Urumqi rest is the best thing for the soul and body. Urumqi city – rich culture and history Prices in local shops and hotels

It has the status of a major economic and political center of the XUAR and is known among tourists due to the many attractions located on its territory. In the city you can see not only historical monuments, but also natural sites that are included in the list of specially protected areas.

Holiday season in Urumqi

For those who like a comfortable holiday, it is better to plan a trip for the period from May to September. It is at this time that the city experiences stable warm weather. May will greet you with an air temperature of +18-20 degrees, and in June-August the air will warm up to +27-32 degrees. In September, the thermometer stays at +20 degrees, which allows you to freely move around the city and take long walks. The climatic phase May-September is characterized by several advantages:

• Minimum amount of precipitation;
• No intense heat;
• The ability to combine different types of tourism (educational, ecological, urban).

It starts getting colder in Urumqi in October: strong winds, temperatures dropping to +6 degrees, inclement weather. During the winter months, the air cools down to -15-17 degrees, and this can interfere with a proper vacation. The average air temperature in January is -17 degrees.
In March, the first warming is noticeable to +8-10 degrees, after which the air gradually warms up and becomes hotter every day.

Red Mountain (Hongshan)

The natural site is considered the hallmark of the city and is located in its center. The name of the mountain consists of hieroglyphs indicating the color red. Therefore, local residents are accustomed to calling it “red.” Hongshan received its original color design thanks to the structure of unusual sandstone.
At the top of the mountain there is a picturesque garden in which the pagoda was built. Red sandstone brick was used as construction material. This idea of ​​the architects harmoniously fits into the surrounding landscape. In the vicinity of the pagoda, a recreation area has been created where locals and city guests love to spend time.

Temple complex

In addition to the pagoda, there is a complex of temples on Mount Hongshan, which is under strict state protection. The buildings were erected during different periods of Urumqi's history, but most of them were almost completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Only in the 20th century were the buildings reconstructed, giving them a new look.
The only architectural structure that has been preserved in its original form since then is a three-tiered wooden pavilion. Its façade is decorated with red paintings depicting scenes from Chinese mythology.
The complex is notable for the fact that in 1923 it was visited by the artist and philosopher N.K. Roerich with his family. Roerich was so amazed by the beauty of the temples and nature that after the trip he wrote a series of paintings and dedicated it to what he saw.

Erdaqiao Bazaar

Visitors call Urumqi the “city of bazaars,” among which the oldest market, which has existed for more than 140 years, stands out. The bazaar is located on South Jiefang Street and includes two pavilions built in 1982 and 2001.
The first pavilion is designed in traditional Chinese style, and the second in Muslim style. The capital of the XUAR is home to representatives of not only the Chinese nation, but also the Uyghurs, who are actively engaged in trade. Therefore, the bazaar is divided into two blocks, where you can find goods for every taste. Textile products, handicrafts, items, clothing, accessories, shoes, souvenirs, antiques - all this forms the basis of a wide range.
In the evening, Erdaqiao turns into a noisy area with illuminated lights. People flock to the bazaar to watch colorful performances with the participation of the best bands in the city.

State Museum of XUAR

Xiabei Lu Street is famous for being home to the most important cultural institution in Urumqi. The museum was founded on the initiative of the city authorities in 1953, and it opened its doors to visitors in 1963.
The unique collection is located on an area of ​​79,000 square meters, which indicates the scale of the project. There are three exhibition halls in total, differing in theme. The first hall presents an exhibition dedicated to the life, customs, rituals and culture of the peoples who have ever lived in the XUAR.
The second hall is filled with exhibits found during archaeological excavations in the area where the Great Silk Road previously ran. Moreover, the age of some objects dates back to 5000 years. The third room is considered the most visited, as its collection includes mummies dating back 3,800 years.

