A Pearl at the Foot of Tianshan: In-depth Travel in Urumqi, Where Flavors Meet Scenery

As the plane breaks through the layers of clouds, the scenery below the window gradually becomes clear. When you catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains, you know you are about to arrive at this city embraced by snow-capped mountains. A unique northwest atmosphere seems to already fill the air, a blend of the grassy scent of the grasslands and the wheat fragrance of baked nang. This crucial town on the ancient Silk Road once witnessed the distant jingle of countless caravan camel bells. Today, high-rise buildings coexist with camel team sculptures on the streets, and the bustle of traditional bazaars blends with the prosperity of modern business districts. Profound historical heritage is hidden in the texture of the brick walls, while vitality is reflected in the smiling faces of passers-by. Every street and alley holds stories worth savoring.

Human Warmth in the Grand Bazaar: Touching Diverse Customs

Led by Aroma: Savoring Authentic Roasted Buns and Brick Tea

When you come to this city, the International Grand Bazaar is an unmissable stop. It is not just a simple market, but a three-dimensional picture scroll of Western Regions culture. The buildings made of red bricks exude a strong ethnic style, with intricate carvings on the corridor columns, bringing surprises at every step. As soon as you enter the entrance, a 20-year-old roasted bun shop on the street corner “catches” your attention with its aroma. The boss stands in front of the iron stove, skillfully pasting dough wrapped with lamb filling onto the stove wall. The charcoal fire inside the stove is blazing, roasting the buns until they sizzle with oil. When you bite into the golden, crispy crust, the “crunch” sound is extremely tempting. The juicy, tender lamb filling drips down between your fingers, and the meaty aroma mixed with the sweetness of onions fills your mouth, without any greasiness. At this moment, it is perfect to pair it with a cup of the local specialty brick tea. This tea is brewed from pressed tea bricks, with a deep red color and a mellow taste. Taking a sip, the rich fragrance of the tea neutralizes the richness of the meat, refreshing your taste buds. The small wooden tables in the shop are always full of people, including local regulars and travelers like you. Everyone sits around, eating buns and drinking tea, and chatting casually, which instantly dispels any sense of strangeness.

Ingenious Handicrafts: Wandering Amidst Arts and Folk Customs

Walking along the path paved with colorful bricks, the various stalls are filled with a dazzling array of goods. Hand-woven camel hair blankets are brightly colored, with patterns that hold the wisdom of the local people’s lives; the translucent agates and jades shine with a warm luster under the sun. The boss will use Mandarin with a northwest accent to carefully tell the story of each piece of stone. An elderly Uyghur artist by the road plays the dutar, and the melodious singing attracts passers-by to stop and sway gently to the rhythm.

If you happen to arrive on a market day, the grand bazaar becomes even more lively. Fresh grapes and Hami melons are piled up like small hills, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. People in ethnic costumes come and go, and the sound of chatting and hawking weaves together, forming the most vivid picture of daily life. You don’t need to rush to shop here. Just wander around, listen to different languages, and admire the unique handicrafts, and you will deeply feel the diversity and inclusiveness of this city.

Xinjiang Baked Buns

Snow-capped Mountains and Grasslands: Enjoying the Beauty of Nature

Nanshan Pasture: A Perfect View of Grasslands and Snow-capped Mountains

The charm of Urumqi lies not only in the bustle of the city but also in the magnificent natural scenery closely connected to it. Nanshan Pasture, not far from the urban area, is the best place to get close to the grasslands and snow-capped mountains. On the drive there, the scenery outside the window keeps changing: high-rise buildings in the urban area gradually give way to low shrubs, and finally, a boundless green grassland unfolds before your eyes.

Standing on the grassland, the soft and thick grass under your feet is dotted with wildflowers swaying in the wind, like a huge colorful carpet. In the distance, the Bogda Peak of the Tianshan Mountains is covered with snow all year round, and its silvery-white peak contrasts with the blue sky and white clouds, like an unsoiled oil painting. You can rent a horse from a local herdsman and ride slowly across the grassland. The sound of hooves stepping on the grass, accompanied by the herdsman’s singing in the distance, calms your mind completely.

Shuimogou Riverside: A Cool Sanctuary in the City

If you prefer a cooler experience, Shuimogou Park, hidden in the eastern part of the urban area, is definitely the top choice. Known as the “urban lung” by the locals, this sanctuary is famous for its spring water that has flowed continuously for thousands of years. Even in the sweltering summer, the temperature inside the park is 3 to 5 degrees Celsius lower than the urban area, making it cool and pleasant. As soon as you enter the park gate, the sound of flowing spring water greets you first. The clear stream gushes out from the depths of the Tianshan foothills and meanders along the valleys in the park. The water is so clear that you can see the smooth pebbles and swimming fish at the bottom. Walking slowly along the bluestone path built by the stream, the poplars and elms on both sides are lush and green, their branches and leaves interweaving to form a natural green awning. The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled, dancing shadows on the path. Simple stone benches can be seen everywhere by the road. Many local elders carry small stools to sit by the stream, wiping their faces with towels soaked in spring water to cool down, while gathering to play chess and chat, their laughter floating in the wind. Occasionally, you can see children taking off their shoes and splashing in the shallow water, their cheers echoing as the water sprays up. There are also several century-old trees in the park. In the pavilions under the trees, folk artists often play and sing traditional music. The melodious singing blends with the sound of spring water, forming a comfortable pastoral picture. You don’t need to rush here; just find a stone bench to sit on, listen to the tinkle of the spring water, and breathe in the air filled with the fragrance of plants and trees, allowing yourself to relax completely and enjoy the rare tranquility in the city.

