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Tianshan Tianchi
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Xinjiang

Tianshan Tianchi

8.4
4.6/5
14.7k reviews
Tianshan Tianchi, also known as Tianchi National Geological Park and called "Yaochi" in ancient times, is located in Fukang, Changji Prefecture, on the northern side of Bogda Peak. It is approx. 110 km from Ürümqi and is a famous tourist destination in Xinjiang. In ancient Chinese mythology, Tianchi was also the bathing place of the Queen Mother of the West. Tianchi Lake sits at an altitude of 1910 m, with a maximum depth of 105 m. The lake reflects the Bogda Peak, surrounded by spruce trees, creating a fairy-tale-like scenery. The attraction encompasses natural views such as alpine lakes, wetland meadows, and forested canyons. In 2013, it was designated as a national geological park. When visiting Tianchi, don't just explore the lakeshore—you'll miss many surprising sub-attractions. Recommended hiking routes, lakeside pier - Haixi beach, lakeside pier - East small heavenly pool (Flying dragon pool) The Tianchi attraction features three water bodies: the main lake plus two others on its eastern and western sides. The eastern one is "East Xiaotianchi," also called Heilong Pool, located 500 m east of Tianchi. Below the pool lies a sheer cliff where a waterfall plunges down like a rainbow, giving the site its name "Hanging spring and jade rainbow." On the west side lies "West Xiaotianchi," also known as Jade Maiden Pool, located approx. 2 km northwest of Tianchi Lake. The pool, shaped like a full moon and encircled by towering pines, earned its poetic name "Dragon Pool under the jade moon" from the serene moonlit reflections on its surface. A waterfall cascades beside the pool, plunging dozens of meters like a silver river descending from heaven, dubbed the "Jade belt with silver curtain." Above the pool stands the Sound of Waves Pavilion, offering a unique vantage point to admire the waterfall. All attractions within the scenic area are connected by boardwalks, accessible on foot. On the eastern shore of Tianchi Lake stands the Temple of the Queen Mother of the West, originally built during the Yuan Dynasty. The current structure was reconstructed in 1999 on the original temple site, dedicated to the worship of the Queen Mother of the West, hence also known as the "Queen Mother Temple". It can be reached by hiking along the lakeside boardwalk (approx. 2 hrs) or by taking a cruise. The temple offers excellent views of Tianchi Lake. Maya Mountain requires taking a shuttle bus + cable car. The towering cliffs and numerous stone peaks present a breathtaking sight; from afar, they resemble a row of horse teeth, while looking up, they appear as if jagged rocks are competing in grandeur and stacked cliffs are vying in beauty, creating a mesmerizing view. This view of Maya Mountain is formed by rock weathering.The summit of Maya Mountain is relatively flat, featuring lush grasslands covered with butter grass in summer and dotted with colorful flowers. Standing here, you can take in the panoramic view of Heaven Lake to the north, while the Bogda Peak to the east and the snow-capped mountains to the south seem within reach. To the west, the farmlands on the outskirts of Urumqi are also clearly visible.Fukang · 40.2km from Urumqi
The Xinjiang Museum
No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Xinjiang