Salt Lake

If you travel 70 kilometers from Urumqi, you will find yourself in an amazing nature reserve where there is a salt lake. The Chinese nicknamed this place the “Dead Sea” and vacation here every year to improve their health.
Tourists are invited to visit the park, the theme of which is the salt industry. Also be sure to take a course of procedures aimed at overall restoration of the body. These include visiting a salt cave, taking a bath with healing water, and a relaxing stone massage.
After the tour, you can have lunch in a cafe and buy souvenirs made from salt crystals.

Temple of Confucius

To find this ancient structure, just move north from People's Square. At the end of the street you will see a low building made in traditional Chinese style. The temple was built in 1767 during the Qin Dynasty.
The main room has three red arched passages and a roof with pointed rounded bases, symbolizing in Buddhism the desire for infinity. The entrance to the temple is guarded by stone lions - the eternal guardians of Chinese shrines. Red lanterns are hung from the roof, which, according to legend, scared away evil spirits.
Today, 3 exhibitions are open on the basis of the temple: historical, cultural and museum. All exhibitions are associated with the name of the outstanding Chinese thinker and teacher Confucius.

Southern Pastures

This park is located 70 kilometers from Urumqi and is certainly worthy of your attention. Firstly, you will be amazed by the beautiful meadows with lush green vegetation, mountain springs, waterfalls, gorges and mesmerizing glaciers. If desired, local guides will take you to the area of ​​the Western Bayan Gorge - the pearl of this protected area.
Secondly, you will have an excellent chance to enjoy the view of the glacier, which is about two kilometers long. Such natural formations are considered unique because they have been preserved in their original state. A mountain river with a 20-meter waterfall flows next to the glacier, forming a magnificent landscape.
Thirdly, you will find yourself in an open-air museum and get acquainted with the national culture of the nomadic peoples of the XUAR. The excursion program includes visits to public events, holidays, as well as tasting of Kazakh-Uyghur cuisine prepared according to ancient recipes.

Ancient city of Urabo (Wulabo)

At a distance of 10 kilometers from Urumqi, on the coast of the Urabo reservoir, there is an important historical value of the area. The urban settlement, measuring just 500 by 470 meters with a circumference of 2 kilometers, was discovered by archaeologists in the mid-20th century. The site was built during the Tang Dynasty, and the peak of Urabo's development occurred during the period when the Yuan Dynasty seized power in China.
What remains of the city is a well-preserved part of the wall, which serves a defensive function. Hieroglyphs, images of lotuses, birds, animals and battle scenes are carved into the massive bricks. Not far from the remains of Urabo, a miniature museum was built, where found exhibits are periodically brought. The exhibition mainly consists of pottery with inlaid stones, jade jewelry and tableware.

Shaanxi Mosque

Representatives of different religions, including Muslims, live in Urumqi. For this reason, the city contains both Buddhist temples and Muslim mosques. One of them, built in 1736-1794 (Qin Dynasty), is still an aesthetic example.
The mosque is called so because in 1906 a rich man from Shaanxi province invested money in the restoration of the shrine. After this event, the building was given a new name.
As for the architectural embodiment of the mosque, it corresponds to the canons of a combination of Chinese palace architecture with traditional Islamic architecture. This is evidenced by pavilions with wooden columns, spacious galleries along the prayer hall, roofs with green tiles, and walls decorated with carvings.

Amusement park

Fans of active recreation should visit this park, which is the largest open-air entertainment facility in Northern China. The location near the lake is an important advantage of the park, thanks to which it has an area with water attractions. In addition, in summer, visitors can take a boat ride and try their hand at water sports.
All attractions are located in such a way that it is convenient for tourists to move around. It is worth noting that age restrictions are strictly observed by the park management. For this reason, a separate area has been created for children, ensuring maximum safety. Adults can ride in the part where there are roller coasters of different heights, a Ferris wheel, and also karting areas.
A separate area of ​​the park provides ideal conditions for a relaxing time. For this purpose, soft green lawns were planted, spacious gazebos were built and original sculptural compositions were installed.

