Urumqi, meaning beautiful pasture in the Mongolian Language, is the home of 47 ethnic groups with a population of 2.08 million. It's the most inland and landlocked city in China.
Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, as well as the political, economic, cultural and transportation center of the region. It's a multi- ethnic city with many languages, customs and colorful ethnic traditions. In resent years Urumqi witnessed the dramatic changes in its economy as well as in the other fields since it's located in the central part of the 2nd Eurasian continental bridge.
The temperature in Urumqi widely ranges between day and night as it belongs to the semi-arid continental climate. Every year from November to the next March Urumqi is crowned with snow. It has shorter spring and autumn; and longer winter and summer.
Tourist resources of Urumqi have its own advantages and distinctions, which are strategically important in the ancient Silk Road that assembles the cultures of Indian, Greek, Chinese and Uighurs. The most famous tourist spots included the Heavenly Lake, the Southern Mountain Pastures, the Red Hill, the Southern Mosque, the Tartar Mosque, and the Xinjiang Regional Museum. Urumqi is rich in tourism resources. Its long history and cultural diversity has been attracted the visitors from all over the world.
Urumqi International airport is 25 km (half an hour's drive) away from the city center. There are 92 air lines radiating from Urumqi to 65 cities in other parts of the country and abroad and to 12 prefectures and cities within the autonomous region.
Train Station is 3 km away from the city center. Urumqi can be reachable by train from the main cities in China. Southern Xinjiang Railway Line (Urumqi to Kashgar), Northern Xinjiang Railway Line (Urumqi to Almaty) and Xinjiang – Lanzhou Railway Line all started from Urumqi.
Accommodation
3 star, 4 star and 5 star hotels can be arranged upon request.
3 star hotels cost 280-350 Yuan during high season and 200-260 Yuan during the low season include breakfast.
4 star hotels cost 480-520 Yuan during high season with breakfast and 360-420 Yuan during the low season include breakfast.
5 star hotels cost 700-750 Yuan during high season with breakfast and 480-550 Yuan during the low season include breakfast.
Some expensive hotels such as Sheraton and Yindu Hotel can be booked upon request.
Food
Good Uighur Fast Food restaurants are located around the International Grand Bazaar. They serve Hand-made noodles, Pilaf rice, Kebab, steamed Dumplings, Samsa (roasted Bun), Noodle soup, mutton soup, chicken etc. Tea will be served free of charge as soon as you take a sit. Some of them do not serve alcohol and no smoking.
Roasted Whole Lamb is served in the restaurants, but it needs early booking.
Transportation
Urumqi International airport is located 25 km (half an hour’s drive) away from the city. 50 Yuan by taxi, 10 Yuan by airport limousine.
Urumqi train station is 2 km away from the city centre, 6-8 Yuan by taxi, 1 Yuan by public bus.
Urumqi Long –Distance Bus station is 2 km south of the city centre , 6-8 Yuan by taxi , 1 Yuan by public bus. |