Delicious Memories in the Streets: Tasting Unique Flavors

Hand-pulled Noodles in an Old Brand Shop: Chewy and Flavorful

The fastest way to understand a city is to walk through the lively business districts, step into the old brand shops hidden in the alleys, and taste its flavor through a authentic home-cooked meal. Near the intersection of Tuanjie Road and Jiefang South Road in Urumqi, there is an old noodle shop with a history of more than 30 years. Its storefront is not eye-catching, and the words on the wooden sign have become somewhat blurred. However, every meal time, the shop is always packed, and many people are even willing to wait at the temporary tables and chairs set up outside. The signature hand-pulled noodles here truly showcase the craftsmanship. The chef has been learning his trade here since he was 17. When kneading the dough, he adds warm water and salt, kneading repeatedly until the dough is smooth and chewy, then covers it with a damp cloth to rest for half an hour. Before cooking, the chef grabs the dough, flicks and pulls it in his hands, and the dough instantly turns into long, even noodles, drawing a beautiful arc in the air before being thrown into the boiling water. A few minutes later, the noodles are fished out and topped with tomato and lamb sauce stewed in advance with lamb bone broth. The sauce is rich and flavorful, the lamb is tender but not mushy, and the sweetness of the tomatoes perfectly balances the greasiness of the meat. When served, the chef sprinkles a handful of fresh coriander and spicy peppers, and serves it with thin slices of onions. Taking a bite, the noodles are chewy and elastic, the sauce is rich and tasty, and the aroma of the spicy peppers lingers in your mouth. Pairing it with a clove of crispy and sweet raw garlic is simply the ultimate enjoyment for your taste buds. Regular customers of the shop all know that when eating hand-pulled noodles here, you must have a bowl of free brick tea, which cuts through the greasiness and aids digestion. This simple combination holds the most authentic warmth of Urumqi’s daily life.

Night Market Feast: Red Willow Roasted Meat and Special Snacks

As the afterglow of the setting sun fades away, Urumqi’s night markets kick off. Among them, Shanxi Lane Night Market and Zhujiang Road Night Market are the most popular. As the lights turn on, the aroma of various delicacies fills the alleys, making your mouth water. The most attractive stall in the night market is undoubtedly the red willow roasted meat stall, which always has a long queue. The boss takes fresh lamb leg meat from the counter, cuts it into evenly sized cubes, marinates it with salt, cumin, and chili powder for a few minutes, then threads it onto the local specialty red willow branches. The red willow branches not only prevent the meat from sticking during roasting but also release a unique fragrance under high temperature, which penetrates into the meat. When roasting, the boss holds the skewers and turns them repeatedly over the charcoal fire. The meat juice drips onto the charcoal, making a “sizzling” sound, and the aroma bursts out along with the clouds of white smoke. When the outer skin of the meat is roasted until slightly charred and crispy, while the inside remains tender and juicy, a handful of freshly ground cumin is sprinkled on top, and the skewer is handed to the customer. Taking a bite, the tenderness of the lamb perfectly blends with the fragrance of the red willow, with no fishy smell at all, leaving a lingering aftertaste. In addition to red willow roasted meat, the night market also offers a wide variety of special snacks. At the cold noodles stall, the boss skillfully cuts the smooth cold noodles into strips, adds vinegar, soy sauce, garlic juice, chili oil, and special sesame paste, and mixes them well to make a spicy and refreshing dish. Rice intestines and flour lungs are classic local snacks: the rice intestines are glutinous, the flour lungs are tender, and when topped with savory soup and sprinkled with coriander, they have a unique flavor. Yogurt rice dumplings are the perfect way to cut through the greasiness—snow-white rice dumplings topped with thick honey and yogurt, sweet and sour. Wandering around the night market, holding roasted meat in one hand and cold noodles in the other, listening to the hawking and laughter around you, you will deeply feel the enthusiasm and vitality of this city.

