Urumqi, Xinjiang, is a city full of natural scenery and historical and cultural heritage. The tourist attractions are unique, with both magnificent natural scenery and rich historical and cultural heritage as well as strong ethnic customs. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast, a photography enthusiast or a cultural explorer, you can find your favorite tourist destination here. The following is a brief introduction and characteristic summary of the main tourist attractions in Urumqi:

Main History
Once the ancient kingdom of Cheshi, Urumqi became “Dihua” under Emperor Qianlong in 1763 and was renamed Urumqi in 1954. A strategic stop on the Silk Road’s northern branch, it is now the capital of Xinjiang and the western terminus of the second Eurasian Land Bridge.

Latitude & Longitude
City centre: 43°49′ N, 87°37′ E.
Municipal range: 42°45′32″ N–44°08′00″ N, 86°37′33″ E–88°58′24″ E.

Total Area
14,216 km².

Permanent Resident Population
≈ 4.085 million (end-2023).

Airports
2 airports: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC – main hub) and Urumqi Nanshan Airport (under construction, general aviation).

Main Railway Stations
3 principal stations: Urumqi Railway Station, Urumqi South Station, Urumqi West Station.

Metro Opening & Network
First metro line opened 25 October 2018; as of June 2025 two lines (Lines 1 & 2) are in operation.

Geographic Position in China
North-west China, central Xinjiang, at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains and on the southern edge of the Junggar Basin—the farthest large city from any ocean on Earth.

Geographic Features
Surrounded on three sides by mountains, sloping north to south (580–920 m a.s.l.). The Urumqi and Toutun Rivers cut through alluvial plains, creating oasis-desert landscapes.

Climate Characteristics
Mid-temperate continental arid: cold winters, hot summers, large diurnal range; annual sunshine >2,500 hours, humidity <60 %.

Months of the Four Seasons
Spring: April–May
Summer: June–August
Autumn: September–October
Winter: November–March

Annual Average Temperature
≈ 8.4 °C.

Annual Average Precipitation
≈ 236 mm.

Best Times to Visit
May–October, when weather is mild and melons are ripe.

Peak Tourist Seasons
July–September (cool retreat + fruit festivals) and October Golden Week.

Major Tourist Attractions
Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), Hongshan Park, Grand Bazaar, Nanshan Pasture, Shuimogou Park, Xinjiang Museum, Dabancheng Ancient Town.

Main Shopping Streets
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street (Zhongshan Road, Tianshan District) and the Grand Bazaar (South Jiefang Road, Tianshan District).

Signature Specialties
Lamb kebabs, Xinjiang polo (pilaf), big-plate chicken, naan, yoghurt curd, horse-sausage.

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar: The world's largest bazaar, integrating shopping, dining, and cultural exhibitions, is a great place to experience the Xinjiang style.

Tianshan Grand Canyon: The magnificent natural scenery, with strange pines and rocks, is an excellent place for hiking and photography.

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum: A window to understand the history and culture of Xinjiang, exhibiting precious cultural relics such as mummies.

Shuimogou Scenic Area: Urban green lung, suitable for leisure and relaxation, with hot springs and fresh natural scenery.

Hongshan Park: an oasis in the city, with a panoramic view of Urumqi from the top of the mountain and historical and cultural relics.

Nanshan Scenic Area: a summer resort with grasslands, forests, and herds of cattle and sheep, where you can experience Kazakh culture.

Erdaoqiao: A commercial street with ethnic customs, a lively night market, and a wide variety of food and handicrafts.

Miaogou Waterfall: It is known as the "Little Guilin in the Western Regions" for its beautiful natural scenery, waterfall and ethnic cultural experience.

Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park: A park showcasing ancient ecological resources and Silk Road culture, featuring silicified wood, meteorites, and wild horses.

Tianshan Tianchi: A high mountain lake with snow-capped mountains reflected in the water, suitable for all seasons, making it a good place to enjoy natural beauty.

Click here to BOOK NOW