Urumqi Trip Recap: The Honest Truth

Hey everyone👋! I'm back from my amazing trip to Urumqi and I can't wait to share all the fun I had! Trip Prep 🧳 Before heading off, I did my research📖. Urumqi has big temperature swings between day and night, so I packed both warm jackets🧥 and cute summer clothes👗 to be prepared. Sunscreen is a must – I brought sunscreen, sunglasses🕶️, and a hat because the sun is strong there. And of course, the most important thing: my ID – can't leave home without it! Arrival in Urumqi As soon as I stepped off the plane, I could feel Urumqi's unique vibe🌞. I took a taxi to my hotel to check in, dropped off my luggage, and got ready to explore and eat! Must-See Spots🎈 International Grand Bazaar This place is buzzing🎉! It's like a giant treasure market. The colorful buildings have such a unique, exotic feel, and stepping inside is like entering a different world. There are all sorts of specialty shops filled with handicrafts and traditional clothing – every item is so beautiful, I was overwhelmed by the choices👀. You can also hear lively Uyghur music, and it feels like everyone is energized by the atmosphere💃. Tianchi Lake I joined a day trip to Tianchi Lake. The scenery along the way was stunning, with rolling mountains in the distance and snow❄️ on the peaks, like a beautiful painting. When we arrived at Tianchi Lake, I was blown away by its beauty😍. The water is so clear you can see the bottom, shimmering in the sunlight, with the surrounding mountains reflected in its surface – absolutely breathtaking. Strolling along the lakeshore with a gentle breeze was so relaxing. The tour also included a visit to a Kazakh family, where we tasted their milk tea and kurut (dried yogurt) and experienced local life – super interesting~! Shuimogou Park Shuimogou Park is perfect for a leisurely stroll🌳. It's shaded by lush trees and has a babbling stream. Many locals come here to walk and exercise, and the atmosphere is wonderful. I took a slow walk along the river, snapping lots of beautiful photos📷, and felt like time had slowed down. Hongshan Park From the top of Hongshan Park, you get a panoramic view of Urumqi🏙️. You can see all the city's skyscrapers, and in the evening, as the sun sets, the sky turns orange-red, creating a stunning contrast with the cityscape. Food Tour🍱 Just thinking about the food in Urumqi makes my mouth water🤤. 🥘Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken): A must-try! The chicken is tender and flavorful, the potatoes are soft and sweet, and it's all served with smooth belt noodles. A huge plate arrives, fragrant and delicious, and I could easily devour a whole bowl. 🍢Lamb Kebabs: Fresh lamb grilled over charcoal, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder – the aroma is incredible. I randomly picked a street vendor, and the kebabs were amazing. 🍚Pilaf: The rice is perfectly cooked and mixed with the aroma of lamb, the sweetness of carrots and raisins – a rich and satisfying dish. The yogurt zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are also unique. The sweet and sour yogurt paired with the soft zongzi is a surprising and delicious combination – definitely worth trying😋. Accommodation Tips🏨 I stayed near the city center, which was super convenient for getting around. There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, and it's easy to reach attractions by bus or taxi. There are also many hotel options, from budget-friendly to luxury, so you can choose one that fits your budget. If you want to be in the heart of the action, the area around the International Grand Bazaar is a good choice, as you can enjoy the night view of the bazaar, but the prices might be a bit higher. Urumqi is a fantastic city for travel, with beautiful scenery, delicious food, and friendly people. I had such a rewarding trip, and I highly recommend you visit💕. I'm sure you'll fall in love with this city too!