Hami City, the eastern gateway to Xinjiang, boasts the grandeur of the Gobi Desert and the elegance of oases, teeming with scenic spots and delicacies to explore. The majestic Tianshan Mountains run through the region, dividing it into two parts: the south has scorching Flaming Mountain spurs, while the north embraces lush grasslands and pine forests. The culturally rich Hami Royal Hui Mansion tells historical tales, and glistening Barkol Lake shimmers like a sapphire. From sweet Hami melons to crispy roasted buns, from breathtaking Yardang landforms to serene Singing Sand Dunes, every snapshot is a masterpiece. It is the perfect starting point for exploring Xinjiang’s wonders.
Top Attractions: Must-Visit Spots in Hami Without Regrets
Hami Royal Palace of the Hui People
A palace complex integrating Central Plains, Mongolian and Islamic architectural styles, Hami Royal Palace of the Hui People was once the residence of successive Hui kings in Hami, witnessing the city’s centuries-old history and earning the reputation of “the Little Forbidden City in the Western Regions”. Inside the palace, pavilions and towers are arranged in an orderly manner with exquisite carvings and paintings. It still preserves the former office and living quarters of the Hui kings, as well as exhibition halls displaying a large number of cultural relics. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the Hui community in Hami and experience the strong ethnic customs. Opening hours: 09:30-20:00 daily. Ticket price: CNY 40 per person; CNY 30 per person in winter. Recommended visiting time: 1.5 hours. Following the scenic spot guide during the visit allows you to hear more stories behind the palace.
Travel Tips: Nearby attractions such as Aletun Ancient Street Square, Hui Kings’ Tombs and Hami Museum are not far away and can be planned for a combined visit. Parking lots in and around the scenic spot are free; just choose a nearby parking space. Proper attire is required when entering the mosque to respect local ethnic customs. There are no shopping spots in the scenic area, and the climate is dry, so it is advisable to bring drinking water in advance. If you want to visit the Stone Feast, buying a combined ticket at the entrance is more cost-effective (CNY 48 including the scenic spot ticket and Stone Feast; CNY 30 for the Stone Feast alone).
Hami Royal Palace of the Hui People
Hami Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Moon Spring
Different from the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring in Dunhuang, Hami Singing Sand Dunes are famous for the “singing sand” wonder—when the wind blows or visitors slide down the sand dunes, it produces thunderous sounds, which is quite magical. At the foot of the sand dunes lies the Crescent Moon Spring, with clear water that never dries up all year round, forming a sharp contrast with the surrounding desert, like a bright pearl in the desert. Tourists can experience activities such as sand sliding and camel riding, and also overlook the grand desert scenery from the top of the sand dunes. Opening hours: 9:00-19:00 daily. Ticket price: CNY 30 per person. Sand sliding: CNY 20 per time. Camel riding: CNY 50 per hour. Recommended visiting time: 2-3 hours. Be sure to take sun protection measures when visiting in summer and avoid exposure to the sun at noon.
Travel Tips: The desert area has strong sunlight; bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats and other sun protection products. The sand is fine and easy to get into clothes and shoes, so it is recommended to wear breathable sports shoes or desert boots. Always hold the reins tightly when riding a camel; do not stay or take photos behind the camel to avoid danger. The light in the evening is soft, which not only allows you to avoid the scorching sun but also helps you take atmospheric desert silhouette photos.
Hami Singing Sand Dunes
Da Haidao Scenic Area
As an important passage on the ancient Silk Road, Da Haidao is also the only legally accessible no-man’s land in China and a highly representative yardang landform scenic area. The scenic area is covered with various yardang landforms—some look like castles, some like ferocious beasts. Under the glow of the setting sun, they present golden, crimson and other colors, making visitors feel as if they are in an alien world. The scenic area also preserves relics such as ancient post stations and beacon towers, full of historical vicissitudes. Da Haidao Scenic Area is vast in area; it is recommended to go there by self-driving or chartered car. Ticket price: CNY 100 per vehicle. There is no signal in the scenic area; download offline maps in advance, and prepare sufficient drinking water and dry food at the same time. The temperature in summer is extremely high; try to avoid entering the scenic area at noon.
Travel Tips: Choose a rugged off-road vehicle for self-driving; check the tires (off-road tires are recommended), brakes, antifreeze, etc. in advance, keep the tire pressure between 2.0-2.6, and fill up the fuel tank (fuel consumption in the no-man’s land is twice that of urban driving). Essential supplies include sufficient drinking water, high-calorie food, walkie-talkies (or satellite phones), traction boards, jacks, tire repair tools, etc. China Telecom has relatively stable signal in the area. Try to travel with more than two vehicles; do not drive a single vehicle away from the main road. Follow the principle of “drive fast on sand, drive slow through water” to avoid getting stuck. Some sections at the north gate of the scenic area have a height limit of 2.2 meters. You can get a practical map at the tourist center of the east gate. UAV shooting needs to be reported in advance. All garbage generated during the visit must be taken out of the scenic area to protect the environment of the no-man’s land.
