Urumqi

Urumqi is the capital city of Xinjiang and one of the youngest cities on the Silk Road.  Founded during the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 648) Urumqi was originally named Linhua Dihua, but it wasn’t until the Qing Dynasty in the 18^th century that the city was expanded and later made the Capital of Xinjiang.  Urumqi is the transportation hub of Xinjiang and the largest city in Xinjiang.  Urumqi has the distinction of being listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the most remote city in the world (the farthest from any port).  As the capital of Xinjiang, Urumqi is home to many cultural treasures.  With a diversity of cultures, and a great variety of entertainment and tourism options, Urumqi will be sure to surprise and delight.

What to See in Urumqi

1. Dong Korok (Er Dao Qiao) International Market:  Uyghurs say that the center of Urumqi is Dong Korok.  This is a part of the market area where with many Uyghur living together and for real Uyghur life, there is no better place in the city than Donk Korok to experience real Uyghur style business and local life.

2. Xinjiang National Museum:  The museum is one of the largest in Xinjiang with a fascinating collection of minority clothing, musical instruments, textiles, jewelry, cooking and farming utensils dating back from the time of the ancient Silk Road.

3. Red Hill.  The highest spot in Urumqi and one of the largest parks in Xinjiang.  It is the center of many interesting legends among the Chinese people. 

4. Olan bay Old city: Lies around 10kms away from the city. It was a developed city during the Tang and Yuan Times. It is 550m from North to South and 480m from East to West.

Sample Tour

Day 1

Urumqi -Tian Chi (120km/74miles)

Looking like a clear cup of water from an airplane, Tian Chi lakes sits amidst rugged mountain scenery 120kms from Urumqi city at an elevation of 1980m.  Whilst at the lake, you will have the opportunity to trek for as long or short as you want through spectacular scenery and high peaks such as Bogda peak (5450m). There are many Kazak Yurts below the lake and some yurts beside it. You will have a chance to eat Kazak traditional food and drink local Kazak Ayrin (Horse milk).  After you’ve had enough hiking and exploring our driver will return us to Urumqi for the night.

(If you would like to stay overnight in a Kazak yurt we can easily organize your stay.)

Day 2

Urumqi City Cultural Tour

After breakfast at your hotel we will spend the day exploring the city of Urumqi.  In the evening we will enjoy the famous night market near Dong Korok.

Day 3

Urumqi - Nanshan (Kazak village) 

Nanshan is an extremely beautiful grassland lying around 60kms from Urumqi. There are many beautiful valleys on the way there, making it the perfect area to gallop or ride horseback for as long as you desire throughout the mountains. There is also a 40m waterfall close by to visit and climb. Today our lunch will be served in a Kazak Yurt with traditional Kazak cuisine.  This is a great place to enjoy the natural scenery and do some trekking. After lunch, you can hike around as much as you want before we set off again back to Urumqi. We arrive in Urumqi around 4:30pm local time.

(We can organize 3 to 5 days trekking around this area from June to October.)