Urumqi Travel Guide | Take you to deeply appreciate the charm of Xinjiang

In Xinjiang, there is a charming city - Urumqi, which combines diverse cultures, historical relics and natural scenery. It is a treasure city worthy of in-depth exploration. Best time to travel Urumqi has a temperate continental arid climate with a large temperature difference between day and night. May to October is the best travel season, when the weather is warm with an average temperature of 15-25℃, suitable for outdoor activities. The grasslands and mountains are most beautiful in July and August, while in September and October you can encounter colorful autumn scenery and taste sweet fruits. Although winter (December - February of the following year) is cold, with an average temperature of around -15℃, it is suitable for skiing⛷️ and ice and snow activity enthusiasts. Must-see attractions - Tianshan Tianchi: About 110 kilometers from the city, it is one of the most famous natural landscapes in Urumqi. The lake here is clear and the snow-capped mountains are magnificent. You can escape the heat in summer and enjoy the snow in winter🌨️. You can choose to hike, ride a horse 🐴 or take a cruise 🚢 to enjoy the lake view, and you can also taste special foods such as hand-pulled lamb and Xinjiang big plate chicken 🐔. - Xinjiang Museum: A must-visit place to learn about Xinjiang's history and culture. The museum displays a wealth of cultural relics, such as precious relics from the Silk Road, various ethnic cultural exhibits, including "Five Stars Rising from the East, Bringing Good Luck to China" elbow pads, "Loulan Beauty" ancient corpse, etc., which can give you a deep understanding of Xinjiang's diverse culture and long history. - Hongshan Park: An iconic hill park in Urumqi. Climb to the top of the mountain to overlook the entire city. There is also an ancient pagoda on the top of the mountain. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Tianshan Mountain up close. The "Hongshan Sunset" is a beautiful view that you cannot miss. - Uyghur Ancient City: A great place to experience Xinjiang’s ethnic culture, where you can see traditional Uyghur architecture and taste authentic Uyghur cuisine, such as barbecue, pilaf, milk tea, etc. There are also many handicraft shops where you can buy unique souvenirs. - Nanshan Ranch: A beautiful grassland about 60 kilometers away from the city, where you can experience horse riding, grazing and other activities and feel the breath of nature. There is also a homestay on the ranch, where you can choose to stay overnight and enjoy the peaceful starry sky. Food Recommendation - Hand-Pulled Lamb🐏: A very representative Xinjiang delicacy, made with fresh lamb, stewed with spices, the meat is tender and has a rich flavor. - Xinjiang Dapanji: Chicken is the main ingredient, paired with potatoes and belt noodles. The soup is rich, spicy and delicious, and is loved by tourists. - Grilled lamb skewers: a common street food, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fragrant aroma, it is the perfect choice for a midnight snack. - Pilaf: stewed with rice, mutton, carrots and other ingredients, it has great color, aroma and taste. It is an important meal in the daily life of Xinjiang people. - Naan: A traditional staple food in Xinjiang, it comes in a variety of flavors and shapes. Freshly baked naan is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and very delicious. - Spicy Chicken: The chicken is tender, with a unique taste and spicy flavor. It is very appetizing. Good places for shopping - International Grand Bazaar: A comprehensive market integrating shopping, food and entertainment, where you can buy Xinjiang specialties such as dried fruits, red dates, Hami melons🍈, as well as traditional handicrafts such as embroidery and carpets. This place is full of strong ethnic customs and is also a good place to take photos and check in. Notes - Altitude sickness: Urumqi is located on a plateau, and some tourists may experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to prepare your body in advance, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous exercise. - Sun protection measures: The sun is strong in summer, so be sure to apply sunscreen, wear a sun hat and sunglasses 🕶️ when going out to protect your skin from UV damage. - Respect local culture: Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region. We must respect local customs and habits and avoid inappropriate words and deeds. For example, when entering a mosque, you must dress appropriately and take off your shoes; in terms of diet, you must respect the religious beliefs and eating habits of ethnic minorities and avoid eating taboo foods. - Time difference: There is a 2-hour time difference between Urumqi and Beijing time, so your schedule should be adjusted accordingly. For example, restaurants may open later. You can find out about this in advance before traveling. - Changeable climate: Even in summer, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. It is recommended to bring a warm jacket to prevent catching a cold.