Da Haidao Scenic Area
Barkol Grassland
Barkol Grassland is the second largest grassland in Xinjiang, connected to the Tianshan Mountains. On the grassland, flocks of cattle and sheep roam freely, yurts dot the landscape, and snow-capped mountains can be seen in the distance, presenting a picturesque view. The grassland is cool and pleasant in summer, making it an excellent summer resort. Every year, the Barkol Grassland Cultural Tourism Festival is held here, where you can watch traditional folk activities such as horse racing and goat grabbing. The grassland is free of charge. Recommended visiting time: 3-4 hours. You can rent a horse to stroll on the grassland and feel the vastness and freedom of the grassland. During the visit, please do not trample on the herdsmen’s pastures at will and respect local customs and habits.
Travel Tips: The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is large; even if you visit in summer, you need to bring a thin coat or fleece jacket. Choose a docile horse before riding; be sure to wear protective gear, hold the reins tightly, and step on only one-third of the stirrup with your foot. Do not stand behind the horse’s buttocks; keep valuables in zippered pockets for safekeeping. If you cannot ride a horse, you can ask a safety officer to accompany you, which not only ensures your safety but also helps you take photos. The signal in some areas of the grassland is weak; agree on a meeting point with your companions in advance to avoid getting lost.
Barkol Grassland
Hami Ghost City
Hami Ghost City belongs to a yardang landform group. After hundreds of millions of years of wind erosion and rain washing, it has formed various lifelike landform landscapes—some look like castles, some like humans, and some like animals. When night falls and strong winds howl past, strange sounds can be heard, hence the name “Ghost City”. Opening hours: 9:00-19:00 daily. Ticket price: CNY 40 per person. Recommended visiting time: 2 hours. The best time to visit is at dusk, when the soft light helps you take atmospheric photos.
Travel Tips: There is strong wind and sand in the scenic area; wear windproof goggles and masks to protect your eyes and respiratory tract. The ground is covered with gravel; it is recommended to wear non-slip and wear-resistant hiking shoes. Dusk is the golden hour for photography; you can seize high ground in advance to take panoramic photos of the yardang landforms at sunset. Do not climb steep yardang rock walls to avoid collapse risks. There are no supply points in the scenic area; bring a small amount of drinking water and snacks in advance.
Barkol Grassland
Local Delicacies: Taste Authentic Flavors of Hami
Hami Melon
Hami melon is undoubtedly the signature delicacy of Hami. Benefiting from the dry climate, large temperature difference between day and night and abundant sunlight, Hami melons grown here are extremely sweet, with tender and juicy flesh and a fresh and crisp taste. The ripening season of Hami melons is from July to September every year; you can find vendors selling Hami melons everywhere in the streets and alleys, with affordable prices ranging from CNY 5 to CNY 10 per kilogram. In addition to eating it fresh, you can also try derivative products such as dried Hami melon and Hami melon juice.
Food Tips: When buying Hami melons, choose those with clear surface lines, heavy texture and fresh stems, as they are sweeter. Hami melons are high in sugar; diabetic patients should eat them in moderation. Unfinished Hami melons need to be stored in the refrigerator and eaten as soon as possible to avoid deterioration.
Baked Buns
Baked buns are a characteristic pasta dish in Hami. They are made by wrapping fillings of mutton, onions, cumin and other ingredients in thin dough and baking them in a naan pit. The baked buns have crispy golden crusts and tender, juicy fillings. With a bite, you can taste the rich aroma of mutton and cumin, which is unforgettable. The price is generally CNY 2 to CNY 3 per bun; you can find them in breakfast shops and night markets in Hami.
Food Tips: Baked buns are extremely hot when just out of the oven; avoid biting them directly to prevent burns. The filling is made of mutton and cumin, with a strong flavor. It is recommended to eat them with light milk tea or yogurt to relieve greasiness and refresh your taste buds. When buying baked buns at night markets, choose stalls with a large number of customers for better freshness.
Hand-Pilaf
Hami’s hand-pilaf is made by simmering rice, mutton, carrots, onions with an appropriate amount of oil and salt as the main raw materials. The rice grains are distinct and golden in color; the mutton is tender and tasty; the carrots are sweet and delicious, making it nutritious and delicious. The price of a serving of hand-pilaf is around CNY 20 to CNY 30. It is recommended to eat it with a bowl of yogurt to relieve greasiness.
