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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Urumqi [2025]
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The Xinjiang Museum
4.8
/5
2115 reviews
7.6
Based on 250 reviews
The Xinjiang Museum/Youhao Road | 2.7 km from downtown
Phone +8609914552826
Address: No. 581, Northwest Road, Shayibake District, Urumqi
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Urumqi
Highlights:
12 ethnic items & Xibe kang
Siberian hearth & 12 ethnic cultures
Saved by 273 users1460 positive reviews
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Admission is free by appointment. The first floor is under renovation, but the second and third floors are open. The second floor has seven exhibition halls, mainly showcasing Xinjiang's development history and the evolution of handicrafts, agriculture, mining, and culture. The third floor has four exhibition halls dedicated to cultural relics and Party building.
It was my first time in Xinjiang. The tour guide I booked was very nice. He contacted us in advance and informed us of the walking route, parking location, and tips for entering the museum. He also gave very good explanations and a wide range of knowledge. He combined our basic understanding of Xinjiang with a targeted introduction. He also had a very good grasp of the rhythm and the content of the explanation was easy to understand. It was a very good experience.
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Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar
4.5
/5
2497 reviews
7.2
Based on 194 reviews
International Grand Bazaar | 5.1 km from downtown
Phone +8609918553333
Address: No. 8, Jiefang South Road, Tianshan District, Urumqi
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.1 of Night Attractions in Urumqi
Highlights:
Silk Road show nightly
Street showcasing 100+ heritage projects
Saved by 369 users1061 positive reviews
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Step into the Grand Bazaar and be instantly surrounded by lively and bustling. The colorful buildings are full of exotic customs, and the air is filled with the aroma of food. The stalls are rich in goods, from exquisite handicrafts to special dried fruits, which makes people picky. And the price is close to the people, you can get full of things just strolling around, it's really good to go shopping!
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar: A Pearl of the Western Regions, Embracing Charm and Livelihood
As a seasoned travel blogger, I've had the privilege of visiting Xinjiang many times, and the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is undoubtedly one of my most captivating landmarks. Known as the "Pearl of the Western Regions," this vast market is more than just a shopping destination; it serves as a window to the world, showcasing Xinjiang's rich ethnic culture, time-honored history, and vibrant local flavor.
I. A Fusion of History and Culture
Originally built in the late 19th century, the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, becoming a cultural landmark in Urumqi. Once a crucial hub on the Silk Road, it witnessed the exchange and integration of Eastern and Western cultures. Strolling through the alleys of the Grand Bazaar is like traveling back in time, immersing yourself in the ancient yet vibrant atmosphere of history. Architectural styles blend here, showcasing the Uyghur dome mosque, traditional Han courtyards, and Kazakh yurts, creating a vibrant and vibrant ethnic landscape.
II. Rich and Diverse Ethnic Customs
The Grand Bazaar epitomizes Xinjiang's multiethnic cultures. Walking through the area, you can hear Uyghur folk songs and savor authentic pilaf, grilled lamb kebabs, and naan. Every stall exudes an alluring aroma, showcasing a dazzling array of colorful handicrafts, embroidery, carpets, and jewelry. This is not only a great place for shopping, but also a perfect place to experience ethnic culture. During festivals and celebrations, lion and dragon dances and other passionate dance performances bring the Grand Bazaar to life, and visitors feel as if they are part of this sea of joy.
3. A Perfect Blend of Fireworks and Lifestyle
The most captivating aspect of the Grand Bazaar is its rich, thriving atmosphere. Here, free from the hustle and bustle of the city, there's only the cries of vendors, the laughter of children, and the resounding sound of traditional music. In the mornings, the market is bustling with activity, showcasing a dazzling array of fruits, vegetables, and fresh dairy products. In the evenings, the market lights up, and the aroma of grilled kebabs permeates the air, attracting a constant stream of diners. The Grand Bazaar at night takes on a unique charm, with the lights illuminating the smiling faces of the people, creating a scene reminiscent of a floating fireworks display.
