What to do and see in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur: The Best Things to do

May 18, 2021 Darleen Reid

Ürümqi (/ʊˈrʊmtʃi, ˌʊrʊmˈtʃiː/, Uyghur pronunciation: [ʏrʏmˈtʃi]; Chinese: 乌鲁木齐; pinyin: Wūlǔmùqí; Uyghur: ئۈرۈمچى‎, ULY: Ürümchi, UYY: Ürümqi; from Oirat "beautiful pasture") is the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China in Northwest China. Ürümqi was a major hub on the Silk Road during China's Tang dynasty, and developed its reputation as a leading cultural and commercial center during the Qing dynasty in the 19th Century.
Restaurants in Urumqi

1. Xinjiang Regional Museum (Qu Bowuguan)

No.132 Xibei Road, Urumqi 830000 China +86 991 455 2826 http://www.xjmuseum.com.cn
Excellent
53%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 251 reviews

Xinjiang Regional Museum (Qu Bowuguan)

Reviewed By KodoDrummer - Yekaterinburg, Russia

Informative history and ethnic diversity 12 minority groups. Human remains on display of a person who lived in the region over 10,000 years ago, and the mummified remains of men and women. Some where past generals, and one couple were believed to be lovers.

2. Tianshan Tianchi Lake

Within Tianshan Scenic Resort, Urumqi 830002 China +86 400 870 6110
Excellent
48%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 355 reviews

Tianshan Tianchi Lake

Formerly known as Yaochi (Jade Lake), it is guarded by the stately peaks and offers a spectacular sight.

Reviewed By KodoDrummer - Yekaterinburg, Russia

Awesomely beautiful views. The Heavenly Lake of Tianshan is a show of the beauty of nature, and some say, a reflection of what heaven is like.

3. Tianshan Mountains

Urumqi China +86 773 382 1157
Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 87 reviews

Tianshan Mountains

4. Red Hill

No.2 Hongshan Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi 830092 China
Excellent
27%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 75 reviews

Red Hill

Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD

At most of the attractions that we visited in Urumqi, we were often the only visitors. That will not be the case at Red Hill as it is busy all year round. It is easily accessible by bus 1,17 or 52. We walked from Peoples Park, north gate, which took approximately 15 minutes. It is free to enter the park, although there is the usual security check. The pond with boat rides is the first thing seen on entry, and there are quite a few children's activities and f&b options. A monument to the Chinese resistance movement is also in this area. You have an option here of taking an electric car ride (I think that it was RMB5) or walking to the top of the hill. We chose to walk, and found it quite pleasant though the steps to the Temple were steep. To the right of the steps is a children's area. The three sets of steps are quite well shaded with mist blowers and a fountain at the top which overflows and allows water to run down the steps to the left and right. If you have children this will be fun walking in the water. At the top of the steps is the ticket office, where you pay for entry to the Temple. The ticket cost was RMB20. The Temple is a beautiful structure, said to be built during the Tang Dynasty, and worth the steep climb. The lower level had displays from the dinosaur age, whilst the middle and upper levels had models of Urumqi city development. We found the models an interesting way to learn about the new city. The view from the top of the Temple was good and we enjoyed our visit. The steps are narrow and difficult to descend, so caution is required. Behind the temple is a garden with minature trees. After exiting the temple at the rear doors, a right will lead you to the area that the electric cars drop off passengers, the path to the left leads to the Red Tower and Lin Zexu statue. We were interested in the Lin Zexu statue, as we had visited Wusong in Shanghai the previous year where one of the main battles took place in 1842. Lin Zexu was instrumental in destroying 1.2m kg of opium products that were sent to China by the British. His actions caused the first opium war which resulted in a treaty which ceded Hong Kong to the British. Lin Zexu is seen as a national hero for his actions and today the 26th June is named the int'l day against drug use and trafficking in his honour. The Red Tower is also known as Zhen Long Ta. It is one of a pair of Pagodas, the other standing 1km away on Yamalike Hill (Yao Mo Shan). They are known together as the Zhenlong Pagodas. It is very difficult to get a photo here as everyone seems to congregate near to the pagoda. It was the exact opposite situation the previous day when we visited Yao Mo Shan as we were the only persons taking a photo. The walk back down should be done with caution, as the path is quite slippery and we saw a person get hurt on the descent.

5. Red Mountain

No.2 Hongshan Road, Shayibak District, Urumqi 830000 China +86 991 281 6940
Excellent
34%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 111 reviews

Red Mountain

6. Dabancheng Wind Power Station

Dabancheng District, Urumqi 830039 China
Excellent
19%
Good
60%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 42 reviews

Dabancheng Wind Power Station

7. People's Park of Urumqi

Youhao South Road, Tianshan District, Urumqi 830002 China +86 991 584 9434
Excellent
25%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
29%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 55 reviews

People's Park of Urumqi

Reviewed By hidihidiho

Walking into the People's Park you feel a sense of calm and tranquility envelope you. It really is a refuge of peace amidst the noise and building works of Urumqi City. Arrive early morning (and I mean early around 8 o'clock Beijing time... Local time 6am) and you will be surrounded by all kinds of activities from sword dancing, tai chi, line dancing, fan dancing, backwards walking, opera singing, communal singing and anything else I might have missed. Despite the deluge of activity it still feels peaceful and different from the activity outside its walls. Every season is beautiful as the army of gardeners and cleaners beaver away to make the environment as much like a luscious garden as they can. Spring blossom and bulbs, summer flower carpets, autumn colours and winter snow festival with ice skating and other ice sports. It is definitely a place to go to experience another side of Urumqi life and see young and old having fun. Foreigners can join in too. Take a badminton racquet or table tennis bat along and you will be welcome to join in any one of the groups. If you feel like joining in the line dancing or ballroom dancing you will never have any difficulty finding a partner.

8. Nanshan Ranch of Urumqi

Tianshan District, Urumqi 830002 China
Excellent
45%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 33 reviews

Nanshan Ranch of Urumqi

9. Silk Road Ski Resort

Ping Xi Liang Village Nan Shan Grasslands, Urumqi China
Excellent
33%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 9 reviews

Silk Road Ski Resort

10. Grand Bazzar

Heping South Road, Urumqi China
Excellent
17%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
9%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 188 reviews

Grand Bazzar

Reviewed By bobbU7284FF - Blair, United States

One of the most interesting City Markets I've every visited. Filled with local crafts and regional dried fruits that are very atypical to the Western eye. Vendors were very friendly and skilled bargainers--bring your best game, including walking off to get the best prices. Very large area with great variety, plan for a full day to see and enjoy it all.

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