Top Things to Do in Urumqi

Urumqi, China

Things to Do in Urumqi

Yoghurt - A Tangy Indulgence

Food & Drink

Quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds with a generous helping of local Xinjiang yoghurt. Known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, this yoghurt is often served plain or sometimes garnish...

Exploration at Urumqi's Watermelon Valley

Outdoors

Venture into the quirky and vibrant Watermelon Valley, where the allure of its distinct formations and dramatic landscapes offer an explorer’s dream. Despite its name, the valley isn't just about melo...

Learn Traditional Uyghur Dance at the Culture Center

The Unexpected

Fancy showing off your dance skills? How about learning Uyghur dance moves that go way back in history? Dance enthusiasts swear that once you get the hang of the dance twists and twirls, you won't sto...

Urumqi's Secret Jazz Night at the Underground Lounge

The Unexpected

Calling all night owls and music aficionados! Who would've thought Urumqi could be a jazz hub underground? In the hidden corners of the city's nightlife, you'll find jazz nights that play smooth, sult...

Silk Road Storytelling at Tianshan Library

The Unexpected

Dive into one of Urumqi's hidden gems, where history and folklore intertwine. At the Tianshan Library, you can find a cozy nook to listen to ancient tales of Silk Road travels, shared by local storyte...

Sail on Salt Water at the Ürümqi Salt Lake

The Unexpected

Who would've thought you could sail on a lake in a city so far from the sea? Ürümqi Salt Lake is the salty wonder where adventurous hearts set sail. Whether you're in for a casual boat ride or a curio...

Uyghur Cuisine Picnic in the Hong Shan Park

Outdoors

Embrace a chill day with a Uyghur cuisine picnic in the lush Hong Shan Park, a green escape amidst Urumqi's urban setting. Gather an assortment of local treats like handmade samsa and zhua fan, lay ou...

Hiking in Baiyanggou Scenic Area

Outdoors

Lace up your hiking boots and escape to the Baiyanggou Scenic Area, where lush meadows, majestic mountains, and tranquil streams join forces to create a hiker's paradise. This spot is the perfect comb...

River Rafting on Irtysh River

Outdoors

Get ready to make a splash as you tackle the waves of the Irtysh River! Rafting on this mighty river is the kind of adrenaline-pumping adventure that lets you embrace the wild side of Xinjiang. Whethe...

Cycling Tour Around Hongshan Park

Outdoors

Hop on a bike and pedal through the charming paths of Hongshan Park, a green oasis in the bustling city of Urumqi. With its gentle trails and picturesque views, cycling here is a laid-back way to expl...

Gosh Nan - The Meaty Pies

Food & Drink

Bite into Gosh Nan, a Uyghur-style meat pie that's a fluffy, savory delight. Filled with minced lamb or beef seasoned with spices, onions, and sometimes vegetables, these pies are baked to perfection—...

Visit the Karakul Lake

Sights

Nestled amidst the towering Pamir Mountains, Karakul Lake is a high-altitude paradise you won't want to miss. Its turquoise waters reflect snow-capped peaks, creating breathtaking vistas. Perfect for ...

Roam Through the Bazaar Street

Sights

Get ready to haggle and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Urumqi’s lesser-known shopping spots apart from the Grand Bazaar. Wandering through the bustling marketplace, you can find everything from loc...

Stroll in People’s Park

Sights

Join the locals in People’s Park for a leisurely stroll or relaxing afternoon. This park offers a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Try your hand at some tai chi with the morning crowd o...

Hike to the Tianshan Mountains

Sights

For the more adventurous souls, a hike in the Tianshan Mountains is a must! These mountains offer stunning vistas and a chance to escape into nature’s embrace. Traverse rugged trails through ancient f...

Explore the International Grand Bazaar

Sights

Dive into the cultural tapestry of Urumqi at the International Grand Bazaar. This iconic spot is a melting pot of art, craft, food, and music from across Xinjiang. With its stunning Islamic-style arch...

Samsa - The Savory Pockets of Joy

Food & Drink

Imagine biting into a warm pastry that's crispy on the outside and a flavor explosion on the inside! Samsa are like little parcels of delight filled with flavorful minced lamb or beef, mixed with onio...

Katmer - The Flaky Delight

Food & Drink

Treat yourself to Katmer, a heavenly flatbread that's crispy and golden on the outside with a soft and layered interior. Often sprinkled with sesame seeds, this bread is the perfect accompaniment to a...

Lagman - The Xinjiang Noodles

Food & Drink

Dive into the world of Lagman, a delightful noodle dish from Xinjiang that's a symphony of flavors and textures. Picture this: hand-pulled noodles lovingly tossed through a mix of vegetables like pepp...

Local Art Scene Dive: Discover Modern Xinjiang Art

The Unexpected

Art lovers, this one’s for you! Dive into Xinjiang’s vibrant modern art scene in Urumqi, far off the typical tourist trail. Contrary to its traditional image, Urumqi hosts a surprising number of conte...