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Map of Urumqi City

Urumqi - capital city of Xinjiang Province

As the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, in recent years, has developed its economy, industry, culture as well as tourism and transportation. It is the most inland city in China even in the world as the most remote city from any sea. Historically, the area of Urumqi has been lush pastures populated by many minorities who herdes sheep and cattle, Urumchi actually meaning “beautiful pastures” in Mongolian. Urumqi is the “Shining Pearl On the Ancient Silk Road”, so there are breathtaking views and sweet smell of fruits drift in the air to make it a special tourist destination beyond the Great Wall or the attractions of Shanghai.

Urumqi means “A beautiful Pasture Land” in ancient Mongolian, and it was once an important town on the new northern route of the Silk Road 2000 years ago. Your tour cannot be completed without the shopping experience, bargaining hunting for handicraft souvenirs such as rugs, carpets, Uygur-style hats, knitted sweaters, hand-made embroideries and jade carvings and more.

Location and Topography of Urumqi

Bordering Gansu Province, Qinghai Province and Tibet Autonomous Region, Urumqi is mostly covered by mountains with west part featured as vast plain area. The average elevation is 800 meters. Covering a total area of 12,000 square kilometers, it boasts a population of only 2.58 million with the Mongolian People taking up most of the population. Xinjiang boasts roasted whole sheep, kebab, thin-skinned steamed buns with stuffing, baked steamed buns with stuffing, fried rice eaten with bare hands. deep-fried tazi, deep-fried nang and other dishes typical of Xinjiang style.

Climate of Urumqi

Urumqi belongs to semiarid continental climate of middle temperate zone with temperature difference between day and night and the annual average temperature about 6.4 degree Celsius. Urumqi is extremely dry due to its geographical location and continental climate, and spring and autumn are short while winter and summer are long. The best time to have your tour should be from May to October when flowers are in full bloom and the melons and fruits smell sweet and are ripe for picking.

Transportation in Urumqi

Railways in Urumqi

Urumqi is linked by rail to six major cities in China, icluding Xian, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Zhengzhou and Lanzhou. Because of its remoteness, the tourists are suggested to take the soft sleeper berth. Besides, trains services also connect Urumqi with other main citied in Xinjiang, such as Korla, Aksu, Kuitun and Liuyuan.

Highways in Urumqi

Long-distance buses go to most cities in Xinjiang every day. There are also special tourist lines to Heavenly Lake (120 kilometers), Southern Pastures (75kilometers), Turpan (200kilometers), Shihezi (150kilometers), etc.

Airways in Urumqi

Urumqi International Airport is one of the most important airports in western China. It is a passageway connecting China and Middle Asia, West Asia, Europe and Africa. Every week, over 700 flights leave here for 53 destination cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Harbin, Guangzhou and Qingdao, etc. as well as 14 foreign destinations including Tashkent, Novosibirsk, Moscow, Islamabad, Almaty and Bishkek. You can book flight tickets at most high-rated hotels in Urumqi.

Travel & Sightseeing in Urumqi

The tourist treasures of Urumqi outshine those of many other provinces and cities. As an important strategic locale in the ancient Silk Road and the gathering place of historic East-West exchanges, Urumqi is home to numerous cultural relics and historic treasures. The top tourist attractions and the landmarks are Silk Road, Heavely Lake and Red Hill. Besides, the sightseeings such as Kanas Nature Reserve, Southern Mosque and Shaanxi Mosque, Southern Pasture, Tartar Mosque and Qinghai Mosque and Xinjiang Regional Museum are also worth your visit.

-Click here to see the detailed Urumqi Tourist Attractions Map.

Urumqi Map

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