The Xinjiang Museum

7.7
4.8/5
2.4k reviews
The Xinjiang Museum is a comprehensive autonomous region-level museum in Xinjiang, located in downtown Urumqi. The building was fully unveiled in 2022 following renovation and expansion, with an architectural floor plan shaped like the Chinese character "he" (union). The museum's collection is noted for its textiles, paper documents, painted clay sculptures, and ancient mummy specimens. Permanent exhibitions include the "Exhibition of historical relics of Xinjiang," "The dead across a millennium—exhibition of ancient mummies in Xinjiang," "Treasures of the vast sea—exhibition of exquisite ancient costumes in Xinjiang," and "Historical records of China—exhibition of unearthed documents in Xinjiang." The main exhibition halls are concentrated on the second floor, while the third floor features special exhibitions such as musical instruments of the Silk Road. The museum has two signature highlights. First is the Han dynasty brocade armguard unearthed from the Niya ruins in Hotan, inscribed with the phrase "Five stars rise in the east, benefiting China," interspersed with cloud and animal motifs. This artifact is considered one of the masterpieces of Han dynasty brocade craftsmanship and is listed among China's prohibited overseas exhibition relics. Second is the mummy display: thanks to Xinjiang's arid climate, ancient corpses have been preserved for millennia without decay. Among them, the 3,800-year-old "Beauty of Loulan" is particularly famous. The same hall also displays the "Princess of Xiaohe" and the remains of General Zhang Xiong, a high-ranking military officer from the Gaochang Kingdom. Such permanent exhibitions are quite rare in domestic museums. You can start your visit with the historical artifacts exhibition on the second floor, which traces thousands of years of Xinjiang's history in chronological order, from the pre-Qin period through the Han, Wei, Jin, Sui, and Tang dynasties, to the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The exhibition hall covering the period from the Han to the Sui and Tang dynasties features a relatively concentrated collection of treasures. In the clothing exhibition, the red wool robe with human, animal, and tree patterns from the Yingpan cemetery displays a Hellenistic artistic style. The painted wooden figurine of the Heavenly King is carved and assembled from over thirty pieces of wood, with even the teeth being removable. The Old Uyghur "Maitreya-samiti-nataka" in the literature exhibition is also worth a close look. If you are sensitive to the subject of mummies or are visiting with children, you may want to check the exhibition content in advance and plan accordingly. The museum is a modern three-story building that also incorporates Xinjiang's architectural styles such as arched windows and domes, giving it distinctive features. It houses several permanent exhibition halls. The first floor features the Xinjiang ethnic customs exhibition and the ancient historical relics exhibition of Xinjiang. The second floor is divided into left and right sections: the left side contains the historical textiles exhibition hall and the "Forever with the Motherland" themed exhibition, while the right side displays ancient mummies and a white jade exhibition hall. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and displays, which are worth visiting if available. The Xinjiang ethnic culture exhibition hall is located on the first floor, showcasing the folk customs of 12 major ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including the Uyghur, Kazakh, Mongolian, and Xibe peoples. Visitors can see displays of their musical instruments, daily necessities, yurts, and houses, as well as characteristic clothing like hats and scarves, most of which feature vibrant colors, embodying the distinctive ethnic charm of Xinjiang. A notable highlight is the Xibe people's houses. Since this ethnic group migrated from northeast China, their dwellings still feature the traditional northeastern heated brick bed (kang). Additionally, the furniture and tableware with Russian ethnic influences are also quite distinctive. The ancient historical artifacts exhibition of Xinjiang showcases a variety of unearthed relics from the Silk Road, spanning from ancient times to the present. It includes many Central Plains artifacts from the Han and Tang dynasties, which are highly characteristic of ancient Chinese culture. There are also numerous artifacts from the Western Regions, featuring murals with angelic figures and many objects unique to the Western Regions. These highlight Xinjiang's distinctive role as a bridge between East and West, making it an exhibition not to be missed. The mummy exhibition and the "Forever with the Motherland" exhibition on the second floor are the highlights of the museum. The mummy hall displays ancient corpses from thousands of years ago. Thanks to Xinjiang's arid climate, these bodies have been preserved from decay and are extremely precious. Among them, the "Loulan Beauty" mummy is one of the museum's top treasures. The "Forever with the Motherland" exhibition features precious cultural relics such as the "Five stars from the east" brocade and the seal of the Han-appointed Qiang chieftain. The "Five stars from the east" brocade is particularly valuable, and its legendary story is fascinating—definitely worth learning about.Urumqi · 2.7km from downtown
Urumqi Tianshan Grand Canyon
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Northern Xinjiang

