Discover the beauty of Urumqi at these natural landscapes

Urumqi, known as the world’s most inland major city in the Chinese Mainland, serves as a gateway to diverse terrains and landscapes in every direction. From alpine forests and barren cliffs to sweeping dunes, we highlight some of the region’s most beautiful sights and striking natural landscapes.  

Heavenly Lake 

A short drive from Urumqi’s city centre, Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake, lies at the foothills of the Tianshan mountain range. Its alpine setting shifts with the seasons: aquamarine against the lush summer greenery; cerulean beneath snow-capped winter peaks – among them Bogda Peak, the range’s highest summit. Visitors can stroll the well-maintained paths, take a cruise to marvel at spruce-covered slopes or explore the national park’s adjoining lakes, waterfalls and old-growth forests. 

Nanshan Pasture 

South of the city is Nanshan Pasture, a vast emerald prairie framed by the Tianshan mountains. Its rolling contours and panoramic views define the scenery, and travellers can tour the fields by car or on horseback, watching herds of sheep, cattle and horses graze in the sun near traditional nomadic yurts. Or simply unroll a mat on the grass and enjoy a picnic before lying back and gazing into the infinite blue sky. 

Further afield to the west

Bayanbulak Grassland 

Less wooded than Nanshan, this grassland is dotted with swamps and lakes, making it an ideal habitat for myriad bird species, including those at Bayanbulak Swan Lake. Its famous “nine bends and 18 curves” describe waterways that twist and turn across the landscape, interrupting the endless expanse of green. Under the right light conditions, the river glows silver. 

Sayram Lake 

Near the Kazakhstan border is the largest and highest alpine lake in the region – Sayram Lake. Come summer, the grassy slopes are magically reflected on the lake’s surface, reminiscent of a watercolour painting, while flowers adorn the fields, all pink and purple. In autumn, the grasslands shimmer like gold, while winter brings ice, as the snow-covered mountains, hidden by heavy mists, loom over the semi-frozen lake. The cold season also reveals amber-like ice shards along the lake’s shoreline, shaped by the shifting currents. Swans make an appearance year-round, regardless of the weather. 

Further afield to the north 

Ulungur Lake (Altay) 

This lake serves as a key stopover for migrating birds in spring – from gulls and terns to plovers and wagtails. And the lake’s special appeal doesn’t end there, nor with its glossy mirror-like surface that reflects the sweeping skies. Along parts of its shoreline, striking yardang formations rise from the ground in sculpted shapes and a range of colours – erosion-carved remnants that resemble the ruins of a fortress overlooking the water. 

Further afield to the south 

Flaming Mountains (Turpan) 

Also known as the Huoyan Mountains, this barren landmass takes its name from both the region’s extreme heat – with summer temperatures rising as high as 47˚C – and its geology, in particular the red sandstone that glows on the barren cliffs throughout the day. Even more dramatic are the deep ridges carved into the cliff face, a product of battering wind and rain over the course of millennia. 

Taklamakan Desert 

Historically, this desert was a formidable obstacle on the Silk Road due to its extreme temperatures, scarcity of water, sandstorms and enormous sand dunes that shift with the winds. Yet its beauty is undeniable: when calm, the desert and dunes unfold like undulating folds of silk, while orange skies give it an ethereal quality. Guided tours reveal oasis towns, dune treks, sunset photo spots and unrivalled stargazing – including stellar views of the Milky Way.