The city of Urumqi is the administrative center of one of the autonomous regions of China - Xinjiang Uygur. The energy-industrial metropolis is located in the north of the Tien Shan Mountains and is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest city remote from the sea. Urumqi is located between a salt lake surrounded by dense pine trees and the greatest peak of Bogdo, and the nearest ocean coast is 1,400 miles away. The total territory of the city is more than 10 thousand square kilometers and is home to about two million people. Unlike Moscow, time here moves forward by 4 hours, but there is no transition to daylight saving time.

History of the city of Urumqi

The influence of the Chinese people has been actively spreading to the modern territory of the city of Urumqi since the fifth century AD. After the entry of the Tang dynasty, a city called Longtai was built here, which acted as the main tax center in the north of the Great Silk Road. The penetration of the Islamic religion in the tenth century significantly undermined China's influence on the city, and was only restored in the eighteenth century.

In 1763 the city was renamed Dihua, and in the winter of 1954 it became Urumqi, which translates as “magnificent pasture” from ancient Mongolian. For a very long time, the Han Chinese and the Uyghurs have periodically entered into conflicts of an ethnic nature. The last such conflict was in 2009.

Industry features of Urumqi

Urumqi is the center of the oil, metallurgical and textile industries, which are represented by large industries and factories. In addition, a large number of educational, administrative and financial institutions are located here. The city has built trade and entertainment complexes, skyscrapers, car interchanges, and other structures that rank it among the developed and large-scale metropolises in China.

The sanatoriums and complexes located here, in which all patients receive treatment according to the world-famous Uyghur medicine, which is based on the study of the human soul, is a symbol of traditional Chinese medicine. In treatment, preparations from cardamom, musk and even toxic plants are used.

Getting to Urumqi

At a distance of 16 kilometers from the city center there is an international airport called Divopu. It serves many flights, both from various Chinese regions and from a large number of cities from around the world. From the airport you can get to the central part of Urumqi by bus or minibus. This type of transport is one of the most common among tourists. You can, of course, take a taxi, the parking lot of which is located on the territory of the airport itself.

Prices in local stores and hotels

Shop lovers will definitely need to visit the Bazaar, as well as luxury stores and large shopping complexes in the metropolis. When traveling around the city of Urumqi, you have the opportunity to observe the most amazing combination of modern technology and traditional Eastern charm, as well as the cultures of a large number of peoples who once inhabited this territory.

During your entire stay here, you can easily understand the indescribable atmosphere of this region, but also appreciate all the sights of the city. Look and admire the natural beauty of this region.

Accommodation in hotels in Urumqi can cost from 753 to 8464 rubles per night. Of course, the difference in prices directly shows the quality of service in hotels, but, nevertheless, the cheapest option is the most acceptable for tourists.

What to see in Urumqi

In modern Urumqi, the central object is considered to be the “Red Hill”, which the Chinese call Hun Shan. It got its name due to the red colored stones located at the top. Today there is an observation tower here, which offers a magnificent view.

The Grand Bazaar, the building of which was built in early 2000, can rightfully be called a masterpiece of architectural mastery. Its general appearance is a majestic palace, inside of which there is a classic market for the East, where you can buy a wide variety of souvenirs and goods. True gourmets will want to visit Lantern Street, as here you can try snails, crayfish, larvae, shrimp, frogs and a large number of other exotic animals straight from the vendors’ carts.

The city has unique landscapes that you can’t stop admiring. The most famous of them are the gorge under Banfangou, the lake called Tianchi, located in the highest mountains, and the mountain called Zhaobishan by the Chinese. From here you can go to to see Shamian.

65 kilometers from the city of Urumqi is the Tien Shan ski base of international scale, which can be visited either from November to February, or from June to mid-October.

Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Thanks to many interesting sights, excellent shopping and proximity to the Russian border, travel to this city is very popular among Russian tourists.

How to get there

By plane, you can get to Urumqi (China, Urumqi Diwopu Airport) directly from Moscow or Novosibirsk. In addition, you can fly to this city by making a transfer in Beijing. As for rail transport, trains run regularly between Almaty and Urumqi, with a travel time of about 35 hours.