Urumqi Tianshan Grand Canyon

7.1
4.3/5
1.6k reviews
Urumqi Tianshan Grand Canyon is located in the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains' Tianger Peak, south of Urumqi city, with an average elevation of about 2 km. It is a large mountainous attraction integrating snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, grasslands, lakes, and canyons. Nestled deep in the arid inland mountains, the canyon features significant relative elevation differences, showcasing a clear and complete vertical natural zonation from shrub grasslands at the mountain base to ice and snow belts near the snowline. It is often described as "a condensed representation of Xinjiang's natural views, excluding deserts." The attraction consists of several areas: Tianshan Dam leisure zone, Zhaobi Mountain resort and recreation area, Jias Daban sightseeing zone, Swan Lake natural scenic area, Niu Mao Lake forest and pine waves sightseeing zone, Kazakh ethnic culture park, alpine grassland ecological zone, and snow mountain glacier sightseeing area. Two lakes, three waterfalls, four streams, and eighteen valleys connect the main views. At the entrance, Zhaobi Mountain is surrounded by water on three sides, with its pyramid-like steep slopes reflecting in the water on sunny days—a signature scene of the attraction. The high-altitude Swan Lake, known as "lover's tears" for its crystal-clear water, often hosts swans lingering by its shores during summer and fall. East of the lake, Qoya Grassland is dotted with yurts and herds of livestock, where visitors can ride horses into the mountains to experience the nomadic life of Kazakh herders. From the open vantage point of Tianmen viewpoint, both Swan Lake and Qoya Grassland unfold in panoramic views. The valley also preserves vast stretches of pristine Tianshan spruce forests on the northern slopes, with towering emerald-green spruces forming a continuous "sea" along the terrain—a highly distinctive feature of this area. A common round-trip route starts from Zhaobi mountain, goes inward along Tianshan dam, passes Swan lake and reaches Qiaoya grassland. Allowing half a day to a full day makes for a more leisurely visit, and travelers can complete the round-trip from the city in a single day. The mountainous area has high altitude and changeable weather - even in midsummer, the average temperature is only around 20°C, with cooler mornings and evenings, so it's advisable to bring a jacket. The deep valleys along Jingou valley and Wudao'ao area, accompanied by streams, are perfect for travelers who enjoy hiking and photography to slow down and appreciate the scenery.Urumqi County · 11.2km from downtown
Nanshan Ranch
No. 10 of Night Attractions in Xinjiang

Nanshan Ranch

6
4.4/5
313 reviews
Nanshan Scenic Area generally refers to the vast mountainous area located in the south of Urumqi, at the northern foot of the Karawucheng Mountain in the northern Tianshan Mountains. It was a hunting area in the Tang Dynasty and a famous pasture in the Qing Dynasty. The snow-capped peaks in the scenic area are towering, the trees are lush, the flowers and plants are everywhere, and there is a strong ethnic minority style. Nanshan Scenic Area is mainly composed of east and west Baiyang Valley, Houxia, Chrysanthemum Terrace, Miaoer Valley and Banfang Valley. In spring and summer, the chrysanthemums on the hillsides are golden, the buttercups and comfreys are in full bloom, the fragrance is overflowing, the bees and butterflies are flying, and the slopes are full of cattle and sheep. Walking on the grassland, you can watch Kazakh performances such as horse racing, sheep chasing, and girl chasing, which is a typical Tianshan grassland scenery. On the Zhongliang Platform on the east side of the Chrysanthemum Platform, there is the Urumqi Observatory, which is in line with the international observation level, and contains the largest radio telescope in my country with a diameter of 25 meters. Alfalfa Terrace in Tuoli Township is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and embraces the meadows. From spring to autumn, more than ten kinds of wildflowers are blooming one after another in the scenic area, with different colors, colorful and beautiful. There are also bubbling springs and wild animals appearing everywhere, showing an attractive primitive style everywhere. Xibaiyanggou is a well-known tourist resort in the Nanshan Scenic Area. In the scenic area, the pine forests are continuous with peaks, the peaks are abrupt, the creeks run through the strange rocks, the villas are hidden in the green forests, and the yurts are scattered. On the open lawn, the wildness is compelling. A clear and sweet mountain stream in East Baiyanggou sings and sings softly, upstream, the breeze blows, and the pine waves surge in the endless forest sea, which is spectacular. When it rains, the mist and rain are misty, like a dream; after the rain, the clouds are steaming and the clouds are splendid, like a poem and picturesque. There is a chrysanthemum terrace in Gangou Township, with a meandering stream at the bottom of the ditch, dense pines in the north and lush green grass in the south. On the flat and wide table, wild chrysanthemums are golden yellow, Zhaosu purple red, and fragrant colors. The cattle and sheep on the slope are decorated with bees and butterflies. Especially, the sunlight casts the shadow of white clouds on the green grass, flowing like water. The movement adds to the scenic spot - the scenery of saying goodbye.Urumqi County · 20.8km from downtown
Hongshan Park
No. 13 of Night Attractions in Xinjiang

