Urumqi is a major tourist city in Xinjiang, boasting rich natural landscapes and human history. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
I. Must-visit Attractions?
Hongshan Park: Located in the center of Urumqi, it integrates natural and cultural landscapes. You can enjoy beautiful views of Urumqi, feel the rich folk customs, and visit attractions within the park such as Hongshan Tower and Yuantao Tower, which are great places for photos.?
International Bazaar: With a strong Islamic architectural style, it is the world’s largest bazaar. Here, you can purchase various Xinjiang specialties, handicrafts, taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine, and enjoy colorful singing and dancing performances in the evening.?
Tianshan Tianchi: Located in the northeastern part of Urumqi, it is a high-altitude lake with crystal-clear water surrounded by snowy mountains, offering spectacular scenery. Visitors can choose to hike, ride horses, or take shuttle buses to explore Tianchi.?
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum: Hall 5 exhibits nearly ten precious mummy specimens, while Hall 8 houses treasures such as the ‘Five Stars Emerging in the East to the Advantage of China’ and the ‘Fuxi and Nuwa Diagram’. It is definitely worth a visit. Admission is free, but reservations are required in advance.?
Nanshan Scenic Area: Located in the southern part of Urumqi, it is a famous summer resort. With dense forests and fresh air, it boasts various natural landscapes such as waterfalls, streams, and meadows.?
II. Food Recommendations?
Lingguan Alley: It gathers various local Xinjiang cuisines such as meat naan, yogurt zongzi, freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, dried fruits, etc. With an average cost of twenty to thirty yuan per person, you can eat to your heart’s content.?
Heping South Road: A treasure trove of food streets discovered by chance, mainly frequented by locals. The kebab and naan are cheaper than those in Lingguan Alley.?
III. Practical Suggestions?
Transportation: Xinjiang covers a vast territory with distant distances between attractions. It is advisable to plan your transportation in advance. Within Urumqi, you can choose public transportation, taxis, or subways; for distant attractions, consider renting a car for self-driving or joining a local tour group.?
Accommodation: During peak tourist seasons, hotel and homestay prices in Urumqi generally increase. It is recommended to book in advance and compare prices.?
Budget: Considering transportation, accommodation, dining, as well as potential costs for tickets and entertainment, it is advisable to set aside a sufficient daily budget for a more comfortable travel experience in Xinjiang.?
Safety: Xinjiang is home to numerous ethnic groups and diverse cultures. It is recommended to respect local customs and habits, and pay attention to personal property safety.?
Through the above guide, I hope to provide useful reference and assistance for your trip to Urumqi, Xinjiang.?