Urumqi Introduction

Explore Urumqi with this comprehensive travel guide. As the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwest China, Urumqi is renowned as the "Pearl of the Silk Road" and the "Hometown of Fruits". This title is earned through its status as a historic crossroad of civilizations and its exceptionally sweet produce, nurtured by the region's dramatic continental climate. Historical records and archaeological findings suggest that the Urumqi region has been a vital oasis on the ancient Silk Road for over two millennia, facilitating exchanges between the East and West.

Hence, in this land of dramatic landscapes and ethnic diversity, you could explore the heritage of the ancient Silk Road, immerse yourself in the mix of Uyghur, Han, Hui, and other ethnic cultures, wander through bustling International Grand Bazaar, and savor the authentic flavors of Central Asian cuisines and world-renowned Xinjiang fruits.

Why Visit Urumqi

• Hometown of Sweet Fruits

Cities like Urumqi in Xinjiang region are proudly known as the "Hometown of Fruits", where produce some of China's sweetest and juiciest varieties. Thanks to the intense sunlight and sharp day-night temperature difference, local fruits—such as grapes, Hami melons, apples, apricots, and pomegranates—develop an exceptional natural sweetness. Throughout the year, you can savor fresh, high-quality fruits of all varieties .

• Stunning Natural Scenery

With its great location and convenient transportation, Urumqi serves as the starting point for exploring the most amazing natural scenery in Xinjiang. Around the city are magnificent landscapes including snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, deserts and canyons. It is also the best base for traveling to northern and southern Xinjiang, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of China's western region.

• Colorful Multi-ethnic Culture

Urumqi boasts a diverse culture as it is home to Uyghur, Han, Hui, and many other ethnic groups. Nowhere shows more diversities than the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Erdaoqiao. The buildings here combine traditional Uyghur polished grey brick techniques with modern architectural elements, evoking the historic prosperity of the Silk Road. Inside, you can enjoy traditional songs and dances, admire beautiful handmade artworks, and experience how these distinct traditions come together to create a rich and unique culture.

• Delicious Ethnic Cuisine & Special Flavors

Xinjiang food enjoys great popularity throughout China and the world for its bold flavors and rich tastes. The most famous foods include big plate chicken, roasted whole lamb, lamb skewers, naan bread, handmade noodles and yogurt. If you are a food lover, you will be deeply attracted by the unique and unforgettable tastes of Urumqi's local dishes and snacks.

Top Urumqi Attractions

• Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

Located in the Tianshan District, this is the largest bazaar in China, covering nearly 100,000 square meters with over 3,000 shops. The magnificent Islamic-style architecture reflects the distinctive characteristics of the Western Regions in China. Climb the 80-meter Silk Road Sightseeing Tower for a panoramic view of the city, explore the unique "Naan Museum" featuring over 100 varieties of this traditional bread, and shop for dried fruits, musical instruments, and colorful handicrafts. As night falls, the pedestrian streets come alive with local specialties like roasted lamb skewers, pilaf, and handmade yogurt.

• Urumqi Southern Mountain (Nanshan) Pasture

Just a short 60-kilometer drive from downtown Urumqi, the Southern Mountain (Nanshan) Pasture shows Xinjiang's natural beauty. People love this place for its wide grasslands, sheep and cattle everywhere, small streams in the valleys, breathtaking views and fresh air. It's a great getaway for people from Urumqi and nearby areas, especially in hot July, when many drive here to escape the heat. You can ride horses, hike, camp, and watch stars here, far away from the noise of the city.

• Red Hill (Hongshan) 

Red Hill (Hongshan) is the most iconic landmark and a must-visit natural scenic spot in the heart of Urumqi. On its highest point is the historic Zhenlong Pagoda, which is a 10.5-meter-high and nine-story structure. Standing at the top of the hill, you can get the best panoramic view of the entire city and snow-capped Tianshan Mountains. This place is now a popular public park, where locals gather to do exercises and square dancing in the mornings and evenings. A visit here is often recommended with a trip to the nearby People's Park and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum.

• People's Park
  

People's Park in Urumqi is a popular urban park located in the heart of the city, which has a history of over 150 years with many cultural relic protection sites. The park is definitely a favorable place among locals and tourists alike, providing a serene environment for relaxation, leisure activities, and social gatherings.

• Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum

This museum is best known for its well-preserved mummies, including the famous "Loulan Beauty". Exhibits showcase archaeological treasures from the ancient Silk Road, including silk, pottery, and the renowned Han Dynasty brocade embroidered with "Five stars rising in the east is an auspicious sign for the Central Plains". Traditional clothing, household utensils, and musical instruments from various ethnic groups are also on display. 

• CCMALL

CCMALL is a modern shopping mall located at No. 59 Guangming Road in the Tianshan District. This high-rise complex offers a sharp contrast to the city's traditional bazaars, housing a vast array of international and domestic brands and having introduced over 65 regional and national flagship stores to create a unique shopping experience. 

In this regard, CCMALL is a vibrant urban hub where you can enjoy a diverse cuisines ranging from local Xinjiang food to popular chain restaurants and bakeries, catch the latest trend, or explore specialty toy stores. The mall frequently hosts interesting activities and themed exhibitions, making it a destination for dining, fashion and entertainment.

Best Time to Visit Urumqi

Urumqi enjoys a typical temperate continental climate, defined by abundant sunshine, low humidity, and dramatic temperature shifts between day and night. The city has no distinct seasons, with long, cold winters and hot, pleasant summers—spring and autumn are relatively short but can offer transitional beauty.