Hongshan Park

5.6
4.7/5
1.1k reviews
Hongshan Park is an urban mountain park in the center of Urumqi, named after the solitary Hongshan peak within it. The ochre-red mountain rises abruptly among the city's buildings and has long been considered a landmark of Urumqi. Fossils of ancient fish, such as the ancient cod, have even been discovered in its rock strata. The mountain is not high. Climbing the more than 300 sandstone steps, you will be shaded by trees along the way, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit at a leisurely pace. Hongshan Tower stands on the summit. It is a six-sided, nine-story solid brick tower that complements the ochre-red mountain rocks. The platform below the tower offers an expansive view, with the entire Urumqi city area in sight. In the evening, the setting sun makes the mountain look even redder, perfectly matching the park's "Tower Reflecting the Setting Sun" scene. Beside the tower stands a white marble statue of Lin Zexu, who was once exiled to Xinjiang. Halfway up the mountain, you will pass the three-story Distant View Pavilion, built in the style of the Qing Dynasty, which also offers views of the entire city. Walking down the mountain path, you will find the Great Buddha Temple, built into the mountainside, which houses statues of Sakyamuni, Guanyin, and the Eighteen Arhats. Near the South Lake at the foot of the mountain, there are stone arch bridges, zigzag bridges, and a lake pavilion, with an artificial waterfall hanging below the cliff. The Ferris wheel in the park, with a diameter of more than 40 m, is also one of the city landmarks of Urumqi.Urumqi · 2.1km from downtown
Shuimo Valley Scenic Area
No. 14 of Night Attractions in Xinjiang

Shuimo Valley Scenic Area

5.6
4.8/5
346 reviews
Shuimo Valley Scenic Area is located in the eastern part of Urumqi. It consists of five mountains—Qingquan Mountain, Hongqiao Mountain, Shuita Mountain, Wenquan Mountain, and Xuelian Mountain—and the Shuimo River. It is a rare leisure destination in the city where mountains and water meet. The river originates from Longkou Spring, where schools of koi and goldfish are clearly visible in the water, and wild ducks often come here to spend the winter after winter begins. At the entrance, the "Huiying Qingshi" area features a statue of Ji Xiaolan; this talented scholar, who was once exiled to Urumqi, left poems here. The Hanwen Ridge, over 300 m long, features poems about Shuimo Valley by writers throughout history carved onto stone walls, complemented by garden features such as miniature rock paintings and a chessboard square. Qingquan Temple, located on the hillside of Qingquan Mountain, is a major Han Buddhist temple in Xinjiang and attracts crowds of pilgrims during traditional temple fairs. Climbing Shuita Mountain, you can see the "Yipao Chenggong" battery and a statue of Zuo Zongtang, commemorating the battle where the Qing army set up cannons to recover Urumqi. The antique-style white tower on the summit lights up at night; to the east, you can see Bogda Peak, and to the south, you can overlook a panoramic view of the city. The area around the Arrow Pavilion and the arched bridge in the lake district features willows swaying with the sound of orioles in summer and weeping willows covered in rime ice in winter, making it a popular photography spot. The scenic area is quite large, with sightseeing vehicles available for transport within the park, as well as amusement facilities suitable for children, making it perfect for the whole family to explore at a leisurely pace.Urumqi · 3.3km from downtown

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Must-visit in Xinjiang: One-day tour to Tianshan Tianchi from Urumqi | Snow-capped peaks mirroring emerald waters, spruce trees surrounding the heavenly pool
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FromMYR 297.78
Turpan/Urumqi Departure - Karez Well & Flaming Mountain Chinese Group Day Tour
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3.8/5
· 9 reviews· 79 booked
Duration: 4 hrs
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[Departing from Urumqi] Xinjiang Tianshan Tianchi day tour: Discover the alpine pearl beneath Bogda Peak
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Duration: 12.1 hrs
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FromMYR 160.03
Round-trip Urumqi to Turpan 1-day tour | The ancient city of Jiaohe · Karez wells · Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
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· 1 review
Duration: 11.5 hrs
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Urumqi grand bazaar costume experience (hanfu dressing + vintage makeup and styling + thoughtful service)
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Urumqi cultural 1-day tour | Akhal-Teke horse show + Xinjiang museum + Grand bazaar
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8.8 hrs
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What travellers say about Urumqi

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Anonymous user2 November 2026
5.0
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the lake is crystal clear, with Bogda Peak clearly visible in the distance—a truly breathtaking sight for photos. Taking a shuttle bus and then walking along the boardwalk offers stunning views of the spruce meadows and their reflections. The scenic area is quite large, so it's recommended to leave early, bring a jacket for sun protection, and pack your own water and snacks. The round trip is a bit tiring, but the scenery is absolutely gorgeous, making it well worth the trip. Overall, the experience is comfortable and suitable for families and first-time visitors to Xinjiang. A huge thumbs up to the driver!!