At the same time, most tourists from Russia prefer cheaper options for traveling to the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Republic. In particular, they first travel by train or bus to Kazakhstan, and from there they go to Urumqi on sleeper, fairly comfortable buses that make regular flights from Almaty, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semipalatinsk and Taldykurgan. Thus, it is best for residents of the capital, St. Petersburg or the central regions of the Russian Federation to get to Urumqi (China) by plane, but those who live in the Urals or Western Siberia can use the railway or buses with a transfer in Kazakhstan.

Population

The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Republic has a rather diverse national composition (47 nationalities), the same applies to the city of Urumqi. China, whose population is generally homogeneous, since 93% are ethnic Chinese, despite this, treats representatives of other nationalities with respect. For example, if both spouses are not of Chinese nationality, then they are allowed to have a second child, etc. Therefore, in Urumqi there are many families with many children by Chinese standards. As for religious denominations, the city has a fairly influential Muslim community, consisting of Ughurs, Dungans, and Kazakhs, which leaves a special imprint not only on the appearance of the city, but also on the life of the local residents.

What is the weather like in Urumqi (China) throughout the year?

The first thing that interests those who are planning to visit Urumqi (China) is the weather in the city and its surroundings. So, it must be said that the climate here is temperate, continental and rather arid. At the same time, the hottest months are July and August, when the air warms up to an average of 25.7 degrees. But it’s coldest here in January, since in the middle of winter the thermometer in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Republic of China most often stays at 10-20 degrees below zero. At the same time, in winter, frosty weather without precipitation can last for weeks and be accompanied by piercing winds and sandstorms. Tourists should also be aware that in Urumqi there are usually significant differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures, so even in summer it makes sense to take plenty of warm clothes with you on your trip. Thus, the best time to travel to Urumqi is from the beginning of May to mid-June, as well as September.

Tours to China: Urumqi

Urumqi is an excellent place to organize tours of various types. In particular, excursion groups often come here to get acquainted with the numerous sights of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Republic. In addition, in winter, the surroundings of Urumqi are a great place for skiing in the foothills of the Tien Shan, and in summer, ecotourism lovers and those who want to improve their health at the thermal springs located in the Shuimogou area come here.

Historical and cultural attractions of Urumqi

Those who are planning to take a sightseeing tour to Urumqi, China, whose sights are famous all over the world, will discover an unexpected side, and this is largely due to the diverse national composition of the region's inhabitants. Be that as it may, Urumqi can also offer an excellent excursion program. In particular, city guests can visit the Red Light Park, the largest in Western China, built in 2010. The main attraction of the temple complex is the 48-meter-high Golden Buddha statue. Travelers should also visit the Central Museum of the XUAR, whose collection includes 32 thousand items that give an idea of ​​the history of the region, the culture and life of the peoples inhabiting it, as well as rare ancient manuscripts. But the main decoration of the museum exhibition are considered to be the mummies of representatives who inhabited these regions many thousands of years ago. Almost throughout the history of Urumqi, there was a fairly large Muslim community here, which played an important role in the life of the city. Therefore, among the attractions of Urumqi there are several mosques that are of some architectural value. For example, tourists should visit the Shanhi Mosque, built during the reign of the Qing Dynasty.

Natural attractions of Urumqi

The main natural attraction of these places is Hongshan, a mountain that is located in the very center of the city and is a decoration of the local landscape. Another natural monument, the beautiful mountain lake Tianchi, shaped like a crescent, is located a few kilometers from Urumqi and is known for its amazingly beautiful alpine landscapes. Also, nature lovers should take a trip to the Southern Pastures at the foot of the Nanshan mountain range.

