Urumqi - 烏魯木齊
Review of
- Review updated on 19 avril 2024Pictures of Urumqi
Urumqi
Ürümqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is located at the northern foot of the Tian Shan Mountains and on the Urumqi River. Its name means in Mongolian Junggar “beautiful pasture”. An important tourist town in the Northwest, it was once a strategic crossing on the Silk Road. Urumqi is known as the world’s furthest town from the sea. The two main ethnic groups are the Han Chinese and the Uighurs. They speak Mandarin and Uighur.
Xinjiang museum
The Xinjiang Museum in the north-west of the city provides lots of informations on local culture. It is interesting to learn that more than 8000 Russian Chinese live in northern Xinjiang. Statues of their likeness are on display at the museum. The Hui, Kyrgyz, Kazakh and Tajik minorities are also represented. In the archeology section which exposes in others, the discoveries made in the region, one can discover the body of a woman who would be more than 4000 years old.
The valley of the Poplars
The Valley of the Poplars is located in the southern suburb of Urumqi, this valley is crossed by a pasture area at the foot of Mount Karawuquntag. While strolling, you will be able to appreciate the luxuriant nature and to discover the traditional yurts and to surprise herds of sheep or horses.A little further north of the valley is a magnificent waterfall over 40m high. Tourists can engage in sports activities such as horse racing, lassoing to catch a sheep, etc.
The heavenly lake: see Tianchi Lake China
The Celestial Lake is located 110 kilometers east of Urumqi. It nestles in the heart of Tian Shan Mountain, hence the nickname “Pearl of the Celestial Mountain”. Located at an altitude of 1980 m, it measures 5 square km.During the summer, the lake is the perfect place to relax. The travelers sail on the lake admiring pastures and wildflowers. Fishing at dusk is a unique moment.It is possible to walk around the lake, which offers magnificent views of it. You may have the chance to meet Kazakh shepherds on the road. Many yurts are built on the lake and Damuo Monastery. You can spend the night on the banks of the lake, either in a guesthouse or in a traditional yurt.
When to go to Urumqi?
Detailed information on the weather in Urumqi can be found on the page : Silk Road Weather.
