Urumqi, China Guide & Hotel Reservations from Cheap Hotels Worldwide

As the capital of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China, the name Urumqi means to enlighten. You will delighted with your visit to this city of over 2 million people. The climate is hot and dry and the temperatures rarely dip below freezing in winter. The city is connected to other parts of the country and Beijing by a railway line. It is also located along China National Highways 312 and 314.

Urumqi is the most inland city in the world located at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Travel in the footsteps of the past as you walk the ancient Silk Road and see how the cultures of the east and west have blended in this corner of China. Take time out to explore Heavenly Lake and watch the boaters or even enjoy boating on the lake yourself. This is a fairyland of flowers and plants and the fishing at dusk is reported to be excellent. If you are a student of science, a visit to this location will certainly be on your itinerary with the many geological formations in the area.

Experience a sea of green when you visit Southern Pastures and visit one of the traditional yurts where you can taste fragrant milk tea or watch the traditional Kazakh dancing. Red Hill is a unique natural wonder of Urumqi made of aubergine rock. The vaulted Southern Mosque is a grand and imposing structure and there is no doubt you will return home with many photos of this attraction. The Tartar Mosque is open to tourists, even women, and is an excellent example of Tartar architecture.

For the ultimate lesson on the history of Urumqi and China, you have to visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum. See terra cotta figures, mummies, silk, pottery and porcelain as archaeological treasures that have been excavated from the Silk Road.

With the wide range of accommodations and restaurants, you will find everything geared to your comfort. If you have time for shopping, you will be very pleased with the selection in the many stores and malls and there is no doubt that you will return home with many treasures in your suitcase.