Urumqi Travel Guide: A Gate to Xinjiang

Urumqi is a natural and cultural hotspot and the capital city of the Xinjiang Region of China. It's a fantastic place to experience ethnic Uyghur culture and explore the Tian Shan mountains and Tianchi, also known as the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan. If you love hiking and the outdoors and want to experience a truly unique and fascinating aspect of Chinese culture, Urumqi is a great vacation destination. Read on to learn about the best thing to do in Urumqi and why this spot is one you should put on your bucket list.

Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar in Urumqi

Best Time To Visit Urumqi

Viewing platform of Tianshan in Xinjiang

The best time to visit Urumqi is during the spring, summer, or early fall months between April and early October, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring outside. During spring, you can expect temperatures from 5-24°C (40-75°F) and enjoy breathtaking views of vivid green grasslands and apricot blooms.

The summer tends to be fairly hot and dry, ranging from 16-31°C (61-88°F). It's an excellent time of year to explore Tianchi Lake by boat. Fall is when Urumqi comes alive with brightly colored changing leaves, and it's a great time to take phenomenal pictures of the landscape. Temperatures are between 4-24°C (39-75°F). Winter is quite cold, with temperatures from -16 to -6°C (1-21°F), but it's a good time to enjoy indoor fun or hit the slopes at Tianshan Tianchi International Ski Resort.

Top 5 Attractions to Visit in Urumqi

There's plenty to see and do in this region, but these top five Urumqi attractions are our key recommendations. We're happy to put together a personalized itinerary that suits your needs, incorporating these and other key highlights.

Heavenly Lake of Tianshan

Heavenly Lake of Tianshan in Xinjiang

Also known as Tianchi Lake, this epic spot offers fantastic views of the Tian Shan mountains, lush forests, and a stunning alpine lake perfect for boating during the summer months. You'll find many trails for all fitness levels and needs, plus a cable car so you can see the terrain from a bird's-eye view. At just two hours by bus from Urumqi, it's an easy day trip and a definite must-see for anyone interested in unique nature and photography.

The Museum of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

Artifacts in Xinjiang Museum

Learn about the fascinating history of this Silk Road stop at this comprehensive museum, which features artifacts, preserved historical relics and costumes, and even mummies. Guides are available, or you can do a self-tour. As this museum is very close to the Urumqi city center, it's a smart way to get your footing and understand the region as soon as you arrive.

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

Try Uyghur Flatbread in Grand Bazaar

If you're looking for excellent souvenirs to bring back home, the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is a must-visit spot. This sprawling market is full of aromatic spices, handcrafted clothing and jewelry, and luxurious home goods. Plus, it's one of the best and most economical places to try local Uyghur cuisine. We recommend visiting in the evening, when you might be lucky enough to catch a live performance, as a nice way to cap off your day of exploring.

Nanshan Pasture

This region is famous for its impressive grasslands and awe-inspiring nature, and Nanshan Pasture is one of the best places to see it all. Visit during the spring or summer months to see the grasslands alive with colorful flowers and dotted with snowy white yurts. You can explore by foot or go on a horseback-riding expedition through the massive pasture. It's about two hours from Urumqi and bound to be one of the highlights of your adventure.

Red Hill Park

For a taste of nature right in Urumqi itself, Red Hill Park is the place to go. This colossal, red-colored landmark overlooks the city and the Urumqi River, so you'll get wonderful photos of Urumqi and the Tian Shan mountains, especially at sunset. There's plenty to do when you're at the top, including visiting the Overlook Pavilion and Red Hill Pagoda, plus a garden full of multiple statues and several walking paths.

How to Get to Urumqi

Souvenirs in Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaars

Urumqi is serviced by Diwopu International Airport, and you can get there by direct flight from Beijing and Xi'an. Flights depart from Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport daily and take just over 4 hours to reach Urumqi. You can also fly from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, which takes between 3.4 and 4 hours.

There's also the option of getting to Urumqi by train. High-speed trains from Beijing take 31 hours to reach Urumqi, and regular trains from Xi'an take 26 hours. Buses are available from both Beijing and Xi'an, but both journeys exceed 30 hours, and we recommend flying or taking rail for a smoother trip.

We also offer complete tour packages that take the guesswork out of navigating from Beijing or Xi'an to Urumqi. Xinjiang is an integral part of the Silk Road, and our tours pair it with nearby Dunhuang, where you can explore the famous Mogao Grottos and experience Turpanese culture on the way. If you're looking for a stress-free, easy way to explore China's Silk Road destinations, we highly suggest a multi-day tour.

Public Transportation in Urumqi

There are many public transportation options in Urumqi. Urumqi's bus rapid transit lines go to most major attractions, the railway station, and the airport. The Urumqi Metro is an efficient way to get to and from the airport, and you can also use taxis and Didi ridesharing.

Where to Stay in Urumqi?

You'll find plenty of 4- and 5-star hotels in downtown Urumqi, close to popular attractions like the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, Xinjiang Museum, and Red Hill Park. Staying in the heart of downtown is a smart idea if you want to tick off a lot of cultural and historical sites quickly, as most are in walking distance.

If you're staying in Urumqi for just a few days, you might want to consider staying near the Urumqi Railway Station or in Diwopu, near the Urumqi Airport. 

Travel Tips for Visiting Urumqi

• Foreigners can visit Urumqi without a special permit.
• Urumqi is famous for its food, especially Uyghur pilaf, lamb kebab, and hand-pulled noodles.
• Xinjiang tends to be dry, so stay hydrated and bring moisturizer.
• Bring cash with you, as many places don't accept credit cards. You can also use WeChat Pay or Alipay.
• Bargaining is expected and acceptable at bazaars and markets.

Experience Urumqi, One of China's Unique Destinations

If the idea of exploring a new culture and immersing yourself in pristine nature appeals to you, Urumqi is an excellent destination. We can help you with all the logistics and craft a personalized itinerary that totally fits your needs. Go to our contact page or email us at trip@odynovotours.com, and let's talk today.