A flight attendant’s guide to Urumqi, China

I’ve been excited to tell people about Urumqi ever since I spent eight days exploring the city and the surrounding Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region back in May. My first glimpse was from the plane, and I made sure to get a left-side seat so I could watch the sun rise over the snow-capped peaks of Tianshan mountains as we descended into Urumqi Tianshan International Airport. That view alone was worth the trip.

Must-do

Urumqi has a lively, sociable feel. I recommend visiting the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, a huge public space and popular tourist attraction filled with market stalls, shops and eateries. In the evening, people gather there to listen to music and dance until the sun sets, which can be as late as 11pm in summer. Anyone can join in, regardless of age, dress or dance ability; you can just enjoy the moment and the lively local culture.

Must-eat

The food here is heavy on meat and spice. A popular dish is dapanji, or “big plate chicken”, served in a sauce of potato, onion and chilli. If, like me, you don’t eat chicken, you can opt for a dish of hand-pulled noodles in the same sauce, which is very tasty. You might also want to try the local variation on milk tea – it’s salty and always served with a snack, such as cheese or jam.

Must-pack

Summer days here are long, with up to 18 hours of sunlight, so sunscreen is always a good idea. Urumqi’s weather can also vary dramatically throughout the day, so a packable jacket is a must.