Recommendations for traveling around Urumqi, Xinjiang during May Day include the following scenic spots:?
Tianshan Heavenly Lake: This is the top recommended attraction, only an hour’s drive from Urumqi. Heavenly Lake is a natural alpine lake with beautiful scenery and profound cultural heritage. Visitors can take a cruise ship to enjoy the lake or walk along the plank road by the lake to feel the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere. Admission tickets are priced at 105 yuan during the off-season and 155 yuan during the peak season.?
International Bazaar: The largest bazaar in Xinjiang, its architecture is extremely distinctive, making it a must-visit landmark in Urumqi. During the May Day holiday, events such as the Barbecue Festival will be held, and the food street is a must-see, with free admission.?
Nanshan Pasture: Only an hour’s drive from the airport, it is the closest grassland pasture to the urban area. Here, you can appreciate the original grassland landscape of Xinjiang, with admission tickets priced at 55 yuan.?
Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park: Located in the center of Urumqi, it is China’s largest Akhal-Teke horse base. Besides watching equestrian performances (which require separate tickets), visitors can also participate in Akhal-Teke horse breeding and equestrian fitness, with admission tickets costing 69 yuan per person.?
Xianlai Town and Tianshan Grand Canyon: Xianlai Town does not require admission tickets, and offers a variety of snacks. Tianshan Grand Canyon has three main scenic areas: Zhaobi Mountain, Swan Lake, and Niuhao Lake Valley, with admission tickets costing 58 yuan per person and scenic area shuttle buses (round trip) costing 50 yuan per person.?
In addition, there are some less popular but equally worthwhile attractions, such as Kensiwat Reservoir, known as the ‘Little Kanas’. The water surface is as green as jade, making it an excellent backdrop for photos.?
; Shawan Deer Horn Bay boasts scenery including dark green forests, snowy mountains, and grasslands. Especially in May and June, purple flowers are scattered all over the mountains, creating a breathtaking view.?
And the colorful canyons, Red Cliff Tianhu Lake, and other Danxia landforms along Provincial Highway S101 are also eye-opening.?
During the May Day holiday, you might as well choose these scenic spots to experience the natural scenery and cultural charm around Urumqi.?