Shopping

For about a quarter of a century, Russians have been making profitable shopping trips to Urumqi. China is generally considered one of the most preferred places to travel for inexpensive clothes, and Urumqi is also located relatively close to the border with Russia. The central clothing market of Urumqi is called “Bianjian” and in a sense represents a city within a city, where in addition to shops there are restaurants, cafes, a first-aid post, exchange offices, ticket offices, two hotels and even spa centers. And in the courtyard of the complex there is a clinic of alternative medicine. One of the goals of a shopping tour in Urumqi is to buy a fur coat, leather coat or jacket. Such products, produced in small enterprises or workshops, can be purchased at a relatively affordable price at the Leather Bazaar, while large stores located in the city center sell more expensive and high-quality models from well-known Chinese brands.

Cuisine of Urumqi

Do you want to eat delicious food? Then head to Urumqi. China is already famous all over the world for its delicious cuisine, but the residents of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region prepare very special meat dishes unique to this region. In particular, tourists in Urumqi should definitely try whole roasted lamb, the carcass of which was previously greased with a mixture of pepper, salt, chicken yolks and ginger. In addition, here guests are offered the main holiday dish - pilaf with lamb, raisins, carrots and onions, which is usually eaten with your hands, sitting around a large dish with this national dish. But among drinks, etken tea occupies a special place, for the preparation of which salt, milk and roasted black tea are added. Moreover, wheat or corn cakes, as well as dried cottage cheese, must be present on the table for tea drinking. And the most daring tourists can try a very exotic dish - lamb lung, which is filled with a mixture of vegetable oil with flour starch diluted in water and boiled in water.

Urumqi (Wulumuqi) is a city in China, which is the most distant metropolis from the sea in the world. The settlement is located on the slopes of the mountains and has a developed industry. Tourists will be interested in seeing the sights, the main of which are Mount Hongshan and natural hot springs.

Story

The Xinjiang Uyghur region of China, where the city is located, was divided into several separate principalities in ancient times. The Great Silk Road ran through the area, so many tribes tried to capture the strategic point.

This continued until the 10th – 11th centuries, when Islamic religious teaching began to gain momentum in the region. Chinese influence weakened noticeably and reappeared only in the 18th century.

The city of Urumqi (Wūlǔmùqí) received its name only in the mid-19th century. Translated from ancient Mongolian, it means “beautiful pasture.” Since 1884, the settlement received the status of the capital of the region.

How to get there

Urumqi is located on the map in such a way that the most convenient way to get to it is by air. However, this is not the most economical way to travel, so many people choose other routes. There are the following options for getting to Urumqi:

• by plane. Direct flights depart from the capital of Russia and from Novosibirsk. If you are flying from another metropolis, you will have to make a transfer in Beijing;
• by train. There are two options for railway lines - Kashgar (southwest) and Lanxin (related to the Almaty-Beijing railway). Travel time from Almaty will be 35 hours;
• by car or by bus. The Xinjiang region is located where two National Highways of China intersect. The road is smooth, and comfortable buses with sleepers run directly from Kazakhstan to the region. This is the cheapest way to get to Xinjiang and Urumqi.

City on the map

Tourists who want to visit Urumqi are interested in where it is. If you look at the map, the city belongs to the northwest of China, and the autonomous region borders Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

Fact. The peculiarity of the metropolis is that it is farther away from the sea than any other settlement in the world. Over 2.5 thousand km separates it from the ocean.

Population

According to the 2010 census data, more than 3.11 million residents are registered in the urban district. Experts note a record level of growth, since just over 2 million people lived here 10 years earlier. Already in 2013, new calculations showed that the settlement became home to 3.5 million residents.

Population growth began to increase rapidly in the 60-70s of the last century. The Chinese began to be resettled from the eastern regions of the country in order to equalize them with the representatives of the Uyghur peoples who traditionally inhabit the region. As a result, Urumqi turned from a small village into a real modern metropolis.

Representatives of 47 ethnic groups live in the region:

• Chinese (there are more than one and a half million of them);
• Uyghurs (13 – 15% of the population according to various sources);
• Dungans (just over 160 thousand);
• Kazakhs (a small group - just over 2%);
• other nationalities, which account for up to 1.6% of the total urban population.

