Urumqi Travel Guide

v Basic information Telephone area code: 0991 Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Tourism Bureau: 0991-8831902 Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Tourism Supervision Tel: 0991-8878297 Time difference: -2 hours Travel information Travelling in Urumqi, you must pay attention to sun protection and skin […]

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Basic information

Telephone area code: 0991
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Tourism Bureau: 0991-8831902
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Tourism Supervision Tel: 0991-8878297
Time difference: -2 hours

Travel information

Travelling in Urumqi, you must pay attention to sun protection and skin care when traveling in scenic spots. Prepare sunscreen, sun visors, and a scarf in advance to prevent wind and sun.

Medical treatment

The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University
Address: New urban area of Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Tel: 0991-4646104
The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University
Address: No. 38, North Second Lane, Nanhu East Road, Shuimogou District
Tel: 0991-4609099
Urumqi First People’s Hospital
Address: No. 806, Henan East Road, Urumqi
Tel: 0991-3837966

Destination overview

 

Destination sketch

Located at the northern foot of the eastern section of the Tianshan mountains and on the southeastern edge of Jungar Basin, Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With an arid climate of the temperate zone, Urumqi is inhabited by the Han, Uygur, Kazak, Mongolia and other nationalities of over 40, totaling over 1.5 million in population.

During its long history, Urumqi was the stationing and herding place of the town-state kingdom of Cheshi in the Han Dynasty, and Luntai County was established here in the Tang Dynasty. In the 38th year of Emperor Qianlong (1763) of the Qing Dynasty, Urumqi was named Dihua, and the Gongnin city was set up here in 1772. After the establishment of Xinjiang Province in 1884, Urumqi became the capital of the province. Today, a modern industrial system, with the petroleum, coal, steel, textile and electronic industries as it backbone, has taken shape in Urumqi has become a traffic hinge and a metropolis in the Central Asia.

Minorities in Xinjiang province

 

Uygur (Uigur) Nationality

They particularly enjoy dancing and singing. Festivities such as wedding ceremonies are celebrated with all guests, joining in their traditional folk dance. The Uygur culture reflects its wisdom, literary and artistic talents. Poems and oral legends are always popular. The story of Afanti is a popular tale amongst Uygur children.

Mongol (Mongolian) Nationality

They are unconstrained and warm-hearted people as they treat others warmly and politely. They greet everyone they meet during their travels even they do not know each other. To present hada which represents holy and auspice, and to hang it onto the guest’s neck means that they consider their guests are very distinguished. The guests should bend forward as a way to express their gratitude.

Tagik (Tajik) Nationality

They place heavy stress on etiquette. When men greet each other, the tradition is to shake hands or kiss the back of the other’s hands; women kiss the face and lips; and men and women shake hands or kiss the palm of the hand. The embrace is seen as a way of expressing their warmest feelings.
In other areas they obey most Islamic manners. Mothers teach their daughters to respect their husbands and parents-in-law; not to flirt with other men, and to be economical and diligent. When they have guests, they respect others’ ideas fully and they never ask when the guest will be leaving.

Hui Nationality

Hui nationality is descended from the Arabic and Persian merchants who came to China during the 7th century. With a population of 643,238, the majority of the group lives in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. However, there are some living in almost all the provinces and cities of China.

Tatar Nationality

mainly live in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region; have their own language; follow Islam; depend on agriculture, stock husbandry and handicrafts.

Uzbek Nationality

mainly live in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regions; believe in Islam, and depend on stock breeding and handicrafts industries

Beliefs and taboos

In Urumqi, there are ten ethnic minorities practicing Islam. It boasts 263 mosques now. The famous ones include Tartar Mosque and Qinghai Mosque and Southern Mosque and Shaanxi Mosque. Tartar mosque is the center for peaceful Islamic activities in the city. And Southern Mosque is an important historic heritage site. This center of Moslem worship was built in 1919 and subsequently renovated on three different occasions.

Local festival

curban festival

also known as “Sacrifice Festival”, falls on December 10th in the Islamic calendar and lasts three days. During that time, ethnic activities, thumping singing and dancing parties will be held in both urban and rural areas. All homes serve their visitors delicious mutton.

Best Travel season

From a geographical point of view, Urumqi is a typical temperate continental arid climate. Due to the large temperature difference between day and night in Urumqi, even in the hottest months, it is necessary to bring a thick sweater. From May to October, you can bring sweaters, coats or windbreakers. Before April and after November, you must wear cold-weather clothing such as a thick coat or down jacket.

Consumption level

The chartered car prices in Xinjiang vary from model to model, ranging from 900 to 2,200 yuan per day in the peak season and from 600 to 2,000 yuan per day in the off-season. The cost of accommodation varies according to the individual’s choice, ranging from 150 to 300 yuan per day in the off-season. In addition, tickets are not a small expense on the journey. Traveling in Urumqi, the average daily consumption is between 800 and 1,000 yuan.

