ethnic customs.
Tianshan Tianchi Lake:
Located in Fukang City, it is one of the first 5A-level tourist attractions in Xinjiang, where you can admire the博格达峰 (Bogda Peak) and Tianchi Lake together. The area also includes numerous attractions such as Nantianmen Temple, Denggan Mountain, and waterfalls. Within the Tianchi scenic area, there are three water surfaces, in addition to the main lake, there are East Little Tianchi (Heilongtan) and West Little Tianchi (Yunutan).
Nanshan Pasture:
Located in the vast mountainous area in the southern suburbs of the city, it is divided into scenic areas such as West Poplar Gorge, Chrysanthemum Terrace, East Poplar Gorge, and Zhaobi Mountain, with charming natural scenery and a ticket price of 30 yuan. West Poplar Gorge is the most famous scenic area in the Nanshan Scenic Area, about 75 kilometers away from the downtown area.
Tianshan Grand Canyon:
Located in the southern suburbs of Urumqi, it is a national 5A-level scenic area, featuring a combination of forest, wetlands, canyons, and other natural landscapes. The scenic area is about 32 kilometers away from Urumqi City, with a planned area of 1,038 square kilometers. It is cool in summer and mild in winter.
Turpan:
Turpan is famous for its unique warm temperate continental arid desert climate, abundant produce, and historical and cultural relics, such as Jiaohe Ancient City, Karez Wells, Grape Valley, and Flaming Mountain.
Other Attractions:
Wulabo Ancient City: The ruins of an ancient Tang Dynasty city, with the beautiful Wulabo Lake nearby.
Asia Geographic Center: Located in Yongfeng Town, 20 kilometers south of the city, with direct buses from Santunbei Passenger Station.
Shuimogou: A tourist attraction in the northeastern suburbs of the city, with hot springs inside the gorge.
Chaiwopu Great Salt Lake: A vast salt marsh, located 40 kilometers away from the downtown area.
Travel Tips:
Transportation: Starting from Urumqi downtown area, you can choose to drive, rent a car, or take public transportation to various attractions.
Accommodation: It is recommended to stay at hotel chains such as Atour, Jinjiang Inn, Home Inn, etc. It is not recommended to stay at homestays.
Seasons: Xinjiang has four distinct seasons, and each season has its unique scenery. For example, the apricot blossoms bloom in Yili from March to April, and in May to June, Yili Loop is dotted with herds of cattle and sheep, as well as flower seas on the grasslands. From July to September, the Northern Xinjiang Loop offers magnificent scenery, while from September to October, the Kanas Loop is colorful and vibrant.
Please note that it is best to check the latest opening status and ticket policies of each attraction before traveling, and reasonably arrange the itinerary according to personal interests and physical condition. Meanwhile, some areas in Xinjiang may require a border defense certificate, so please confirm the relevant information in advance. While enjoying the beautiful scenery, please also pay attention to safety and respect local customs and habits.