An insider’s guide to Urumqi, China

The city of Urumqi is a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. Even on a fleeting visit, you’ll fall in love with its seamless flow from urban to natural scenery, and its unique fusion of contemporary and time-honoured customs. 

Here’s how to make the most of your trip to the capital of the Xinjiang region.

Where to go

The southeast district of Tianshan is Urumqi’s cultural epicentre, offering travellers an immersive experience. Start your day at the Confucius Temple on Qianjin Road, an architectural gem dating back to the Qing dynasty. Then head slightly north to Wenyi Road, a half-kilometre strip of century-old folk culture, where the emblematic People's Cinema has delighted moviegoers for generations. As you wander, you’ll notice a modern structure soaring above the other buildings, drawing parallels with the distant Bogda Peak – this is Urumqi CITIC Bank, a striking landmark in the heart of the city.

South of Qianjin Road stands the Shaanxi Grand Mosque, a traditional wooden structure built during the Qing dynasty. Keep walking south, however, and you’ll reach the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, where the romance and charm of the Silk Road come to life. Truly, traversing this area feels like journeying from the Central Plains of the Chinese Mainland to its ancient frontiers.

What to see

Tianshan District is also home to Hongshan Park, one of the best places in town to watch the sun set; the views here take in both the urban skyline and the snow-capped Bogda Peak. Meanwhile, the centrally located Mojie Cultural and Creative Area, formerly the site of the Xinjiang Nanhu Foundry, offers a taste of Urumqi’s modern nightlife. This chic leisure hub is packed with bars, restaurants, cafés and indie shops, immersing you in the city’s distinctive blend of culture and creativity.

A longer stay in Urumqi allows you to soak up its surrounding natural beauty. Within easy reach from the city are Yamalike Hill and its twin brother, Red Hill. A hike to either summit takes around 40 minutes and rewards you with dreamy vistas of glitzy city lights that dissolve into snow-capped mountains. 

Alternatively, an hour’s drive will bring you to Miaoergou Scenic Area, the jewel of Urumqi’s countryside. Head up the creek on foot or horseback to explore hidden waterfalls, sample local flavours with an authentic hotpot at Majia Dayuan or drink in all the rugged natural beauty over a cup of coffee at Samuersen.

Where to shop

Xinjiang's contemporary designer brands fuse traditional art with modern style. Some of the best can be found at Tianshan Vanke Plaza on Dawan South Road. At Alim·Adil, young local designer Alim Adil creates fashion and homeware inspired by Uyghur patterns. Drawing a younger crowd, Black-Eyed Girl incorporates Kazakh embroidery and botanical motifs into everyday clothing and footwear. 

Meanwhile, market lovers shouldn't miss the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. It’s the go-to place for regional specialities like woollen tapestries, Yengisar knives and floral infusions.  

What to eat and drink

Hotan Street is Urumqi’s most popular food street, dotted with family-run eateries selling authentic Xinjiang delights like Samsa (a savoury pastry), Uyghur shaved ice yoghurt, Tonur-kawap (grilled lamb), and rice pilaf with figs. 

Further north on Xinmin East Street, I Love Baursak is a Kazakh restaurant where you can tuck into a traditional breakfast of boorsok (fried dough) and salted milk tea in a nomad-inspired setting, strewn with tapestries and musical instruments. Steppe culture is more fervently celebrated on Saturday evenings with live music and dance performances. 

If you’re travelling with a group, seize the chance to eat at SP Chain Catering – the grande dame of Uyghur dim sum, which does a sumptuous nine-dish banquet set. 

Check out our Urumqi dining guide for even more recommendations.

Where to stay

Hotel options are plentiful in Urumqi. For total convenience, stay at Royal International Hotel, a luxury property in the city’s central business district with a metro station and pedestrian shopping street just a stone’s throw away. Jin Jiang International Hotel Urumqi is another top choice, offering a variety of well-appointed rooms and suites, alongside diverse dining options. For equestrians, there’s no better spot than Yema Silk Road Inn. The hotel provides guests with complimentary tickets to Yema Ancient Ecological Park, where you can meet the real Akhal-Teke horses and witness them in action during a live performance.