Ürümqi, China

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Ürümqi, China

Region: Xinjiang


Geographic Coordinates: 43.822500, 87.612500
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 35.0°C (-40°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry and continental with hot summers and cold winters.
Population: 4335017
Language: Uyghur

Ürümqi, The capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwest China, Is located on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. The city’s name means beautiful pasture in Mongolian and it has a population of over 3 million people. Ürümqi is one of China’s largest cities and an important economic center. Despite being located in a remote region, Ürümqi has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was once an important hub on the Silk Road, Which connected China with Europe and Central Asia.

Visitors can explore many historical sites such as Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins, Karez Irrigation System, And Xinjiang Regional Museum. One unique aspect of Ürümqi is its diverse cultural heritage shaped by various ethnic groups such as Uyghurs, Han Chinese, Kazakhs, Tajiks and Hui Muslims who have lived together for centuries. This diversity can be seen in everything from food to architecture to music. Foodies will love exploring the local cuisine in Ürümqi with popular dishes including lamb kebabs (yang rou chuan), Hand-pulled noodles (la mian), Naan bread (nang) and pilaf rice (polo). Many restaurants offer halal options for Muslim visitors.

For those interested in nature and outdoor activities there are several scenic spots around Ürümqi worth visiting such as Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), Tianshan Grand Canyon National Park and Southern Pasture Scenic Area. In recent years modernization has brought new developments to Ürümqi including high-speed rail links connecting it with other major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Shopping malls like Hongshan Department Store offer luxury brands while street markets like Erdaoqiao provide traditional souvenirs.

However tensions between Uyghur and Han Chinese populations have led to strict security measures being implemented by the Chinese government in response to incidents of violence and terrorism in the region. Overall Ürümqi is a fascinating destination for those interested in history, Culture, Food and nature. Its unique blend of traditional and modern elements make it a must-visit city in China.



Important Landmarks

  1. Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar
  2. Hongshan Park
  3. Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake)
  4. Xinjiang Regional Museum
  5. Erdaoqiao Market
  6. Red Mountain Park
  7. Urumqi Botanical Garden
  8. Xinhua South Road Pedestrian Street
  9. Tianshan Mountains
  10. Grand Mosque (Id Kah Mosque)

Primary Industries

  1. Textile Industry: Ürümqi has a well-known textile industry that encompasses cotton spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing.
  2. Food Processing Industry: The city has a considerable food processing industry that comprises meat processing plants, dairy factories, and fruit juice production units.
  3. Oil and Gas Industry: Because Ürümqi is situated near several oil fields in Xinjiang province, the city has developed an oil refining industry.
  4. Construction Materials Industry: Abundant natural resources in the region have helped to develop construction materials industries such as cement manufacturing plants.
  5. Machinery Manufacturing Industry: Ürümqi produces various types of machinery including agricultural machinery, mining equipment, and heavy-duty trucks.
  6. Electronic Information Technology (IT) Industry: In recent years this sector has been growing rapidly with companies like Huawei investing heavily in the region.
  7. Tourism Industry: Due to its unique cultural heritage sites like the Silk Road Museum and Tianchi Lake; Ürümqi is also known for its tourism industry.
  8. Transportation Equipment Manufacturing: Ürümqi also manufactures transportation equipment including cars, trucks, buses, railway engines, etc.

Noteable History

  1. The Battle of Ürümqi in 1933 pitted the Chinese Nationalist government against the East Turkestan Republic, which aimed to establish an independent state in Xinjiang.
  2. In July 2009, ethnic riots broke out between Han Chinese and Uighur Muslims in Ürümqi, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.
  3. As a vital trading center on the ancient Silk Road, Ürümqi played a crucial role in facilitating cultural exchange and commerce between China and Central Asia.
  4. Abulimiti Mijiti is a prominent Uighur writer born in Ürümqi known for his poetry and essays exploring themes of identity, culture, and politics.
  5. Zhang Qian was an explorer during the Han dynasty credited with opening up trade routes along the Silk Road; he visited Xinjiang multiple times during his travels.
  6. Xue Xiangling was one of China’s first female pilots born in Ürümqi who served as a flight instructor during World War II.
  7. Ma Fuxiang was a Hui Muslim warlord who controlled much of Xinjiang during the early 20th century; he played an essential role in shaping the region’s political landscape.
  8. Wang Lequan was a former Communist Party official who served as governor of Xinjiang from 1995 to 2010; his policies aimed at maintaining stability but drew criticism for their heavy-handed approach towards Uighur separatism movements.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Xinjiang Regional Museum
  2. Grand Bazaar
  3. Red Mountain Park
  4. International Grand Bazaar
  5. Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)
  6. Hongshan Park
  7. Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum of Fine Arts
  8. Shuimogou Hot Springs Park
  9. Tianshan Wildlife Zoo
  10. South Mosque


