Recommended one-day tour route in Urumqi, Xinjiang: Urumqi Cultural Center → Xinjiang Museum → Xinjiang People’s Theatre → International Bazaar → Hongshan Park. Below is a detailed itinerary and introduction to the attractions:
Urumqi Cultural Center: As a newly-established landmark building, the Urumqi Cultural Center is also known as the ‘Six Museums and One Center’, including an exhibition hall, museum, planning museum, concert hall, grand theater, cultural center, and central cultural tower. It is a group of buildings with a futuristic and sci-fi feel, making it a great place for photos and cultural experiences.
Xinjiang Museum: This is the only autonomous region-level comprehensive museum in Xinjiang and also the largest institution for the collection, preservation, scientific research, publicity, and education of cultural relics and specimens in Xinjiang. It houses more than 40,000 pieces of various cultural relics and specimens, including many treasures from the Silk Road. It is a must-visit place to understand the history and culture of Xinjiang.
Xinjiang People’s Theatre: A classic building with a Central Asian style, it has been listed as a key national cultural relic protection unit and included in the China’s 20th Century Architectural Heritage List. With a luxurious European-style decoration, yellow walls, and a crystal chandelier, it is a magnificent cultural building with Eurasian ethnic characteristics and worth seeing.
International Bazaar: As a landmark building in Urumqi, it gathers various specialty products from Xinjiang, such as cuisine, dried fruits, silk, carpets, etc., allowing you to experience the local customs and traditions of Xinjiang in one stop. It is recommended to visit around 4 pm, when you can also watch song and dance performances.
Hongshan Park: Although not introduced in detail, it is one of the famous attractions in Urumqi. With Hongshan (Red Mountain) as its main feature, the cliff at the top of the mountain is composed of red sandstone and appears an ochre-red color, hence its name. The park has various amusement facilities and dining spots, making it a great place for tourists to relax and entertain.
In addition, depending on the season and your interests, you can also choose other attractions to visit. For example, in spring, you can go to Miaergou Scenic Area for an outing and photos, or go to Shuimogou Park to admire peach blossoms and apricot blossoms.
; If you are interested in skiing, you can also go to Baiyun Ski Resort or Sunshine Ski Resort to experience the charm of ice and snow.
During the tour, please pay attention to your attire. In the spring, Urumqi has a moderate temperature but there is a large temperature difference between morning and evening. It is recommended to wear lightweight clothing and bring a thick coat. At the same time, when tasting local cuisine, also pay attention to dietary hygiene and avoid consuming excessive greasy food. In terms of transportation, Urumqi’s urban area has convenient transportation, and you can take buses, subways, or taxis to various attractions. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance to avoid congestion during peak hours.