Urumqi

乌鲁木齐

The capital and largest city of Xinjiang, serving as the modern hub and gateway to the region with excellent transportation connections. It offers museums showcasing Xinjiang's history, the nearby Heavenly Lake alpine scenery, and diverse dining options reflecting the region's cultures.

Things to do

• Xinjiang Regional Museum — Houses extensive collections of Silk Road artifacts, ancient textiles, and the famous Loulan Beauty mummy, providing deep insight into the region's diverse history.
• Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) — A pristine alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks located about 110 km east of the city, offering hiking, photography, and stunning mountain scenery.
• International Grand Bazaar — A sprawling marketplace featuring traditional crafts, textiles, spices, and souvenirs representing Xinjiang's diverse ethnic cultures.
• Red Hill Park — An urban park with panoramic views of the city from its hilltop pavilion, featuring walking trails and a pagoda overlooking Urumqi's skyline.
• Turpan Day Trip — Visit the historic oasis city 180 km away to explore the ancient Jiaohe ruins, Flaming Mountains, and the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.
• People's Square — The city's central gathering space featuring ethnic statues and serving as a vibrant hub for local life, shopping, and cultural events.

Food to try

• Lamb Skewers (Yangrou Chuan) — Tender lamb meat marinated in cumin and chili, grilled over charcoal on metal skewers—a signature street food found throughout the city.
• Naan Bread — Traditional Central Asian flatbread baked in a clay tandoor-style oven, often served fresh with sesame seeds and a crispy exterior.
• Hand-Pulled Noodles (Laghman) — Thick, chewy noodles served in a spiced meat and vegetable sauce reflecting Uyghur culinary traditions.
• Polo Rice (Pilau/Plov) — Fragrant rice pilaf cooked with lamb, carrots, and spices, representing a Central Asian staple found in most Uyghur restaurants.
• Roasted Whole Lamb (Yangroufan) — A ceremonial dish of succulent roasted lamb served at special occasions and upscale Uyghur restaurants throughout the city.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Islamic customs — Avoid eating pork in front of Uyghur Muslim locals, remove shoes when entering homes, and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Greetings and hospitality — Uyghur culture emphasizes warm hospitality; accept offered tea and food graciously as refusing can be considered rude.
• Language and communication — While Mandarin Chinese is widely spoken, learning basic Uyghur phrases like 'Assalamu Alaikum' (hello) shows respect and is greatly appreciated by locals.
• Photography sensitivity — Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in traditional communities, and avoid photographing religious ceremonies without explicit consent.