Urumqi and Xinjiang Tourism Information Website and App
Practical and Comprehensive Information Websites for Travel in Urumqi and Xinjiang
Authoritative General Information
Official Tourism Information
Resource |
Link |
Language |
Xinjiang Tourism Development Commission |
https://wlmq.gov.cn (Xinjiang Government Portal) |
Chinese |
Urumqi Municipal Government |
Chinese |
|
China National Tourism Administration |
Chinese/English |
|
Tianshannet (Official News Gateway) |
English |
Major Tourist Cities in Xinjiang (By Foreign Visitor Frequency)
City |
Description |
Urumqi |
Capital city, transportation hub, cultural center |
Kashgar |
Ancient Silk Road city, Uyghur cultural heart |
Turpan |
Grape valley, ancient ruins, lowest point in China |
Yining (Ili) |
Grasslands, lavender fields, Kazakh culture |
Altay (Kanas) |
Alpine lakes, Tuva villages, autumn colors |
Korla |
Pear city, Bosten Lake, gateway to Southern Xinjiang |
Kuqa (Kucha) |
Buddhist grottoes, ancient Qiuci Kingdom |
Tashkurgan |
Pamir Plateau, Stone City, Tajik culture |
Hotan |
Jade market, Silk Road history, desert oasis |
Changji |
Tianchi Lake access, ethnic culture |
Top 5 High-Frequency Attractions
Attraction |
Nearest City |
Official / Authoritative Link |
Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) |
Urumqi/Fukang |
Ticket Booking Portal (English) |
Kanas National Geopark |
Altay/Burqin |
Trip.com Guide (English) |
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar |
Urumqi |
|
Kashgar Old City |
Kashgar |
Kashgar Gov Portal (Chinese) |
Sayram Lake |
Bole/Bortala |
Bortala Gov Portal (Chinese) |
Kanas Lake & Hemu Village |
Altay/Burqin |
https://www.kanas.com.cn (Chinese) |
China National Tourism Administration: http://en.mct.gov.cn/ - National-level tourism policies and guidelines
12306 China Railway: https://www.12306.cn/en/ - Official railway booking portal (English version available)
Transportation
Air Travel
Airport |
Details |
Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) |
16km northwest of downtown; IATA: URC; ICAO: ZWWW |
Official Website |
www.xjairport.com (Predominantly Chinese) |
Information Desk |
+86 991 380 1453 |
Lost & Found |
+86 991 380 4646 |
Airport Foreigner Services:
Comprehensive Service Center at international arrivals
Payment Services: WeChat Pay, Alipay setup; international credit card ATM (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, JCB)
SIM Card Services: Passport registration, customized plans with international calls/data packages
Transportation: Urumqi PASS Card purchase/recharge with multilingual guides
Currency Exchange: Available at airport banking facilities
Airport to City Center:
Metro Line 1: Direct connection to city center (30 mins)
Airport Shuttle Bus: Multiple routes (20 RMB)
Taxi: Approximately 40-60 RMB (30-40 mins)
Railway
Station |
Details |
Urumqi Railway Station |
Primary high-speed rail terminal; Lanzhou-Xinjiang HSR terminus |
Urumqi South Station |
Older station; some normal trains and high-speed trains |
Major High-Speed Routes :
Destination |
Duration |
Price (Second Class) |
Turpan North |
47-61 mins |
49 RMB |
Lanzhou |
10h24m-11h28m |
551 RMB |
Xining |
9h18m-10h24m |
493 RMB |
Zhangye West |
7h23m-8h23m |
401.5 RMB |
Major Normal Train Routes:
Destination |
Duration |
Price (Hard Sleeper) |
Kashgar |
11h30m-29h29m |
317.5 RMB |
Beijing |
30h2m-40h18m |
575 RMB |
Shanghai |
40h40m-44h |
680.5 RMB |
Metro & Public Transport
Mode |
Details |
Metro Line 1 |
International Airport to Santunbei; 22.7km; passes Grand Bazaar |
BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) |
Extensive network covering major city areas |
Public Buses |
Comprehensive network; fares 1-2 RMB |
Taxis |
Flag fall 10 RMB; readily available |
DiDi (Ride-hailing) |
Available via app; English interface |
Shared Bikes |
Meituan, HelloBike available |
Urumqi and Xinjiang Food Guide
In general, you can make a reservation via "Dianping" app, download in mobile store.