Food Tips: Hand-pilaf contains a relatively large amount of oil. If you do not like greasy food, you can inform the boss in advance to add less oil. Traditional hand-pilaf is eaten with hands; if you are not used to it, you can ask the store for tableware. Some stores offer lamb shank hand-pilaf at a slightly higher price (CNY 40 to CNY 60 per serving), with more plump meat, which is suitable for meat lovers.
Roast Mutton Skewers
Xinjiang’s roast mutton skewers are famous all over the world, and Hami’s roast mutton skewers are equally delicious. Fresh mutton is cut into small pieces, skewered on iron sticks, seasoned with salt, cumin, chili powder and other condiments, and roasted over charcoal fire. The roasted mutton skewers have crispy outer crusts and tender, juicy meat, which are fat but not greasy, with a strong aroma. The price is generally CNY 5 to CNY 10 per skewer; they are a must-try delicacy when visiting Hami.
Food Tips: Choose stalls that roast mutton skewers over charcoal fire on the spot for better freshness and taste. You can choose the spiciness level according to your taste; if you do not eat spicy food, inform the boss in advance. Mutton is warm in nature; it is recommended to eat it with local kvass or beer to relieve greasiness and neutralize the internal heat. Do not eat too many at one time to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.
Transportation Guide: Explore Hami Easily
External Transportation
- Plane:Hami Yizhou Airport has flights to and from Urumqi, Xi’an, Lanzhou, Beijing and other cities. The number of flights will be increased in the peak season. You can enjoy discounts by booking tickets in advance (one-way ticket ranges from CNY 500 to CNY 1,500). The airport is about 12 kilometers away from the urban area; you can take an airport bus (CNY 10 per person) or a taxi (CNY 30 to CNY 50) to the urban area.
- Train: Hami Station is an important railway hub in eastern Xinjiang, with both Lanxin High-Speed Railway and regular trains stopping here. It takes about 2.5 hours to travel from Urumqi to Hami by high-speed rail, with ticket prices ranging from CNY 150 to CNY 200; it takes about 4 to 6 hours by regular train, with ticket prices ranging from CNY 50 to CNY 100. The railway station is located in the urban area, with convenient transportation. After exiting the station, you can take a bus or a taxi to your destination.
- Self-Driving:Self-driving is suitable for tourists from surrounding provinces. It takes about 4 hours to drive from Jiuquan, Gansu to Hami along the Beijing-Xinjiang Expressway; it takes about 6 hours to drive from Urumqi to Hami along the Turpan-Kashgar Expressway and Beijing-Xinjiang Expressway. Self-driving allows you to arrange your itinerary flexibly and enjoy the Gobi scenery along the way, but you need to pay attention to long-distance driving safety and check your vehicle in advance.
Internal Transportation
- Bus: Bus routes in Hami’s urban area cover major scenic spots and business districts. The ticket price is CNY 1 to CNY 2 per person, and the operating hours are generally from 7:00 to 21:00. You can take Bus No.14 or No.18 directly to the entrance of Hami Royal Palace of the Hui People.
- Taxi:The starting fare of taxis in the urban area is CNY 8 (within 3 kilometers); the fare is CNY 1.5 per kilometer for distances exceeding 3 kilometers. The starting fare at night (from 23:00 to 7:00 the next day) is CNY 10. Taking a taxi is convenient for short-distance travel in the urban area. For trips to suburban scenic spots such as Singing Sand Dunes and Ghost City, you can negotiate the chartered car price with the driver (one-way chartered car price ranges from CNY 100 to CNY 200).
- Chartered Car/Car Rental: It is recommended to rent a chartered car or a vehicle for trips to distant scenic spots such as Da Haidao and Barkol Grassland. The chartered car price varies according to the itinerary and vehicle type; the price of a regular sedan is CNY 300 to CNY 500 per day, and the price of an off-road vehicle is CNY 800 to CNY 1,200 per day (including the driver’s service fee). To rent a car, you need to provide a valid driver’s license, with a deposit of CNY 3,000 to CNY 5,000, and the average daily rental is CNY 200 to CNY 800 (varying according to the vehicle type).
- Scenic Area Transportation:Some large scenic areas provide internal shuttle buses. For example, you can take a sightseeing bus in Da Haidao Scenic Area (CNY 50 per person) to save walking time; you can rent an electric car (CNY 100 per hour) or a bicycle (CNY 50 per hour) in Barkol Grassland to explore the grassland scenery easily.