Practical information

Urumqi Tourist Center
Address: Near 153 Longquan Street, Urumqi

Xia Menzi Tourist Area Tourist Reception Center
Address: Near 139 County Road, Urumqi

Intercity traffic

 

Aircraft

Urumchi Diwopu International Airport, URC
Address: No. 1342 Yingbin Road, New City, Urumqi
Tel: 0991-3804223
Way of arrival
The airport is located in the northwest of Urumqi, 18 kilometers from the city center. Visitors can take the 27, 51 bus to the airport, or choose the airport bus and the civil aviation express line to get a taxi from the city about 40 yuan, about half an hour.
Airport bus Shihezi line
Operating time: 6:00-18:30 Fare: 80 yuan
Civil Aviation Express Train Station Line
Operating time: 7:30-21:30 Ticket price: 10 yuan

Train

Urumqi South Railway Station (formerly Urumqi Railway Station)
Address: 135 South Station Road, Shayibake District, Urumqi
Arrival method: You can take bus 8, 20, 52, 903, etc. to the South Railway Station, or take the BRT Line 1, K2 and Civil Aviation Express to arrive
Tel: 0991-7945222

Long distance bus

Nianzigou Coach Terminal (Urumqi Bus Station)
Address: 51, Heilongjiang Road, Urumqi
Tel: 0991-5878898

Beijiao Coach Terminal
Address: No. 959 South Hubei Road, Urumqi
Tel: 0991-4875555

Nanjiao Coach Station
Address: No. 1, Yanerwo Road, Tianshan District, Urumqi
Tel: 0991-2866635

Chartered car

Urban chartered rates are very different with the tourist season and the off-season. The general off-season is from April to June, the peak season is July to October, and the price ranges from 500 to 2,000 yuan. According to the duration of car rental, prices will also fluctuate.

Traffic in the city

 

Bus

There are many bus lines in the city, covering most of the city’s attractions. There is an average price of 1 yuan for no ticket office and 2 yuan for long distance bus fares.

Taxi

The taxi starting price in Urumqi is 10 yuan (3 kilometers), the unit price is 1.3 yuan per kilometer, and it is 1.9 yuan per kilometer at night.

Downtown attractions

 

Xinjiang Iternational Grand Bazaar

The Bazaar is very unique and combines cultures and has stalls selling an incredible Selection of items from the local Uyghur Ethnic Minority Group, Russia, and China. Carpets, silk, musical instrument, embroidery, jade, and so much more can be found in the bazaar.
Address: 8 Jiefang South Road, Tianshan District, Urumqi
Arrival method: Take the 61, 70, 104, 301 Road to Heping South Road Station Tickets: Free, Sightseeing Tower 50 yuan

Khan Tengri Temple

Founded in 1864, believers from Kashgar raised funds to build a church in Kashgar. Therefore, it is also called “Kashgar temple”. It is an Islamic-style building with a civil structure.
Address: 31 Jiefang South Road, Tianshan District, Urumqi
Arrival method: Take 3, BRT 3 to Nanmen Station

Shaanxi Great Mosque

Located in the northern end of Jianzhong Road in Urumqi, Shaanxi Great Mosque is the biggest Islamic mosque in the city. Unlike other Islamic mosque in Urumqi, it was built in Chinese traditional brick and wooden architecture style. First built in the reign of Emperor Guangxu In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the mosque can hold a thousand people to pray. The main hall is supported by 40 red wooden pillars. On the archway, there are exquisitely carved the words excerpted from Quran. The architectural style and the delicate Carvings here are rare and wonderful.
Address: No. 17, Yonghezheng Street, Tianshan District, Urumqi
Arrival method: You can take Bus No. 3, 44, or 61 or BRT No. 3 to South Gate Station
Opening hours: 8:00-16:00
Tickets: Free

 Xinjiang Regional Museum

Located in the downtown area since 1953, displays archaeological treasures and local relics from the Silk Road. Cultural relics excavated on the ancient Silk Road include silk, pottery, porcelain, terra-cotta figures, weapons, scriptures, even some mummies discovered in the vast Desert. In addition, articles from various ethnic groups are shown. These include clothing, household utensils, handicrafts, hunting tools, and musical instruments, as well as a Uygur house and various yurts.
Address: No. 430, Youyi North Road, Shayibake District, Urumqi
Arrival method: Take the 52, 157, 311 Road or BRT1, Line 2 to Friendship Road Station
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:30-17:00
Tickets: ID card free