• Best Time to Visit (May–September)

The best time to visit Urumqi is during the late spring and summer months, from May to September, when the weather is most favorable for exploration. During these months, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The surrounding mountains and grasslands are lush and vibrant, offering breathtaking natural scenery.

However, Urumqi experiences a significant temperature difference between day and night, evenings can be significantly cooler, often dropping to around 10°C (50°F) or lower, so warm clothes is essential. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat—the strong sunlight in this arid region can be intense even on milder days. This is also the season when Xinjiang's famous fruits—grapes, melons, and peaches—ripen, adding a delicious dimension to your journey.

• Winter Wonders (December–February)

If you're a fan of winter sports, December to February offers a different kind of magic. Temperatures during the day typically range from -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F), with nights plunging to -20°C (-4°F) or below. It is important to pack warm winter clothing, such as down coats, hats, gloves, and snow boots, to stay comfortable in the chilly temperatures. This is the prime time for skiing and snow activities at nearby resorts like the Silk Road International Ski Resort. Be sure to bundle up with heavy winter clothing to fully enjoy the snowy landscapes and crisp mountain air.

Whether you come for the warm sunshine and fruit harvests or the winter wonderland, Urumqi's seasonal contrasts ensure a memorable visit year-round.

Recommended Routes

Explore the best of Urumqi and its surrounding areas with our diverse range of travel routes! We offer tailor-made tour packages that cover cultural landmarks, natural scenery, and unique local experiences. Whether you're interested in a short city tour or a longer adventure, we have the perfect itinerary for you. 

For detailed information and booking, please visit our recommended tour itinerary:

How to Get to Urumqi

As the transportation hub of Central Asia, Urumqi is surprisingly accessible from anywhere in the world—whether you're flying from overseas or traveling from other Chinese cities.

By Flight: 

• International flights:

Connections to 24 cities in 19 countries, mainly in Central Asia and West Asia.

• Domestic flights:

Connections to 84 cities across China, including all provincial capitals (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan). There are multiple daily flights to Beijing(4h), Shanghai(5h), Guangzhou(5h), Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an(3.5h) and Zhengzhou. Direct flights are also available to more than 20 cities within Xinjiang, such as Kashgar, Yining, Korla, Aksu, Hotan, Altay, Karamay, Hami and Turpan, forming an air network convenient for travelling.

By Train: 

If you are already in China, arriving by train offers a unique perspective on the country's vast landscapes. Urumqi currently has two main railway stations.

Urumqi Railway Station is the city's modern hub, handling most high-speed and express trains from cities across China—including an overnight sleeper train from Beijing (about 30 hours) that lets you watch the landscape transform from lush green to dramatic desert. 

Urumqi South Railway Station primarily manages regular-speed trains and services to destinations within Xinjiang. 

Note: These stations are in different parts of the city, so always double-check your ticket before heading out.

By Bus: 

For the adventurous travelers, long-distance buses are a great way to reach Urumqi after exploring the rest of Xinjiang. They provide convenient access to the capital: a 3h-ride from Turpan, or a long, scenic day-trip from Kashgar. While bus travel offers the most flexibility for exploring the region, seats can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so we recommend booking in advance.

Whether you're travelling from across the ocean or across the continent, getting to Urumqi is easier than you might think—and well worth the journey.

Transportation Suggestions

Urumqi offers a well-developed public transportation system that makes getting around the city simple and accessible. From metro lines to buses and taxis, you have plenty of options to suit your travel needs.

By Metro: 

Urumqi's metro system currently operates one line connecting key areas of the city, including the airport and popular attractions like the International Grand Bazaar. The metro is fast, efficient, and a great way to avoid traffic jam during peak hours.

By Bus & BRT: 

Buses are a convenient and budget-friendly option for traveling within the city and to nearby attractions. The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system, in particular, offers exclusive lanes and higher speed along major routes, making it a reliable choice for getting around the city.

By Taxi & Ride-hailing: 

Taxis are readily available throughout Urumqi and can be hailed on the street or booked via popular ride-hailing apps. They are convenient for shorter distances or when traveling with luggage. Most drivers may not speak English, so it helps to have your destination written in Chinese.

By Rental Car: 

If you prefer greater flexibility, renting a car is an option to explore Urumqi and the surrounding areas at your own pace. Several international and local car rental companies have offices at the airport and in the city center. Car rental services are also available on our website. For more details, please see Xinjiang Car Rental.  

While public transportation covers most needs, planning connections and dealing with language barriers can sometimes waste your sightseeing time. For a truly hassle-free experience, consider booking a private tour or car service—allowing you to focus entirely on the stunning landscapes and rich culture that Urumqi and Xinjiang have to offer.

Accommodation

As a popular destination in Northwest China, Urumqi offers a wide variety of accommodation choices. Options range from international brands like Sheraton and Hilton to local hotels and budget-friendly hostels, spanning five-star luxury to three-star comfort and beyond. Whether you prefer to stay at near the bustling Grand Bazaar, close to attractions in the city center, or near Urumqi Tianshan International Airport and train stations, you'll find accommodations to satisfy all your needs.

Hotels in Downtown Urumqi: The city center is the most popular area to stay, offering everything from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Its central location puts major attractions like the International Grand Bazaar, Red Hill Park, and People's Park within easy reach, with convenient access to metro Line 1. The area also boasts a wide variety of restaurants, shopping streets, and nightlife. Top hotel recommendations include Sheraton, Hilton, Hoi Tak Hotel, and well-known Chinese chains like Ji Hotel and Holiday Inn.

Urumqi Maps You Might Need