IV. Specialty Food and Handicrafts
When visiting the Xinjiang Grand Bazaar, you absolutely cannot miss the authentic cuisine. Grilled lamb skewers, baked buns, milk tea, kumis...each dish is imbued with rich ethnic flavor. Besides the food, the handicrafts are also a must-see. Exquisite carpets, embroidery, silver jewelry, and wood carvings—each piece embodies the meticulous craftsmanship and wisdom of the people. These items are not only highly ornamental but also perfect gifts for friends and family.
V. Travel Tips and Experiences
We recommend doing your research in advance and understanding some basic ethnic culture and etiquette to better immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes and have some cash on hand, as many stalls may not accept electronic payments. The best time to experience the bazaar is in the evening and evening, when the lights are ablaze and the atmosphere is lively. Additionally, participating in a guided tour or cultural performance can help you gain a deeper understanding of the unique charm of this region.
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is not only a shopping paradise, but also a cultural treasure house.
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Urumqi Tianshan Grand Canyon
4.3
/5
1323 reviews
7.1
From £40.98
Based on 7 reviews
53.1 km from downtown
Phone +8609917629111
Address: Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Urumqi
Highlights:
Kazakh culture & winter fun
Pristine spruce & Xinjiang highlights
Saved by 306 users776 positive reviews
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It's 45 kilometers from Urumqi, a one-hour drive. The entrance fee plus a self-drive fee is 160 yuan. The scenic area includes winding mountain roads. The main attractions are Zhaobi Mountain, Xianjing Spring, and Swan Lake; other areas are closed due to road construction. The area is small, and horseback riding is possible on the Qiaoya Grassland.
There's a shuttle bus to the Tianshan Grand Canyon from the Urumqi High-Speed Railway International Bus Terminal next to Urumqi Station. It doesn't run every day, so luck is key. Ticket information can be found on the WeChat mini-program "Travel 365." The bus departs at 11:00 AM, arrives at the scenic spot at 12:30 PM, and returns from there at 6:00 PM.
The scenic shuttle bus only stops at Zhaobi Mountain and Swan Lake, two relatively small scenic spots, and you can explore them in about 20 minutes. Then, take the return bus the same way. The journey takes 40 minutes, but the bus is less frequent, with departures every 20 minutes or so. Plan your time accordingly.
Many scenic spots shown on the map are not accessible by the scenic shuttle bus, making it better suited to self-driving.
No.
4
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Xinjiang Khan Blood Horse Base
4.6
/5
1033 reviews
6.9
From £16.31
Xinjiang Medical University/Wangjialiang | 4.5 km from downtown
Phone +8609917652892
Address: No.158Kunming Road,Xinshi District,Urumqi City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Urumqi
Highlights:
Certified purebred Akhal-Teke horses
Rare horses & ancient fossils
Saved by 122 users728 positive reviews
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The equestrian show was also fantastic. With the commentator's explanation, handsome horses made their grand entrances. Under the skillful guidance of the equestrian, they showed off their unique skills. There were also performances like chasing girls, horseback archery, and sheep-catching. The cutest one, pictured in Figure 5, was the smallest horse in the world. Don't be fooled by its small size; it ran incredibly fast.
I came here 10 years ago. At that time, there were not so many business types and it was not a tourist attraction. It has changed a lot. You can see the Arabian horses up close, feed them, touch them, and take all kinds of photos. The only thing is that the carrots are too expensive, 30/a small bunch. Remember to buy carrots (cut into strips) outside, it’s cheaper.
No.
