Journey to Urumqi | Encounter the Romance of Northwest China

Urumqi, a city located on the northwestern border of China, is a place you won't want to leave. It combines magnificent natural scenery, rich ethnic customs, and unique food culture. Now, follow this guide to start a wonderful journey to Urumqi! 1. Best Time to Travel Urumqi has a temperate semi-arid continental climate, which is dry with little rain and a large temperature difference between day and night. The best time to travel is from May to October, when the weather is comfortable and the scenery is pleasant. July to August is summer, with an average daytime temperature of 31°C and a nighttime temperature of about 20°C, suitable for escaping the heat and enjoying the natural scenery. September to October offers crisp autumn weather, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. You can see the beautiful scenery of colorful forests, and it is also the season when fruits and melons ripen. 2. Must-See Attractions Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar: The world's largest bazaar, full of strong West Asian flavor. Here you can find Xinjiang's first sightseeing tower, an Islamic mosque, and a food court. Stroll through it, admire the unique architectural style, taste Xinjiang cuisine, buy unique handicrafts, and experience the lively atmosphere. Tianshan Grand Canyon: Famous for its "peculiar pines, strange rocks, and sea of clouds," the canyon winds its way with steep cliffs and jagged rocks on both sides. It is a paradise for hikers and photography enthusiasts. There are also attractions such as the Tianshan Dam and Zhaobi Mountain in the scenic area, showcasing the unique natural wonders of the Tianshan Mountains. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum: The largest comprehensive museum in Xinjiang, it houses a large collection of historical relics and folk exhibits, such as the Loulan Mummy. Here, you can gain an in-depth understanding of Xinjiang's history and culture. There are also multimedia interactions and a cultural relic creative stage show, "A Thousand Years of Words." Hongshan Park: A comprehensive urban mountain park located in the city center. Climb to the top of Hongshan Mountain to overlook the entire city of Urumqi. The "Sunset Glow over Hongshan Mountain" is a must-see. The park has vast lawns, dense forests, and gorgeous flowers. Nanshan Scenic Area: Known as the green lung of Urumqi, it integrates sightseeing, leisure, summer resorts, and vacationing. The scenic area has steep peaks and lush vegetation. In summer, the grassland scenery is boundless, and in winter, it is a high-quality ski resort. You can also experience the traditional lifestyle and cuisine of the Kazakh people. 3. Local Cuisine Lamb Skewers: A Xinjiang specialty, fresh and tender lamb is cut into small pieces, skewered on iron sticks, grilled over charcoal fire, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a rich aroma. Hand-Pulled Rice: The main ingredients are rice, mutton, carrots, etc. After careful processing, the ingredients are stewed together. The rice absorbs the aroma of mutton and carrots, and the grains are distinct and nutritious. Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken: A popular specialty dish, the chicken is tender, the potatoes are soft and glutinous, and it is served with belt noodles. The noodles are soaked in rich soup, spicy and satisfying. Naan: A traditional Xinjiang food made from flour, water, yeast, etc. It comes in various flavors and shapes. Freshly baked naan has a crispy crust and a strong wheat aroma. Urumqi Fried Rice Noodles: Made with thin and tender rice noodles, along with meat and vegetables. It has a spicy flavor and chewy noodles, making it irresistible. 4. Important Notes Respect local religious beliefs and customs, especially in religious places, and follow relevant regulations. The climate in Urumqi is dry and the ultraviolet rays are strong. Remember to bring moisturizing and sunscreen products, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. There are many mosquitoes in summer, so bring mosquito repellent. When tasting food, pay attention to food hygiene and avoid eating unclean food, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Keep your personal belongings safe when taking public transportation or in crowded places.