Urumqi Travel Guide

Your Ideal First Stop in Xinjiang

Hello fellow travelers 🌈
If this is your first time visiting Xinjiang, Urumqi is without doubt the best place to start.

As the capital of Xinjiang, Urumqi is not only a transportation hub but also a city where modern urban life meets strong Central Asian culture. Within a single day, you can walk through museums that span thousands of years of history, wander lively bazaars filled with the scent of grilled lamb, and end your evening watching the sun set behind snow-capped mountains.

This guide is designed around a 3-day, 2-night itinerary, covering the best attractions, food streets, photography spots, transportation tips, and accommodation advice—so you can travel efficiently, comfortably, and without guesswork.

1. Best Time to Visit Urumqi

The best time to visit Urumqi is from June to September, with July and August being the most comfortable.

• Pleasant daytime temperatures

• Clear skies and excellent visibility

• Ideal for city exploration and a day trip to Tianchi Lake

Things to note:
👉 Large temperature differences between day and night
👉 Strong sunlight and very dry air

What to bring: a light jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

2. Transportation

✈️ By Air

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is the largest aviation hub in Xinjiang, with extensive domestic and international connections.
The city center is about 30–40 minutes away by taxi or metro.

🚄 By Train

Urumqi Railway Station is Xinjiang’s main rail hub, with high-speed trains connecting to cities such as Lanzhou and Xining.

🚕 Getting Around the City

• Most attractions are concentrated in central districts

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the fastest option

• The metro system is modern and easy to use

• Self-driving is not recommended for short stays

3. Where to Stay

Accommodation in Urumqi is generally affordable. Location matters more than hotel class.

Recommended Areas

• Hetian 2nd Street area – great food, local atmosphere

• Near the International Grand Bazaar – convenient for sightseeing and night photography

• Nanmen metro area – excellent transportation access

Hotel Types

• Budget chains: clean, practical, good value

• Mid-range hotels: comfortable and suitable for most travelers

4. Must-Visit Attractions

📍 Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum (Essential)

• Free entry, advance online reservation required

• The best place to understand Xinjiang’s history and cultures

• Famous for the “Loulan Beauty” mummy

⏰ 10:00–18:30 (last entry 18:00; closed Mondays)

📍 International Grand Bazaar

The largest bazaar in China, and the most iconic landmark in Urumqi.

• Strong Islamic architectural style

• Ideal for photos, snacks, and atmosphere

• Street food is worth trying

• Not recommended for buying expensive souvenirs (prices are often inflated)

📍 Xinjiang Folk Street

Within walking distance of the Grand Bazaar.
A favorite photo spot with mosques and traditional architecture—especially beautiful in the late afternoon.

📍 Hongshan Park & Hongshan Grand Buddha Temple

• Free entrance

• Panoramic views of Urumqi city

• On clear days, you can photograph snow mountains and the Buddha statue together

• Shuttle available for 5 RMB if you don’t want to walk

📍 Yamalik Mountain Forest Park

• Home to Jiujiu Century Pavilion, one of the best viewpoints

• City skyline + Bogda Snow Mountain on clear days

• Best visited near sunset

📍 Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)

About 1.5 hours from downtown, this is one of Xinjiang’s most famous natural attractions.

• Alpine lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks

• Boat rides and cable cars available

• Allow a full day for this trip

5. What to Eat in Urumqi

Must-Try Foods

• Baked lamb buns – crispy outside, juicy inside

• Hand-grabbed rice (Pilaf) – lamb, carrots, and fragrant rice

• Lamb skewers – simple seasoning, excellent meat quality

• Kvass – honey-fermented drink, no alcohol

• Nang bread – best eaten fresh and warm

🍜 Best Food Streets

• Hetian 2nd Street – local favorite

• Linguan Alley – short street, endless snacks

Recommended stops:

• Hetian yogurt curd shaved ice

• Izihair handmade ice cream (three-flavor combo)

• Baierkate meat nang (freshly baked only)

6. City Walk Route (Eat + Photo Friendly)

Muziguli Ice Cream Café →
Old Tea House (2nd-floor terrace) →
Nang Theme Pavilion →
Ma Shifu Fried Cake Shop (sand-brewed coffee) →
Grand Bazaar Theater (“Mosque in the Alley” photo spot) →
Old City Corner Café →
Arman Supermarket →
Linguan Alley night food crawl

7. Recommended 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Xinjiang Museum → Hetian 2nd Street → Linguan Alley → International Grand Bazaar (night)

Day 2

Xinjiang Folk Street → Hongshan Park → Hongshan Buddha Temple → Yamalik Mountain (sunset)

Day 3

Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) day trip → return to city in the evening

8. Best Photo Spots 📸

• Rooftop window near Erdao Bridge Mosque

• Grand Bazaar pedestrian archway

• Avanti sculpture rooftop angles

• Main mosque street (low-angle shots)

• “Mosque in the alley” near the theater

Portrait tip: shoot low angles, avoid harsh midday light.

9. Practical Tips 📒

1️⃣ Taxis are the most efficient way to get around
2️⃣ Summer sunset is around 9–10 PM
3️⃣ Sunscreen and moisturizing products are essential
4️⃣ Respect local ethnic and religious customs
5️⃣ A small portable humidifier helps at night
6️⃣ Buy souvenirs at Arman Supermarket or Jinquan Mall for better value