5
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Guhya
4.2
/5
507 reviews
6.2
From £4.12
Based on 3 reviews
64 km from downtown
Phone +8609915900068
Address: Yanhu Street, Daban District, Urumqi (about 70 km south of Urumqi)
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No.2 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Urumqi
Highlights:
Train ride into salt lake
Unique salt lake relaxation experience
Saved by 109 users311 positive reviews
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Xinjiang Salt Lake: The Silver Code of the Earth This liquid vein lying in the folds of Tianshan Mountain, with hundreds of millions of tons of salt crystals as characters, writes a wild grass epic of geological movements on the Gobi Beach. When the SUV rippled through the brittle crack of the salt shell and startled the purple mist of the alkaline poncho, you would be sure that this was not a lake, but amber of space-time distilled by the scorching sun. The salt flowers of the frozen salty lake were like ice crystal corals, and every step was the illusion of crushing a snowfield; The salt cliff section on the east bank shows hundreds of millions of years of sedimentary rings, and the silver, red, and blue layers are like overturned mineral pigment plates. Deep into the heart of the lake, salt crystals grow crystal armor on the soles, sunset, salt lake incarnation melt gold mirror, Tianshan snow peak and fire cloud at the same time decorate into a double painting. The scientific site of floating magic has a salt content of the lake of the Dead Sea, which makes people easily float into large characters, and the weightlessness instantly seems to fall into an alien ocean. In the salt treatment hall, the negative ion mist transpiration under the salt crystal dome restarts the respiratory system to the factory setting. Try a black mud bath when mineral-rich silt wraps up the skin, ancient earth energy is exchanging through pores. The photographers are suffering from composition anxiety here: geometric cutting of salt column groups, rust aesthetics of salt-harvesting ships, order madness of salt fields, and subverting visual experience from every angle. Late at night, the salt lake is more magical, moonlight refracts cold auroras on the salt shell matrix, the galaxy falls into a brine pool, and the stars break into diamond powder in the ripples. As the world’s closest salt lake wonder, its value is not in the label “small tea card” but in curing urban diseases with the ultimate geologically violent aesthetic. When you sleep in the salt crystal hotel with the sound of brine waves, or witness the salt snow raised when the salt harvester harvests, you see the Zen of the wasteland - so-called barren, but a cognitive trap of material form.
The scenery of the salt lake is in line with the style of Xinjiang. The windmills in the distance are turning and the wind is blowing, which makes my heart soar... It's not very interesting, just empty your mind, shout loudly and no one will care who you are!
No.
6
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Dazhangcheng Bai Shui Jian Ancient Town
4.2
/5
178 reviews
6.1
From £56.62
80.2 km from downtown
Phone +86099117799157334
Address: National Road 312, just off G30 Lianhou Expressway, Urumqi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Urumqi
Highlights:
Trees uniquely lean southeast
Unique trees leaning southeast
105 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The ancient town of Dabancheng is located between Turpan and Urumqi. It is the song "The Girl of Dabancheng" singing in Dabancheng. It is a famous tourist scenic spot in Xinjiang. Although the ancient town of Dabancheng is famous for its song "Girl of Dabancheng", the entertainment is around natural beauty, ethnic customs and cultural activities, such as observing glacier wetlands, experiencing ethnic cultural festivals, participating in outdoor adventures, etc., so that tourists can feel the unique charm of this small town in all directions. The ancient town of Dabancheng is reflected in the high sky and clouds, and the ancient town is becoming more and more dense. The walls of the brown tower cleverly explore two sets of logs. This unique architectural style is very different from the pavilions in the interior, which makes people feel novel and interesting. When I approached, I found a city gate hidden between the two towers, and the city gate hung "White Water Town", which seemed to be telling its deep heritage. Originally, Baishui Town was located at the foot of Tianshan Mountain, at the southern end of Dabancheng Basin. It was the key to enter and exit Tianshan Mountain and the only place to pass by the Silk Road. It also carried the heavy responsibility of the ancient fortress. Under the city gate, the originally high-hanging suspension bridge is now lying calmly on the trench. The thick ropes that were cabled at both ends of the suspension bridge seemed to be telling the tension and killing under the command of the generals of the past. Today, however, the smoke has gone, and we can stroll peacefully and cross the suspension bridge with great interest. Embroidery upstairs, red lanterns and red silk danced with the wind, but did not see the hydrangea, perhaps, the "bitch long, two eyes really beautiful" girl, its story belongs to Mr. Wang Luobin Memorial Hall. All this is also the charming place of Dabancheng, Baishui Town.