Fact. In the XUAR itself, ethnic groups were divided somewhat differently. The predominant tribes here are Uighur tribes (45%) and Chinese (40%).

Today in the city district, the majority of the population considers themselves Buddhists (this applies to the Chinese people). Uyghurs, Dungans, and Kazakhs adhere to Islamic religious teachings. The main language is Chinese, but Uyghur is also used.

What's the weather like?

The weather in Urumqi is unstable. The city is located on the slopes of the mountains, at an altitude of 800 m above sea level. Its location is associated with continental steppes and deserts. Depending on the time of year, weather conditions can be extremely harsh.

Despite the fact that the air temperature rarely rises above 25 degrees even in the hot summer months, the urban area is dominated by an arid climate. The average annual precipitation is 300 mm.

The warmest months are July and August, but in January the temperature drops to -20 degrees Celsius (average -10). There is little snow, but in the winter months cold winds constantly blow, causing sandstorms. Therefore, even -10 degrees is perceived painfully by people who are not accustomed to this climate.

Even if you travel during the summer months, take warm clothes. During the day the temperature is comfortable, but at night the thermometer drops by 10 - 15 degrees.

Tours to Urumqi

The city can offer tourists a large number of entertainments of different types:

• classic attractions (museums, historical buildings);
• famous natural sites;
• markets where shopping enthusiasts can buy things at minimal prices;
• ski holiday destination;
• healing thermal springs.

Travelers have access to traditional excursion routes with a visit to the most popular places, as well as tours aimed at improving the health of the body.

Historical and cultural attractions of Urumqi

Here you can see Buddhist temples, ethnographic museums that tell you about the history of the formation of the settlement, and also visit mosques.

The exhibition halls of the museum contain hundreds of exhibits, through which you can get acquainted with the history of the region. Ancient mummies are usually of greatest interest to visitors. The age of the oldest of them is estimated at 4 thousand years. Experts still raise many questions about the fact that the remains belong to representatives of the European race.

Many researchers believe that the mummies have been preserved since the Great Silk Road passed through the region, and the people who died were traders. The finds presented in the museum include household items, artifacts, samples of silk and food, and ancient writings.

You can’t visit Urumqi without visiting People’s Square. It is located in the very center of the city and is a favorite vacation spot for citizens. Many residents have already developed a real ritual. Before and after work, they come here to take part in exercise. Everyone here does physical exercises, regardless of age.

People's Square offers an excellent view of the financial center of the city, where skyscrapers are tall for this area. Despite the constant seismic activity, they are not afraid to build 40-story high-rise buildings here.

This natural object is a symbol of the metropolis. Tourists most often take photos here, and locals like to hold entertainment events in the adjacent park.

Here are some facts about Hongshan Mountain:

• A park was built around it, the area of ​​which is over 4 thousand square meters. The territory is literally surrounded by greenery, since plant cover occupies more than 97% of the entire area;
• There is a legend according to which a dragon appeared on the site of the mountain. It was cut in half, and one half became the Hongshan slope;
• A red brick pagoda was built on top of the mountain in the 18th century. It is visible from many areas of the city, since it is located at an altitude of about 900 m. From here the best panorama of the village opens;
• the park has a beautiful lake, as well as attractions;
• You can visit the monument to the national hero of China, who fought against the spread of opium.

Another local attraction is the thermal springs. They are located in the Shuimogou park, which is located 5 kilometers from the capital of the autonomous region.

Fact. A green zone appeared on the slope of Dongshan Mountain. Once upon a time, an earthquake occurred here, splitting the stone formations. As a result, beautiful natural sites were formed, as well as hot mineral springs.

Tour operators often offer to purchase separate tours to this area. Health facilities are located on the basis of geothermal springs. You can visit them without a ticket. Since the distance to the park is short, you can get there by bus.

There are several dozen points for wholesale or retail purchases throughout the city. The markets of Urumqi attract tourists as a place for cheap shopping.

