Northern Xinjiang/Searching for the Heart of Tianshan Mountains: My Adventure in Urumqi, a City Made in Heaven

Urumqi, the city farthest from the ocean in the world, was just a little-known fact in geography at first. But when I really set foot on this piece of northern Xinjiang land, I realized that this is not just data, but a city made by nature, integrating the East and the West, and hiding surprises. 🏞 Scenic spot tour: the mysterious city chapter at the foot of Tianshan Mountain 🌄 Tianshan Grand Canyon (Nanshan Scenic Area) Less than an hour's drive from the city, I came to Tianshan Grand Canyon (also known as Nanshan Ranch). What caught my eye were the layers of mountains and grasslands, and the streams formed by the snow water of Tianshan Mountain passed through the woods. In the summer, the pastures were full of tents and cattle and sheep, and the enthusiastic Kazakh herdsmen invited me to taste fresh milk and baked buns. Here, not only is the scenery primitive, but also the soul of Xinjiang is hidden. 🕌 Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar When you come to Urumqi, how can you not walk into this world-class bazaar market? I felt like I had walked into a colorful storybook. The ceiling was decorated with intricate Islamic carved chandeliers. In front of me were rows of stalls selling handmade carpets, spices, jewelry, and various ethnic costumes. Every place made me want to stop. And the towering minaret, shining golden light under the blue sky, made me feel like I was in the old city of Central Asia. 🏔 Hongshan Park Hongshan in the city center is the best place for me to relax and enjoy the view. Climbing to the top of the mountain, the entire Urumqi city view is in full view, and the tower-shaped "Hongshan Tower" is said to be able to guard the feng shui of the entire city. Standing on the top of the mountain at dusk, watching the city lights slowly light up, there is a wonderful tranquility. 🍢 Xinjiang Taste Map: A Symphony of Aroma and Taste 🍖 Big Plate Chicken How can you miss this classic when you come to Xinjiang? The version I had at a small restaurant recommended by a local was tender and tasty, the potatoes were fragrant and smooth, and paired with hand-pulled noodles, every bite was a rich storm of spices. 🥙 Baked buns and lamb skewers At the stall outside the International Grand Bazaar, I was attracted by the aroma of cumin. The hot baked buns are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a wonderful combination of lamb and onions inside. The freshly grilled lamb skewers are even more crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a salty and fragrant smell, which can be smelled in almost every corner. 🥛 Mare's milk wine and milk tea Walking into the Kazakh tent restaurant, I experienced traditional mare's milk wine and salty milk tea. The former is slightly sour and strong, and the latter is salty and fragrant. It is a new world of taste that I have never experienced before. 🚇 Transportation: Unimpeded access and convenient in the city ✈️ Airport I took a plane to "Urumqi Diwopu International Airport", which is about 30 minutes' drive from the city. The airport also has airport buses and subway lines connecting to the city center. 🚇 Subway and bus Urumqi currently has Metro Line 1, connecting the airport with important areas in the city. I have also taken many buses. Although there are many people, I can arrive at various attractions on time. 🚗 Charter or one-day tour If you want to go deep into the Tianshan Ranch or the suburban scenic spots, it is recommended to charter a car or join a local one-day tour. The drivers are warm and talkative, and they will take me to some private attractions that are not in the travel books. 📌 Travel Tips • The temperature difference between day and night in Urumqi is large. Even in summer, remember to bring a coat. • Before trying the food, you can ask about the spiciness and taste. Local cuisine is salty and spice-heavy. • The city is safe, but the bazaar is crowded. Please keep your belongings. Urumqi is not a city that can be fully recorded with a shutter. It is more like the beginning of a journey. Coming here is like walking into a map of the Silk Road from Central Asia to China. Mountains, grasslands, spices, silk and sheep all meet here. On the day I left, I stood at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains and looked back at the city. A word emerged in my heart: a city made in heaven, it really lives up to its name.