Urumqi Attractions

Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is a hot tourist destination owning to the ancient Silk Road. In history, it was an important stop on the Silk Road and the economic and cultural exchange center of east and west. Nowadays, travelers can come to see the traces of its prosperous past in Shaanxi Mosque and Xinjiang Museum, or enjoy the alluring natural sceneries in Tianshan Mountains and Heavenly Lake, East Baiyanggou, or meet it unique culture in Grand Bazaar and Red Hill. The following is a brief introduction of attractions in Urumqi.

Top Attractions in Urumqi

No.1 - Tianshan Mountains and Heavenly Lake

Tianshan Mountains and Heavenly Lake are a natural scenic area with the alpine lake in center and snow mountains around. Tianshan Mountains is best known for wonderful natural scenery. It is also called “Snow Mountain” because the mountains are covered with snow all year round. There are over 10 peaks higher than 5,000 meters with snow carpet all year, such as Tuomuer Peak (7,435.3 meters), Hantengri Peak (6,995 meters) and Bogda Peak (5,445 meters). Tianshan Mountains pass through the central part of Xinjiang and divided it into two parts, Tarim Basin in the south and Dzungarian Basin in the north. Seen from distance, it is majestic and mysterious; while getting close, you will be shocked by the picturesque surrounding mountains.

Reputed as the Pearl of Tianshan Mountains, Heavenly Lake is a intoxicating natural highland lake nestled at the mountainside of the snow-crowned Bogda Peak. With a shape of a half-moon, it is 3,400 meters in length, 105 meters in depth and 1,500 meters in the widest part. Covering an area of 4.9 square kilometers, it is surrounded by numerous towering snow-carpet mountains with verdant spruces and wild flowers. The lake is a perfect resort in the scorching summer and a hot alpine skating rink in winter.

No.2 - Grand Bazaar

As an important landmark in Xinjiang, the Grand Bazaar is the world’s largest-scaled bazaar that combines Islamic culture, architecture, trading, entertainment and catering. Reputed as the “window of Xinjiang”, it is a collection place and exhibition center of Xinjiang tourist goods and specialties. Covering 39,888 meters, the Grand Bazaar is constructed in an Islamic style and reproduce he commercial flourish of ancient Silk Road. It strongly shows the profound ethnic characteristics and regional culture. Many travelers can taste local flavor at here, such as crusty pancake, shish kebab, noodles served with soy sauce and so forth. Or shop local specialties, including ethnic clothing, Atlas Silk, Xinjiang Carpet, Xinjiang Knives.

No.3 - Nanshan Pasture

Located on the Kelawucheng Mountain, a branch of north of Tianshan Mountain, Nanshan Pasture is famous natural scenic area with snow peaks, lush forests, alpine pasture and ethnic customs. With an area of 120 square kilometers and an average altitude about 1, 760 meters, it is a outstanding natural pasture as well as a perfect summer resort. Main scenic spots include West Baiyanggou, East Baiyanggou, Juhuatai, Dengcaogou, Shuixigou and so on. You will have a wonderful holiday in Nanshan Pasture to enjoy charming sceneries and have a full relaxation.

Cultural Sites

As an important stop on Silk Road, Urumqi’s tourism own greatly to its brilliant culture and ethnic customs. Many tourists will go to Shaanxi Mosque, the largest Mosque in Urumqi that can contain one thousand Muslims at the same time. Strolling around the palatial style buildings, you can see many Muslims come to worship. Xinjiang Museum is Uighur architectural style buildings where can see 32,000 pieces treasures, for example, the famous Loulan Beauty, a well-preserved Loulan girl’s body dating back to 3,800 years ago. Stepping in Xinjiang Museum, you will see the brilliant prosperity of Xinjiang.

Natural Attractions

For those who like the charming natural scenery, you can pay a visit to East Baiyanggou, a well-known pasture in Urumqi to see the hordes of flocks and herds browsing on grass or rent a horse running in the vast grassland. Or you can climb up the Red Hill, the symbol of Urumqi standing in the city center like a huge dragon, also the best place to view the whole city. After a exhausted tour, you can enjoy the natural hot spring in Shuimogou Park, a well-known park with enthralling environment.

Nearby Attractions

Lake Kanas: an untouched fairyland on earth, an alluring lake in a crescent shape, home to the mythical Kanas Lake monster. Apart from the stunning scenery, you can also pay a visit to Tuwa people’s village. Many travelers may take a flight (1hour) or bus to Altay, and then transfer to Lake Kanas.

Gaochang Ancient City: the largest city ruin in the ancient western China, witness the ups and downs of Turpan area in 2,000 years. About 220kms, 3 hours drive from Urumqi.

Jiaohe Ruins: the largest, oldest and best-preserved earth-built city in the world, China’s best-preserved capital ruins with a history of 2,000 years, reputed as the “world’s most perfect ruins”. About 200 kms, 3 hours drive from Urumqi.

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