One of the largest bazaars is Erdaoqiao. It was founded at the end of the 19th century. At that time, the market served as a transshipment trading point. Today, here you can buy antique items, expensive jade figurines, and also eat a traditional dish.

The design of the shopping pavilion is made in the Islamic style, and in the center there is a Uyghur enclave. In the evening, tightrope walkers often walk between the buildings, entertaining the many visitors. Allow more time for your visit, since the market covers an area of ​​over 30 thousand square meters.

The exhibits of this museum are directly related to the history of the Great Silk Road. For a long period, it was in Urumqi that the trade artery passed, thanks to which wholesale exchange was carried out between the West and the East.

The following departments are presented in the exhibition halls of the museum:

• stories;
• nationalities;
• arts;
• jade and so on

The most interesting exhibits are collected here, telling about the history of the development of trade relations, as well as how the settlement changed in different centuries, and about the peculiarities of the life of the first inhabitants. Almost all exhibits are equipped with duplicate explanatory signs in English.

Fact. From the building you can quickly get to Erdaoqiao Market, so you can easily combine visits to two attractions at once.

This next green area attracts both locals and tourists with its beautiful architecture designed in traditional Chinese style. Masters of landscape design harmoniously combined classical buildings with a park group of fountains, artificial ponds, trees and shrubs.

The history of the park began at the end of the 19th century, but initially it was very small. The city zoo was also located there, but it was soon moved outside of Urumqi. Today you can simply walk in the green area, admiring the beautiful views, but local residents prefer to spend time here usefully. Some play musical instruments, some do exercises, and some play chess or backgammon.

The park is always crowded, as both the local population and visitors from other regions and countries love it. If you want to take a break from the bustle of the city, feel the atmosphere of the city and take a beautiful photo, be sure to visit this facility.

This attraction is located near People's Square and is a low building made in traditional Chinese style. Construction of the temple took place in the mid-18th century.

You can get inside through one of the arch-shaped passages. Next to them are stone lions, which represent the guards. Red lanterns hanging on the roof symbolize the expulsion of evil spirits. There are 3 exhibition stands on the territory:

• historical;
• museum;
• cultural.

Fact. The departments are related to the activities of the spiritual leader Confucius and his teachings.

In this Urumqi tourist area, tourists can view stone sculptures that are thousands of years old, stuffed animals, including horses, and the carcasses of ancient trees that have turned to stone. You can enter the park for free.

This is one of the largest institutions in China, where a large number of samples of geological rocks that are mined in the autonomous region are stored. Tourists from Russia will have a hard time understanding anything, since almost all the signs are in Chinese.

Amusement park

This attraction appeared in the city in the late 80s of the last century. The park was built next to the lake, so even on hot days it is fresh and cool. In the center of the territory there is a structure imitating the Great Wall of China.

Shopping

Urumqi is one of the most popular shopping destinations among Russian tourists. It is located near the borders of the Russian Federation, and here you can purchase a variety of goods relatively inexpensively. People come to the metropolis to buy the following things:

• outerwear (fur coats, coats, jackets). Even products made from natural fabrics will be cheap. For shopping, visit local markets, as in shopping centers and shops the price will be higher, although the quality will be higher;
• textile. At the bazaars they sell everything from blankets to soft toys;
• shoes are also inexpensive, but they are sold cheaper in the markets;
• Household appliances should be purchased in stores.

Fact. Don't be shy about haggling, this is the norm in China (at least in bazaars). Show respect to sellers if you want to buy something profitably.

Kitchen

Fans of Asian cuisine will find hundreds of restaurants and cafes in the city offering traditional dishes. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is known for its special recipes. For tourists, here they will roast a whole lamb in a special marinade and offer to try classic pilaf.

Among drinks, local tea is popular, for the preparation of which, in addition to tea leaves, salt, milk and fat are used. When drinking tea, cakes made from corn flour and dried cottage cheese will be placed on the table. Risky travelers can try lamb lung prepared according to a special recipe.

