You're Going to Love Urumqi
Urumqi used to play a major role as one of the stops on the Silk Road. Today, it's home to a diverse population of Han, Hui, Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and Mongols. Staying in Urumqi is the perfect occasion to discover these cultures, to explore the nearby Tian Shan mountains, the Heavenly Lake, or the Red Hill Park and its temples.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Urumqi
1. Visit the Red Hill
The Red Hill is one of the most popular attractions in the area with its pagoda, its Ebo stone cairn, the Temple of the Jade Emperor, and the Temple of the Great Buddha.
2. The Silk Road
The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history of Urumqi and the Silk Road.
3. Take a Boat Ride on Heavenly Lake
The Heavenly Lake is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the Xinjiang province. You can take a boat ride on the lake or simply walk on the shore and admire the Bogda Mountains.
4. The Parks
Spend an afternoon at Hongshan Park to visit the temple and see the city from the top of the Ferris wheel. The People's Park is worth visiting too. This Park is always busy and you can rent a row boat.
5. Earth History
If you are interested in geology, visit the Xinjiang Geological and Mineral Museum.
A popular activity in Ürümqi
When to Visit Urumqi
Summer nights can be hot and humid and the temperature can drop to -30 degrees during winter nights. The weather will be more pleasant if you plan your visit in the fall or spring.
How to Get to Urumqi
Plane
The Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) is 12 miles northwest of the downtown area. You can get from the airport to the city center by taking the airport bus for ¥15 or by taking a taxi for ¥50.
Train
The Urumqi Railway Station is connected to several large Chinese cities, such as Beijing and Lanzhou.
Car
There are a few expressways that connect Urumqi with other cities in the Xinjiang province and with Kazakhstan. You can drive from the Kazakhstan border to Urumqi by following expressway G312. Expressway G30 connects Urumqi with Kumul to the east and expressway G314 connects Bayingol and other southern cities to Urumqi.
Bus
The Northern Long Distance bus station is where buses from Yining and Kazakhstan come in. The Southern Long Distance bus station is connected to other destinations, such as Turpan or Kashgar.
Airports near Ürümqi
Airlines serving Ürümqi
Where to stay in popular areas of Ürümqi
Most booked hotels in Ürümqi
How to Get Around Urumqi
Public Transportation
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system can be crowded but it is a convenient way to get around town, and fare is only ¥1.
Taxi
Taxi fare starts at ¥10 and you should be able to get anywhere in town for under ¥20.
Car
Renting a vehicle will cost you at least ¥250 a day for a small car. There are no major rental chains in the area but several small businesses rent vehicles, such as Yicheng Auto Rental or Shenzhoufeng Car Rental.
The Cost of Living in Urumqi
Shopping Streets
Head to the downtown area to shop at Da Bazar or to visit the Friendly Emporium mall. You will also find the Hualin Market in the south of the city.
Groceries and Other
Da Bazar and the Hualin Market are great places to shop for fresh foods and local or imported delicacies. You will also find a Carrefour location downtown. Expect to pay ¥41 for a gallon of milk and ¥12 for a dozen eggs.
Where to Eat in Urumqi
Try the chicken at Qosh Amet and eat at Bodun or Avral if you want to try traditional fare. Korgan is a great choice if you want an upscale experience. A meal at a simple restaurant will cost you ¥10, while an upscale place can cost ¥90 or more.