Sports Teams

  1. Xinjiang Flying Tigers – This basketball team is professional and plays in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league. The team was founded in 1999 and has won two CBA championships, one in 2017 and another in 2020.
  2. Xinjiang Tianshan Snow Leopards – This ice hockey team is also professional and plays in the Russian-based Supreme Hockey League (VHL). The team was founded quite recently, in 2016, but has already become a top contender within the league.
  3. Xinjiang Guotai Luda Football Club – This soccer club is professional as well and plays within China’s second-tier league, known as the China League One. The team was established back in 1997 but hasn’t had consistent success throughout its history.
  4. Ürümqi Dinos Volleyball Club – This women’s volleyball club competes at the highest level of volleyball within China’s Chinese Volleyball Super League. It was founded back in 2003 and has consistently been one of the strongest teams competing.
  5. Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical Football Club – Lastly, this football club is also professional and participates within China’s second-tier league; however, it hasn’t had much success since its founding back in 2004.

Overall, sports have grown increasingly popular among residents of Ürümqi over recent years with many young people taking up various athletic pursuits as hobbies or even pursuing careers as athletes themselves.



Cultural Events

  1. Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar Festival
  2. Urumqi International Ice and Snow Festival
  3. Eid al-Fitr (Muslim festival)
  4. Naadam Festival (Mongolian traditional festival)
  5. Chinese New Year celebrations
  6. Qurban Festival (Muslim festival)
  7. Grape Harvest Festival in Turpan
  8. Uyghur Food and Culture Festival
  9. Silk Road Tourism Cultural Expo
  10. International Dance Festival of the Belt and Road

Cuisine

Popular Foods in Xinjiang

  • Xinjiang Lamb Kebabs are a popular street food in Ürümqi. They’re made with lamb meat and spices.
  • Dapanji, also known as Big Plate Chicken, is a spicy chicken dish that’s often shared between several people. It’s served with noodles or rice.
  • Laghman is a traditional Uyghur noodle dish that usually comes with vegetables and meat.
  • Samsa is similar to an empanada or samosa and is a type of pastry filled with meat or vegetables.
  • Nang Bread is commonly eaten in Xinjiang and often served alongside other dishes.

Popular Restaurants in Ürümqi

  1. Tianchi Lake Restaurant, which is known for its seafood dishes and beautiful views of the nearby lake.
  2. Hongfu Restaurant serves traditional Uyghur cuisine like laghman and dapanji.
  3. Silk Road Café & Bar offers both Chinese and Western-style dishes along with live music performances on weekends.
  4. Xibei Youmian Cun (Northwest Noodle Village) specializes in various types of noodles from the northwest region of China.
  5. Yilin Uyghur Restaurant serves authentic Uyghur cuisine such as lamb kebabs and nang bread, along with live entertainment by local musicians and dancers.

Parks and Recreation

  1. People’s Park is a large public park situated in the center of Ürümqi that boasts gardens, fountains, and walking paths.
  2. Hongshan Park offers panoramic views of Ürümqi from its hilltop location.
  3. Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is a popular shopping destination with entertainment options such as live music and dance performances.
  4. Tianshan Mountains are located just outside of the city and offer outdoor activities such as hiking trails, skiing, and more.
  5. Ürümqi Botanical Garden houses over 10,000 species of plants from all around the world and is an ideal place for leisurely strolls.
  6. Dabancheng National Forest Park lies about 50 km away from Ürümqi; it features hiking trails, camping areas, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
  7. Urumqi Water Amusement Park offers water slides for kids to enjoy during hot summer months in Urumqi.
  8. Urumqi Zoo is home to many different animals including pandas!

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