Conclusion

Urumqi (Wulumuqi) has a unique flavor that cannot be felt in other localities in China. Although the city has grown into a metropolis, the spirit of many nationalities is still felt here. This is manifested in the diversity of ethnic groups, architectural styles, and cuisine. Urumqi is the border between futuristic China and ancient settlements that arose during the Great Silk Road.

Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China. Its rich history sets this city apart from hundreds of others, due to the fact that it was a major stopping point on the Great Silk Road connecting China with the countries of Europe and East Asia. The earliest settlements on the territory of the modern city date back to the Neolithic era. Ancient people settled on the northern slope of the great Tien Shan. The main functions of the city during the “Silk Road” were the provision and protection of caravans traveling to distant countries and the collection of taxes. Much water has passed under the bridge since then, and the city is able to offer tourists a vacation to suit every taste. The rich nature of the region is represented by the beautiful Tien Shi Lake, the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan, and protected areas with a huge number of wild animals.

You can get to the city by air. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is located 16 kilometers from the city. You can also get to Urumqi by using the Lanxin railway line, which connects Almaty with Beijing.

Museum of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

The Xinjiang State History Museum also serves as a research center for the study and collection of cultural property associated with the region. Opened in 1963, the museum stores and exhibits more than 50 thousand historical values. The building located on Xibei Street will introduce guests to the ethnography of the region. Visitors will learn the traditions and culture of the peoples living in the district, see national costumes, and learn about the religion and customs of the region. In the hall of historical and archaeological monuments you can see more than a thousand objects found during archaeological excavations along the trade route. The most ancient exhibits are 5 thousand years old. The hall will present samples of the finest silk, brocade satin, terracotta items, ancient musical instruments, ceramics, coins, handwritten evidence and local weapons. Of particular interest is the examination of the mummy of the beautiful Louyan, who lived 3800 years ago, and the presented wax figure, reproducing the probable appearance during her lifetime, will convince you of her attractiveness.

Hunshan (Red Mountain)

Hunshan is the symbol of the city of Urumqi. The mountain owes its name to the red stones located at its top. The height of the mountain reaches 900 meters above sea level, and its steep cliffs leave a vivid impression. In better times, the temple of the Jasper Emperor was located on the top, but the military actions of the thirties of the last century left nothing about it except memories. Currently, a ten-meter tower with an observation pavilion has been built at the top, from where you can look around the city and its surroundings.

Shuei Mo Gou Ancient District

The mountainous terrain, the Shuei Mo He river meandering through the gorge, all this caught the era of the Qing Dynasty. In the 18th century, the government purchased water mills to supply the army with flour, and the area acquired its current name, which means “river with a water mill.” Nowadays, in this area there is a popular recreation park, which is certainly visited by all guests who have visited the city.

Salt Lake

To see the “dead sea”, you need to drive 70 kilometers from the city of Urumqi, and now, at the foot of the Tien Shan mountains on the southern side, a salt lake will appear. The waters of the lake have healing properties, and on its shore there is a complex with an indoor pool and a salt cave. There are many salts and minerals dissolved in the waters of the lake, and thanks to the density of 20 grams per liter, even those who cannot swim will easily float. There is a theme park on the coast, by visiting which you can learn about the ancient salt mining industry. A salt mountain 20 meters high will appear before your eyes.

Tianshan Wildlife Sanctuary

40 kilometers from the city is the largest nature reserve in China. Visitors can enjoy an exciting ride in an electric car through its territory, during which they can see about 80 species of animals. Among the magical mountain landscapes you can find pandas, giraffes, monkeys, lions and tigers, elephants, rhinoceroses and even hippos.

Heavenly Lake Tian Shi

At an altitude of almost 2 thousand kilometers, 120 kilometers from Urumqi, there is a lake of glacial origin. A mirror of water, shaped like a crescent, is hidden among coniferous forests, surrounded by snow-white mountain peaks. According to ancient legends, the lake was previously called “Jade”. And its origin was associated with a touching legend about the ruler Xi Wangmu, who took ablutions in the lake before meeting her lover.