Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Republic of China. Thanks to many interesting sights, excellent shopping and proximity to the border of the Russian Federation, travel to this city is very popular among Russian tourists.
How to get there
By plane, Urumqi (China, Urumqi Divopu Airport) can be directly reached from Moscow or Novosibirsk. In addition, you can fly to this city by making a transfer in Beijing. As for railway transport, trains regularly run between Almaty and Urumqi, and the travel time is about 35 hours.
At the same time, most tourists from Russia prefer cheaper travel options to the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Republic. In particular, they first travel by train or bus to Kazakhstan, and from there they already leave for Urumqi by sleeping, rather comfortable buses, making regular flights from Almaty, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Semipalatinsk and Taldykurgan. Thus, it is best for residents of the capital, St. Petersburg or central regions of the Russian Federation to travel to Urumqi (China) by plane, but those who live in the Urals or in Western Siberia can use the railway or buses with transfers in Kazakhstan.
Population
The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Republic has a rather variegated national composition (47 nationalities), the same applies to the city of Urumqi. China, whose population as a whole is homogeneous, since 93% are ethnic Chinese, despite this, respects representatives of other nationalities. 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 rather influential Muslim community, consisting of Ugars, Dungans, Kazakhs, which leaves a special imprint not only on the appearance of the city, but also on the life of local residents.
What is the weather like in Urumqi (China) throughout the year
The first thing that interests those who are going to visit Urumqi (China) is the weather in the city and its environs. So, I must say that the climate here is temperate, continental and rather arid. The hottest months are July and August, when the air warms up to an average of 25.7 degrees. But the coldest thing is here in January, since in the middle of winter the thermometer in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Republic of China most often keeps at 10-20 degrees below zero. At the same time, in winter, frosty weather without precipitation can stand for weeks and be accompanied by piercing winds and sandstorms. Tourists should also know that in Urumqi, there are usually significant differences between the temperatures during the day and at night, so even in the summer it makes sense to take more warm clothes with you on a trip. Thus, the best time to travel to Urumqi is the periods from early May to mid-June, as well as September.
Tours in China: Urumqi
Urumqi is an excellent place to organize tours of various directions. In particular, excursion groups often come here to get acquainted with the many attractions of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Republic. In addition, in the winter, the Urumqi neighborhood is a great place for skiing in the foothills of the Tien Shan, and in summer ecotourism lovers and those who wish to improve their health at the thermal springs located in the Shuymogu area come here.
Historical and cultural attractions of Urumqi
Those who are going to make an excursion tour to Urumqi, China, whose sights are known all over the world, will open from an unexpected side, and this is largely due to the diverse ethnic composition of the region's inhabitants. Be that as it may, Urumqi can offer an excellent excursion program. In particular, guests of the city can visit the Red Light Park - the largest Buddhist temple in Western China, built in 2010. The main attraction of the temple complex is a statue of the Golden Buddha 48 meters high. Travelers should also visit the Central Museum of the XUAR, whose collection contains 32 thousand objects that give an idea of the history of the region, the culture and life of its peoples, as well as rare ancient manuscripts. But the main decoration of the museum's exposition is considered to be the mummies of representatives of the Caucasian race, who inhabited these parts many millennia ago. Almost throughout the history of Urumqi, there was a fairly large Muslim community, 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 value in architectural terms. For example, tourists should visit the Shanghai 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 an adornment of the local landscape. Another natural monument - the beautiful crescent-shaped mountain lake Tianchi, is located a few kilometers from Urumqi and is known for its amazingly beautiful alpine landscapes. Also, nature lovers should make 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 tours in 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 represents, in a sense, a city in a city where, besides shops, there are restaurants, a cafe, a first-aid post, exchange offices, air ticket offices, two hotels and even spa centers. And in the courtyard of the complex 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, manufactured at small enterprises or in workshops, at a relatively affordable price can be purchased at the Leather Bazaar, and larger stores located in the city center sell more expensive and high-quality models from well-known Chinese brands.
Urumqi cuisine
Do you want to eat? Then go to Urumqi. China is already famous all over the world for its delicious cuisine, but the inhabitants of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Republic prepare very special meat dishes that are unique to this region. In particular, tourists in Urumqi should definitely try the whole lamb, the carcass of which was preliminarily greased with a mixture of pepper, salt, chicken yolks and ginger. In addition, guests are offered the main holiday dish - pilaf with lamb, raisins, carrots and onions, which is usually eaten by hands, sitting around a large dish with this national dish. But among the drinks, ethken tea occupies a special place, for the preparation of which salt, milk and roasted fat tail fat are added to black tea . Moreover, wheat or corn cakes, as well as dried cottage cheese, must be present on the table for a tea party. And the most daring tourists can try a completely exotic dish - a sheep’s lung, which is filled with a mixture of vegetable oil with flour starch diluted in water and boiled in water.