Xinjiang Cuisine Summary
Xinjiang cuisine reflects its position as a Silk Road crossroads, blending Uyghur, Han, Kazakh, and Central Asian influences. Signature dishes feature lamb as the star protein, hand-pulled noodles, and aromatic spices like cumin and chili. The region is famous for its fresh dairy, dried fruits, and nuts. Meals are hearty and flavorful, with bread (nang) accompanying most dishes. Xinjiang is also China's largest beer-producing region, with Wusu Beer being the local favorite.
Signature Dishes
|
Food Streets & Markets
Location |
Description |
Price Level |
Hetian Erjie (Second Hetian Street) |
Local favorite food street |
Budget |
Grand Bazaar Food Court |
Tourist-oriented but convenient |
Mid-range |
Consulate Lane |
Local snacks near Grand Bazaar |
Budget |
Wuyi Starlight Night Market |
Evening food market |
Budget-Mid |
Restaurant Categories
Category |
Examples |
Price Range |
Booking |
Luxury/Specialty |
Silk Road Rendezvous, Loulan Secret |
200-400 RMB/person |
Meituan, phone |
Popular Local |
Damo Hongzuiyan, Hotan Red Rose BBQ |
80-150 RMB/person |
Walk-in, Meituan |
Budget/Eateries |
Various lamb skewer shops |
30-60 RMB/person |
Walk-in |
Cafes |
Nang Coffee (Grand Bazaar), local tea houses |
20-50 RMB |
Walk-in |
Major Tourist Attractions (15 Foreign Visitor Hotspots)
Attraction |
Location |
Description |
Transport |
Ticket |
Booking |
Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) |
Fukang, 68km from Urumqi |
UNESCO site; alpine lake at 1,900m; crystal waters reflecting Bogda Peak; Kazakh yurts; cable car to Maya Mountain |
Shuttle bus/car from Urumqi (1.5h); Metro+Bus |
Peak: 155 RMB (incl. shuttle); Off-peak: 105 RMB |
WeChat: 天山天池 |
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar |
Urumqi, Tianshan District |
World's largest bazaar; Islamic architecture; Silk Road Observation Tower; ethnic crafts, food, performances |
Metro Line 1 to Erdaoqiao |
Free entry; Tower: 50 RMB |
Walk-in |
Xinjiang Regional Museum |
Urumqi, Xibei Road |
32,000+ artifacts; Ancient Mummies Hall; Loulan Beauty; Five-Star Brocade; free entry |
Bus/Metro/Taxi |
Free (ID required) |
WeChat: 新疆维吾尔自治区博物馆 |
Hongshan Park (Red Hill) |
Urumqi city center |
City landmark; Hongshan Tower; panoramic city and mountain views; Ferris wheel |
Bus/Metro/Taxi |
Free; Tower: 20 RMB |
Walk-in |
Nanshan Pasture |
Urumqi southern suburbs |
Kazakh summer pasture; horseback riding; yurt stays; Xibaiyanggou Waterfall |
Car/tour bus (1h) |
45 RMB |
On-site |
Kanas Lake |
Burqin County, Altay |
"Paradise on Earth"; color-changing alpine lake; Tuva villages; Moon Bay, Fairy Bay |
Flight to Altay + bus/car (5h) |
~230 RMB (incl. shuttle) |
WeChat/CTrip |
Hemu Village |
Burqin County |
Largest Tuva village; wooden houses; morning mist; authentic nomadic culture |
From Kanas (1h) |
Included in Kanas ticket |
On-site |
Sayram Lake |
Bole City, Bortala |
"Last Tear of the Atlantic"; highest alpine lake; blue ice in winter; 90km circumference |