Daqicheng: New energy epic on the wind erosion ancient road This silk road station that is close to the Tianshan Pass, with the wild brush of the 30-mile wind area, writes the double play of tradition and modernity on the Gobi beach. When a hundred white windmills whirled into forests in the glaze-yadan landscape, the gale of the western region that has roared for thousands of years is domesticated into the green current that lights up the city. A montage of wind-eating time and space breaks into the hinterland of Hegobi, the silhouette of the wind-encrusted stone group is like the silhouette of the Hunnu cavalry, and the grass on the saline beaches is woven with the silk road codes with roots. Arriving at the ancient city site, the ruins and the ultra-high-voltage wire tower 100 meters away constitute a surreal dialogue - the dust and sand raised by Zhangye Mission, and the metal arc of the wind turbine blades, complete energy conservation at the time difference of two thousand years. Light alchemy of the windmill matrix The sunset dyes the windmill group into bronze giant spears, and the flickering aviation warning lights in the dark fall into the world like a constellation. It is recommended to drive through the wind power park, see the mechanical ballet of the 100-meter impeller cutting cloud shadow, and from the perspective of the drone, the silver-white matrix extends into the totem of the nomadic racer in the desert. In the contemporary translation of Oasis culture, Wang Luobin Music Hall, the melody of "Girl of Daqicheng" was solved to form an electronic sound track; imitating Tang Market, the Uighur embroidery woman weaves wind power patterns into Adelaide silk. Don't miss the magical moments of the evening in the salt lake: the rust red of the salt-picker is reflected in the brine mirror, and the windmill group is configured with the futuristic picture. As a space-time slice of the Silk Road Energy Corridor, the value of Daqicheng is not in the perfect re-engraving history, but in the advanced logic of revealing civilization when you touch the fossils of marine life in the rock formations in the wind erosion castle, and hear the wind turbines transform the power of the flood into the heartbeat of the city, and you realize: Humans never conquer nature, but in eternal games, learn to write violent winds and sands into odes of light.
No.
7
Hongshan Park
4.6
/5
1066 reviews
5.9
Based on 111 reviews
Hongshan Park/Nanhu | 2.1 km from downtown
Phone +8609918855671
Address: No. 40, North 1st Lane, Hongshan Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3 hours
No.2 of Night Attractions in Urumqi
Highlights:
City views from Red Mountain
Red sandstone mountain: city landmark
Saved by 152 users333 positive reviews
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Located in the center of Urumqi, Hongshan Park is a free attraction, and it is also a must-play attraction in Urumqi. After entering the park through security check, go straight all the way up, pass the Big Buddha Temple, and overlook the building (you need to pay ten yuan per person to climb the building) to reach the iconic building Hongshan Tower. Across the Red Mountain Tower, you can see the whole picture of the city center of Urumqi.
Urumqi Hongshan Park is located in the city center and is a national tourist attraction. The park is named for Hongshan, and the mountain is red. The park has Hongshan Tower, Big Buddha Temple, Yuanyulou and other attractions, as well as green spaces, lakes and other natural landscapes. It is a comprehensive natural mountain park integrating tourism, classical characteristics, humanistic connotation, and sports and fitness. It is a national 4A-level tourist scenic spot. It is also one of the new ten scenes of Urumqi City. It is a free park and personally feels worth a visit.
No.