Sun-kissed Fruits: Super Sweet Local Delicacies

It is worth mentioning the local fruits, which are truly treasures nurtured by the Tianshan melting snow and abundant sunlight. The temperature difference between day and night here often reaches more than ten degrees Celsius. The strong sunlight during the day allows the fruits to accumulate rich sugar, while the low temperature at night slows down the consumption of nutrients, resulting in an unparalleled super sweetness. In summer, walking on the street, clusters of green and purple grapes hang on the stalls, translucent like precious stones. Plucking one, peeling it, and eating it, the juice bursts in your mouth, sweet but not cloying. Hami melons are cut into slices, their golden flesh emitting a strong fragrance, and they taste soft and dense with a sweet aftertaste. In autumn, pomegranate trees are covered with bright red fruits. Peeling off the skin, the bright red seeds cling together like pearls, and they taste sweet and sour with plenty of juice. Apples are large and plump, with smooth and shiny skins, and they are crisp and refreshing when bitten into, full of natural fruity flavor. Fruit stalls can be seen everywhere on the streets. The bosses will warmly offer you cut samples to taste. Buying a few kilograms in a net bag, you can enjoy this sunny flavor from the northwest anytime, whether you are having a picnic on the grassland or snacking while wandering around the grand bazaar, making it the freshest memory of your trip.

Grapes from Xinjiang

The Pulse of a City Blending Ancient and Modern: Feeling the Warmth of Life

In the Museum: Understanding the Millennium History of the Western Regions

Urumqi is a city that blends ancient and modern elements, where ancient culture and modern life coexist perfectly. The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum is the best key to unlocking this history. Stepping into the museum, the first thing that catches your eye is often the “Five Stars Appear in the East, Benefiting China” silk armguard. This cultural relic unearthed from the Niya Ruins has exquisite characters and patterns, witnessing the close connection between the Western Regions and the Central Plains during the Han Dynasty. In the Silk Road exhibition hall, the currencies and ceramic utensils carried by caravans departing from Chang’an are neatly displayed. Persian silver coins and Han Dynasty five-zhu coins are placed side by side, silently telling the prosperity of the past when “foreign merchants and travelers gathered at the border every day”. In the ethnic culture exhibition hall, the traditional costumes of various ethnic groups are dazzling. Uyghur Adelis silk dresses are brightly colored, and Mongolian robes are thick in texture. The embroidery and patterns on each costume carry the aesthetics and wisdom of the ethnic group. In addition, the museum also houses a large number of rock paintings, painted pottery, and ancient daily necessities. Through these cultural relics, you can not only understand the historical evolution of civilization on this land from ancient times to the present but also deeply feel the long history of various ethnic groups living in harmony here, allowing your understanding of this city to go beyond the surface scenery to its profound cultural heritage.

Prosperous Urban Area: Experiencing the Rhythm of Modern Life

Walking out of the museum, you can move from the profound history into the lively modern life of the urban area. The Youhao Road business district is a microcosm of modern Urumqi, with rows of high-rise buildings and glass curtain walls shining under the sun. Youhao Department Store, an old local shopping mall, gathers commodities from all over the country and even the world, from fashionable clothing to special souvenirs, everything you need. The nearby Wanda Plaza is more popular among young people, with a complete range of one-stop facilities including international chain restaurants, trendy brand stores, and cinemas. Whether you want to taste exotic flavors or buy the latest seasonal styles, you can easily meet your needs. During your casual walk, step into an exquisitely decorated coffee shop on the street, order a latte or hand-brewed coffee, and sit by the window. Watching the busy street outside, with shared bicycles weaving through the traffic and groups of young people walking by, chatting and laughing while scrolling through their mobile phones, the sunlight filtering through the glass window warms your body and makes you feel comfortable. There is no excessive commercial impetuousness here; instead, it is full of the texture of life, allowing you to feel that while the city is developing rapidly, it still retains a calm rhythm of life.

Night Falls: Encountering the Warm Light of the City

When the setting sun paints the peak of the Tianshan Mountains with the last layer of golden glow, night gradually shrouds the city, and Urumqi’s night life is just beginning. At this time, the International Grand Bazaar turns into a sea of lights. Red and yellow lanterns hang from the eaves, stretching in strings to the depths of the alleys. The warm yellow light shines on the brick walls and corridor columns, creating an extremely cozy atmosphere. People coming and going all have relaxed smiles on their faces—some are choosing night souvenirs, some are listening to street artists playing and singing, and the atmosphere is lively and warm. If the night of the grand bazaar is about human warmth, then the night of Zhujiang Road Night Market is a carnival for the taste buds. The stalls here stretch from one end of the street to the other, and the aroma of red willow roasted meat, the wheat fragrance of baked nang, and the spicy and sour taste of cold noodles blend together, tempting your appetite. There is still a long queue in front of the roasted bun shop. The boss skillfully turns the buns in the stove, and the sound of his hawking mixes with the laughter of the customers, making it extremely lively. In addition to the night market, the roadsides in the urban area are also lit up with bright street lamps, which complement the neon lights on the high-rise buildings. Passing cars leave streaks of flowing light. Walking casually on any street, you can see residents dancing ethnic dances in the square, with children chasing and playing beside them. These vivid scenes make you deeply feel the warmth and vitality of the city at night.

This city, nourished by the snow-capped mountains, boasts magnificent natural scenery, diverse human customs, attractive special delicacies, and more importantly, the warm temperature of life. Whether you love natural scenery or are passionate about human history, whether you are obsessed with food or enjoy a leisurely travel rhythm, Urumqi can meet your expectations. Come here, slow down your busy pace, and feel every bit of beauty with your heart. I believe this city will leave you with unforgettable travel memories.