Tianshan Tianchi

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M26***6326 September 2026
5.0
The guided tour experience at the Xinjiang Museum was top-notch! ✨ The guides were professional and engaging, providing a wealth of information and vividly recounting the history of the Silk Road. They explained the museum's most prized artifacts in detail, revealing many background stories not found in books. It was far more rewarding than visiting on your own. A guided tour is a must when visiting Xinjiang!

The Xinjiang Museum

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毛哥牛逼9 June 2026
4.0
It's a great place to experience the rich ethnic culture of Xinjiang. The architecture is very unique, and the atmosphere is especially wonderful when the lights come on at night. The food, handicrafts, and song and dance performances are all quite local. If it's your first time visiting Xinjiang, it's definitely worth a visit. However, the area is quite commercialized, and many goods and restaurants are on the expensive side. I suggest you shop around and compare prices before making any purchases. It's better to treat it as a place to experience local culture and take photos.

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

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এ᭄哈佛ꦿృ༊16 October 2026
4.0
It's a large place, with the attractions divided into several sections. When I went, there were very few food stalls, and it felt quite deserted. Many areas were fenced off, and I had no idea where to go. The signage was unclear, and I felt like I was wandering around on my own.

Urumqi Tianshan Grand Canyon

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Anonymous user28 October 2026
4.0
It's very fun to play with, and the horses are adorable! However, I must give a bad review specifically for the attitude of one of the front desk staff members. This lady, with a very high hairline and extremely thin and sparse hair, treated customers with contempt and perfunctory manners, making us wait unnecessarily for 30-40 minutes!! Just so someone could lead us from the front desk to the sightseeing elevator! I cannot understand this behavior, and I hope the organization will take note of this review and implement relevant service training requirements. The service attitude of another beautiful and kind front desk lady stands in stark contrast to that of the lady with bald patches covering her scalp.

Akhal-Teke Horse Base of Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park

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Princesstt20 March 2020
4.0
It is also a park in the central area of ​​​​Urumqi. This park is also named after a beautiful carp fairy legend, so many college entrance examination students will come here to take a walk, and the park can be as famous as the legend.

Liyushan Park

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M27***499 August 2026
5.0
The driver of the new AW9 N 7* was excellent and very patient. He called ahead to pick everyone up from the hotel, the itinerary was well-planned, he was very responsible, and his driving skills were superb. The car was spacious and comfortable. The drive to the destination was also very pleasant. We passed a field of sunflowers and he even asked if we wanted to take photos. Scenery: At this time of year, the grass wasn't as green, more yellow, and there were lambs grazing on the hillsides. The unique scenery was beautiful. The sky was high and the clouds were white, with eagles circling overhead. Luckily, we even encountered some chubby marmots sunbathing along the way! Value for Money: Overall, I had a great time. There was no forced spending; it was all voluntary!

Nanshan Ranch

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M51***2125 October 2025
5.0
The driver was very nice and professional. He also gave us explanations along the way. His driving skills were first-class and the car was clean and tidy. He was attentive to answer our questions from the moment he picked us up to the scenic spot and on the way back. We had a great time! Highly recommended

Guhya Salt Lake

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YoYo_9H7U5N1A1 November 2026
5.0
As you slowly ascend the stone steps, the maple trees along the path are already tinged with pale red, and a gust of wind shakes down a few palm-shaped fragments of sunlight. The Red Hill Pagoda stands quietly atop the mountain, its vermilion body contrasting against the distant city's sprawling buildings. The lake at your feet shimmers with golden light, and even the pine resin carried by the wind exudes the relaxed atmosphere unique to this city. Elderly people stroll leisurely along the path, while children hop and skip on the stone steps, clutching half a sausage. Looking up, you can see the horizon dyed a warm orange by the sunset. Every step on the stone path holds within it the familiar everyday life of the people of Urumqi.

Hongshan Park

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溪蒻7 July 2025
5.0
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!

Shuimo Valley Scenic Area

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