8
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Nanshan Ranch
4.3
/5
293 reviews
5.9
From £5.15
Based on 33 reviews
58 km from downtown
Phone +8609915837888
Address: Within Xibaiyanggou Village, Gangou Township, Urumqi
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.3 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Urumqi
Highlights:
Panoramic view of Nanshan Ranch
Spring-like highland from May-October
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Our driver, Mr. Wang Peng, was very helpful and attentive. He recommended some of the local attractions we visited, and the scenery was quite nice. We all had a great time. We visited the Tianshan Grand Canyon, which boasts lakes, grasslands, forests, and canyons. While it's not as impressive as a single natural attraction, it was a good place to experience it. The driver was very patient, waiting for us to fully explore the area before dropping us off at Hotan Second Street on our way back to the city, so we could easily visit the night market. I highly recommend his service.
Nanshan may not be the most favored well-known scenic spot in Damei Xinjiang, but it is very good. He is the best summer destination and niche tourist punching place for Urumqi citizens. If you are a tourist who can play, it is no less than the grasslands of Yili and Altay. The key is that the price is very high here. From Urumqi to the south to the southwest, there are many places to play in Nanshan. There are 10 days of mountain ditches, whether it is to create a scenic spot or not to create a scenic spot, it will give you an intimate contact with nature and visual enjoyment, the deep mountain jungle is more natural, even a few hours of stay will give a relaxing and pleasant experience. Hiking, riding or driving, you can choose
No.
9
Shuimo Valley Scenic Area
4.7
/5
342 reviews
5.6
Based on 17 reviews
Shuimogou | 3.3 km from downtown
Phone +8609914684055
Address: No. 472, Shuimogou Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3 hours
No.3 of Night Attractions in Urumqi
Highlights:
Hydrogen Sulfide Spring - Hot Spring Therapy
Take a sightseeing car to enjoy panoramic views of Shuimogou
126 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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This is a good place to relax and cool off. The tree-shaded path surrounds the mountain, and the clear river is full of fish. I know that the ticket is temporarily free, or it may be permanently free. The road around the mountain is shaded by trees, which is good for taking a walk. If you are tired and can't walk anymore, you can take an electric car. Of course, the electric car is charged, which is quite cheap, and it costs maintenance.
Such a spacious green mountain, and Qingquan Zen Temple lives in the quiet river. For those who believe in Buddhism, this is a blessed place, where you can relax and show piety.
There are all kinds of fun things for children, which is a paradise for children's amusement, and a good place for adults to take their children out for a party. It's so fun that you don't want to leave after you go there, but you have to grasp the time!
Shuimogou Park is located in Shuimogou District, Urumqi. It is a free attraction and a must-visit attraction in Urumqi. It is also a good place to escape the heat in the hot summer. Walking along the wooden plank road of Shuimo River, you can see the rapid flow of water, the sound of rushing water, and the formation of small waterfalls. The spring water under the Qingquan Bridge in front of Qingquan Zen Temple is so clear that you can see the bottom. The green water plants are swaying, and groups of koi are chasing and playing in the water, forming a cool and beautiful picture!
No.
10
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Amailong Fantasy Land
4.7
/5
843 reviews
5.4
From £27.59
15.7 km from downtown
Phone +8609913128001
Address: 乌鲁木齐市经开区金桥路300号
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.7 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Urumqi
Highlights:
Night parade & mermaid show
17 rides & holographic technology
780 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The ticket price for one adult and two children (adult with 10 and 12-year-old children) is 200 yuan per person, which is a bit expensive. The adults don't play much, but accompany to take things and take photos and take care of meals. The meals in the park are 50 yuan per person, 8 yuan for a sausage, 25 yuan for an ice cream, and 50 yuan for three sausages and an ice cream when hungry. I feel that if you stay for a day, you have to buy water and eat a meal, so the cost per person will be higher. It is recommended that if you travel with a family, you can buy a package ticket of about 300 yuan.
I really like this trip.
Hygiene: very clean.
Environment: neat and unique, very clean.
Service: warm and thoughtful, very detailed, with fruit.
Facilities: complete, with free parking, gym, laundry room, restaurant, everything you need.
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