Red Hill

One of the landmarks of the city is Red Hill with its emerald greenery, pagoda, and shrines. The hill rocks are reddish-brown, hence the name Red Hill. Historical sites on the hill once included the Ebo (stone cairn used by tribesmen to Worship and sacrifice to their gods) built by the nomadic Oyrat Tribe; and the Temple of the Jade Emperor and the Temple of the Great Buddha built in the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911). These splendid temples attract swarms of visitors and made the hill a holy place where worshipers chanted Buddhist sutras and performing religious ceremonies. Unfortunately, almost all the buildings were destroyed during the war, leaving only the pagoda at the top. Today, local people regard the hill as the symbol of the city.
Address: No. 40, North First Lane, Hongshan Road, Urumqi
Arrival method: Take bus number 29, 35, 61, 73, 908 etc. to Hongshan Park Station
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
Tickets: Free, 5 yuan
Phone: 0991-8855671

Attractions nearby

 

Shuimogou Park

Nice place for people watching, gazillion of colourful fish in the streams and the pond and a nice escape from the scorching heat in the city. A rather nonspectacular Buddhist temple on the top of the hill.
Address: 472, Shuimogou Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi
How to get there: Take 801 Road to Shuimogou Park Houmen Station
Opening Hours: All day
Tickets: Free
Tel: 0991-4684055
Www.shuimogoupark.com

The center of Asia continent

Address: Near Baojiazizi Village, Yongfeng Township, Urumqi, Urumqi
How to get there: Take the bus to Yongfeng Township at the bus terminal, about 40 minutes drive
Opening hours: 10:00-20:00
Tickets: Free

Heavenly Lake (Tian Chi)

In the middle of Bogda Peak, 110 km (68miles) east of Urumqi, nestles Heavenly Lake. Covering 4.9 square kilometers (1.89 square miles), this crescent-shaped water area deserves its name, Pearl of Heavenly Mountain (Tianshan Mountain). With Melted snow as its source, Heavenly Lake enjoys crystal water.
In summer, the beautiful place is an ideal cool resort. Boaters on it see the ever-changing silvery mountains soaring into the blue sky, their slopes highlighted with verdant pasture and flamboyant wild flowers. Fishing at dusk has its own special charm. A day In this fairyland promises restoration.
Heavenly Lake, a relic of the Quaternary Period Glacier and its surrounding geological relics, offers science lovers exploring opportunities.
Address: No. 501, Zhungeer Road, Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture
Arrival method: Travel in the People’s Park to Tianchi for 120 to 160 yuan per person
(including tickets)
Tickets: From April to October 125 yuan, from November to March 60 the following year, sightseeing bus 90 yuan to and from the opening hours: April to October 8:30-20:00, November to March 10: 00-18:00
Complaint phone: 0994-3251010
Rescue phone: 0994-3251102
Www.xjtstc.com

Southern Pastures (West White Poplar Gully)

The word ‘Urumqi’ originally means ‘Beautiful Pastures’ in Mongolian. Fortunately in the suburb of the city of Urumqi there lies the Southern Pastures, a beautiful pasture the pastoral Kazakh inhabit and graze in summer.
Covering an area of 119 square kilometers (about 45 square miles), Southern Pastures, the natural large and famous summer resort, 75 kilometers (about 46 miles) away from the city, is located in the Southern Mountain, the area at the northern foot Of Karawuquntag Mountain.
Address: West Baiyanggou Village, Gangou Township, Urumqi, 45km from Urumqi City
Arrival method: There is a direct shuttle bus to the scenic spot at Nanjiao Bus Terminal. From 9:00 to 19:00
Ticket: 30 yuan.
Get off at the bridge station and walk 50 meters

Itinerary

 

Two-day tour

DAY 1: Heavenly Lake (Tian Chi) – International Grand Bazaar

DAY 2: Southern Pastures (West White Poplar Gully)

Three days trekking tour around Tianshan Mountain

Heavenly Lake (Tian Chi) most famous trekking route starts from the southern slope of the Tianshan Mountains and passes through the Bogda Peak to the Tianchi Scenic Area. It is completed on foot to complete the crossing of the Tianshan Mountains in the north and the south, and experience the strange natural scenery on both sides of the mountain.
DAY 1: Dabancheng-Tianshan Pasture- Sancha Valley Pass -Sheep No. 2
DAY 2: Alpine pastures – Sancha Mountain Pass – Mountaineering Base Camp
DAY 3: Three Daban- Dadonggou – Heavenly Lake (Tian Chi)

Food

Almost all cuisines of China can be found here, so there is no need to worry about eating. Eating food from different local ethnic groups is a must-do activity. Kebabs, Nang and Xinjiang Noodles of Uyghur, cheese and Boiled Lamb from Mongolia, bread and dairy-products from Russia ensure that you will not help having a try of some if not all that is on offer. Various local fruits and nuts will leave you a sweet memory.

Accommodation

In Urumqi, you can live in luxury five-star hotels, cheap hotels, family hotels, and yurts or Kazak yurts in the pastoral areas.

Shopping

Fruits and Melons, Carpet, Atlas Silk, Handicrafts

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