Discover Ürümqi

Ürümqi offers a gateway experience to Xinjiang, combining city markets, regional food, museums, ethnic diversity, mountain views, shopping areas, and access to deserts, grasslands, and highland lakes. As the capital of Xinjiang, it is often the starting point for travelers heading deeper into northern or southern Xinjiang.

A visit can include Xinjiang food, local markets, museums, city viewpoints, parks, and day trips to nearby nature areas such as Heavenly Lake or Nanshan Pasture. The best time to visit is May to October, when the weather is suitable for both city walking and onward regional travel. Ürümqi works well with Turpan, Heavenly Lake, Ili, Kanas, Karamay, Kashgar, and broader Xinjiang routes.