Urumqi City Travel

Xinjiang Urumqi — Capital of Asia, Key Town on the Silk Road. Enjoy city scenery and grassland pastures, experience diverse ethnic cultures, and taste western region customs.

300+
Ethnic Specialty Goods
1
5A-Level Scenic Area (Nanshan Pasture)
2000+
Silk Road Relics
50+
Ethnic Specialty Foods

Urumqi City Districts & Counties Travel

Urumqi City Three-Day Two-Night Essence Tour

Explore the capital of Asia, experience diverse cultures, enjoy grassland scenery, taste western region cuisine

Duration
3 days 2 nights
Main Destinations
City Center, Nanshan Pasture
Suitable For
Culture explorers, nature lovers
Budget per Person
¥1200-¥1800
01
First Encounter with Urumqi
Xinjiang Museum · Red Hill Park · International Grand Bazaar
Highlights

Arrive in Urumqi, check into hotel, then head to Xinjiang Museum to learn about Silk Road history. In the afternoon, climb Red Hill Park for a panoramic city view. In the evening, stroll through the International Grand Bazaar and experience ethnic customs.

Attractions
Xinjiang Museum
National first-class museum, housing precious artifacts such as the Loulan Beauty Mummy and the "Five Stars Rise in the East Benefit China" brocade arm guard.
Red Hill Park
Urumqi's symbolic landmark, the summit offers a panoramic view of the entire city, featuring the Qing Dynasty Red Hill Pagoda and Lin Zexu statue.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Conrad Urumqi Hotel
  • Hilton Hotel
  • Grand Bazaar Characteristic Homestay
Food Recommendations
  • Baked Buns
  • Hand-Grabbed Rice (Polo)
  • Kvass
Travel Tips
  • Evening ethnic song and dance performances at the Grand Bazaar
  • Note the time difference (2 hours behind Beijing time)
  • Prepare sun protection items
02
Pastoral Songs of the Grassland
Nanshan Pasture · West Poplar Gully
Highlights

Full day tour of Nanshan Pasture (Urumqi County), experience Kazakh nomadic culture, ride horses across the grassland. In the afternoon, visit West Poplar Gully Waterfall and enjoy the Tianshan forest landscape.

Attractions
Nanshan Pasture
A sky grassland on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, located in Urumqi County. Green grass in summer, white snow in winter, summer pasture of Kazakh herders.
West Poplar Gully
A hidden gem in the Tianshan canyon, featuring a 40-meter waterfall and primitive spruce forests.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Take shuttle bus from Urumqi suburban bus station
  • About 1 hour drive
  • Recommended departure at 9:00 AM
Experience Activities
  • Horse Riding: 100 yuan/hour
  • Herder Home Visit: 50 yuan/person
  • Ethnic Costume Photo
Important Notes
  • Follow the guide's instructions when riding
  • Strong UV rays on grassland, protect yourself
  • Do not enter herder fenced areas casually
03
Western Region Charm
Shuimogou Park · Xinjiang Folk Street
Highlights

In the morning, visit Shuimogou Park and explore the Qing Dynasty antique building complex. In the afternoon, head to Xinjiang Folk Street to experience multi-ethnic culture. Return or free time in the evening.

Attractions
Shuimogou Park
One of the eight great scenic spots of Urumqi in the Qing Dynasty, located in Shuimogou District, featuring the Qianlong-era water mill workshop ruins and Ji Xiaolan Memorial Hall.
Xinjiang Folk Street
A theme street showcasing the culture of Xinjiang's 13 indigenous ethnic groups, featuring ethnic handicrafts, food and song and dance performances.
Practical Info
Shopping Recommendations
  • Dried Fruit Market
  • Ethnic Musical Instruments
  • Atlas Silk Fabric
Return Tips
  • Allow 3 hours to reach the airport
  • Purchased knives need to be checked in
  • Dried fruits can be mailed

Must-Try Foods in Urumqi City

Roasted Whole Lamb

A traditional Xinjiang feast, using lamb slowly roasted over charcoal fire for 4 hours, crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.

Big Plate Chicken

A representative Xinjiang dish, chicken stewed with potatoes and chili peppers, served with belt noodles, spicy and rich in flavor.

Hand-Grabbed Rice (Polo)

A traditional Uyghur staple food, mutton braised with carrots and yellow radishes, each grain of rice glistening with oil.

Baked Buns

A Uyghur specialty pastry, thin crust wrapped around lamb filling and baked, crispy on the outside and tender inside, full of meat juices.

Urumqi City Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Best grassland season, cool climate
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Layers of color, fragrant melons and fruits
  • Winter: Skiing paradise, spectacular snow scenery
Must-Try Foods
  • Roasted Whole Lamb
  • Big Plate Chicken
  • Hand-Grabbed Rice (Polo)
  • Baked Buns
  • Kvass
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 200 yuan
  • Accommodation: 200-400 yuan/night
  • Meals: 80-150 yuan/day
  • Transport: approx. 200 yuan
  • Total: 1200-1800 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Need a border pass? → Not needed for city attractions
  • How long to visit Nanshan Pasture? → Recommended full day
  • Bargaining tips at Grand Bazaar? → Start at 30%-50% of marked price
  • Best season for Nanshan Pasture? → June-September