Accommodation Recommendations: Choose the Right Place to Stay According to Your Itinerary
Urban Accommodation
- High-End Hotels: Hotels such as Hami Magic Cube Grand Hotel and Hami Universal Grand Hotel are strategically located, fully equipped, providing services such as breakfast, gym and parking lot, with prices ranging from CNY 500 to CNY 1,000 per night, suitable for tourists pursuing a comfortable experience.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Chain hotels such as Home Inn, Hanting Hotel and Ji Hotel are clean and tidy with high cost performance, providing free WiFi and parking lots, with prices ranging from CNY 200 to CNY 400 per night, suitable for family tourists or tourists with a moderate budget.
- Budget Hotels/Homestays: There are many budget hotels and homestays in the urban area, with prices ranging from CNY 100 to CNY 200 per night. Some homestays provide facilities such as kitchens and washing machines, suitable for backpackers or tourists staying for a long time. It is recommended to stay near Hami’s city center or Hami Station for convenient transportation to various scenic spots.
Accommodation Near Scenic Areas
- Near Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Moon Spring:There are a small number of farm stays and homestays near the scenic area, with prices ranging from CNY 150 to CNY 300 per night. The facilities are relatively simple, but you can enjoy the desert sunrise and sunset up close, suitable for tourists who want to experience the desert scenery in depth.
- Near Barkol Grassland: There are yurt homestays and characteristic hotels near the grassland, with prices ranging from CNY 200 to CNY 500 per night. Yurt homestays allow you to experience local herdsmen’s life, while hotels have more complete facilities. It is necessary to book in advance in summer to avoid no available rooms during the peak season.
- Near Da Haidao:There are capsule hotels and Mars-themed hotels in the scenic area, with prices ranging from CNY 300 to CNY 800 per night. The conditions are limited but unique, suitable for tourists who want to stay overnight in the no-man’s land to take starry sky photos. You can also choose to return to Hami’s urban area for accommodation, with a driving time of about 2 hours.
Practical Tips: Prepare for a Worry-Free Trip
- Best Travel Time: The climate is pleasant from April to June and September to October, avoiding extreme heat and cold, which is the best time to travel to Hami. You can go to Barkol Grassland to escape the summer heat from July to August, but you need to pay attention to sun protection. You can experience winter snow scenery from November to March of the next year, suitable for tourists who like ice and snow sports.
- Sun Protection and Warmth Preservation:Hami has strong sunlight and is dry and less rainy all year round. You need to bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, lip balm and other sun protection and moisturizing products. The temperature difference between day and night is large; you need to bring a coat no matter which season you travel. You need to prepare down jackets and snow boots for warmth preservation in winter.
- Documents and Payment: Bring valid documents such as ID cards; some scenic spots (such as Da Haidao) require real-name registration. Most shops in the urban area support WeChat and Alipay payment. It is recommended to carry a small amount of cash (CNY 1,000 to CNY 2,000) for transactions in remote scenic spots and pastoral areas.
- Diet and Health: Hami’s delicacies are mainly mutton, beef and pasta with strong flavors. Tourists with sensitive intestines and stomach can bring commonly used medicines such as gastrointestinal drugs and anti-allergic drugs. It is recommended to choose bottled water for drinking to avoid drinking raw water. Do not eat too much spicy and greasy food; balance your diet with vegetables and fruits.
- Folk Customs and Taboos: Hami is home to multiple ethnic groups; respect the customs and habits of local ethnic groups such as Uyghur and Kazakh. You need to take off your shoes when entering a mosque, dress properly and do not take photos at will. When visiting pastoral areas, do not break into herdsmen’s yurts at will, trample on pastures or chase cattle and sheep. Keep polite when communicating with local people and avoid talking about sensitive topics.
- Safety Tips: Obey traffic rules when driving by yourself; do not speed or drive when tired. Do not deviate from the main road when driving in the no-man’s land. Obey the scenic spot regulations when visiting; do not climb over guardrails or enter undeveloped areas. Take good care of your personal belongings, especially in crowded night markets and scenic spots, to prevent loss.
Design Your Tour to Xinjiang Hami
China Dragon Travel, with in-depth control of local resources in Hami and a professional service team, customizes cost-effective travel plans for tourists at home and abroad. Whether you want to follow classic routes to visit core scenic spots, customize niche in-depth tours to unlock the secrets of the no-man’s land, or experience authentic folk food tours, we can provide full-process thoughtful services, including itinerary planning, vehicle allocation, accommodation booking and exclusive guide arrangement, to solve all travel problems in one stop, allowing you to easily encounter the grand Gobi and gentle oases in Hami and create unforgettable travel memories in Xinjiang.