Drive from Yining (2h) or Urumqi (6h) |
145 RMB (incl. self-drive) |
On-site |
Nalati Grassland |
Xinyuan County, Ili |
"Grassland in the Sky"; subalpine meadow; Kazakh nomads; wildflowers |
Bus from Yining (3h) |
48h self-drive pass: 300 RMB/vehicle |
On-site |
Kashgar Old Town |
Kashgar City |
2,000-year-old maze; living Islamic culture; century-old teahouse; The Kite Runner filming location |
Flight/train to Kashgar |
Free |
Walk-in |
Flaming Mountain |
Turpan |
Red sandstone mountains; 47.8°C summer temps; Journey to the West fame |
High-speed train to Turpan (1h) + bus |
40 RMB |
On-site |
Jiaohe Ancient City |
Turpan |
UNESCO Silk Road site; 2,500-year-old earth city; best-preserved ancient ruins |
Taxi from Turpan (30 mins) |
70 RMB |
On-site |
Karakul Lake |
Akto County, Kashgar |
Alpine glacial lake at 3,600m; Muztagh Ata reflection; Karakoram Highway |
Drive from Kashgar (4h) |
50 RMB |
On-site |
Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon |
Kuqa County |
Red sandstone canyon; "Skyline" light effects; Martian landscape |
Drive from Kuqa (1.5h) |
41 RMB |
On-site |
Kizil Caves |
Baicheng County |
Oldest Buddhist grottoes in China (3rd century); UNESCO site; unique murals |
Drive from Kuqa (2h) |
70 RMB |
On-site |
Website and Information of Accommodation and Hotels in Heifei and Anhui
Luxury Hotels (5-Star)
Hotel |
Location |
Features |
Price Range |
Booking |
Hilton Urumqi |
1237 Hongguang Hill Road |
International brand, mountain views, 8.4/10 rating |
600-1,000 RMB |
Hilton.com, Trip.com |
Luxemon Xinjiang Hongfu Hotel |
Downtown Urumqi |
5-star luxury, international brands nearby |
500-900 RMB |
Agoda, Trip.com |
Universal Hotel Urumqi |
76 South Beijing Road |
Central location, 7.6/10 rating |
400-700 RMB |
Trip.com |
Sheraton Urumqi |
City center |
International standards, business facilities |
600-1,000 RMB |
Marriott.com |
Hyatt Regency Urumqi |
Downtown |
Premium service, city views |
700-1,200 RMB |
Hyatt.com |
Mid-Range Hotels (3-4 Star)
Hotel |
Location |
Features |
Price Range |
Booking |
Atour Hotel Urumqi |
South Lake Road |
Excellent breakfast, modern design, highly rated |
300-500 RMB |
Trip.com |
All Seasons Hotel |
Near railway station |
Convenient for train travelers, clean |
250-400 RMB |
Trip.com, Meituan |
Holiday Inn Express |
Multiple locations |
International brand, reliable quality |
350-550 RMB |
IHG.com |
Orange Hotel |
City center |
Modern boutique, good reviews |
280-450 RMB |
Trip.com |
Home Inn Selected |
Various locations |
Clean, comfortable, good value |
200-350 RMB |
Trip.com |
Budget Accommodation (Hostels/Guesthouses)
Property |
Location |
Features |
Price Range |
Booking |
Urumqi International Youth Hostel |
Near Grand Bazaar |
Foreigner-friendly, social atmosphere |
80-150 RMB/bed |
Hostelworld |
Various Budget Hotels |
Near train station |
Basic but clean |
150-250 RMB |
Trip.com, Meituan |
Yurt Stays (Tianchi/Nanshan) |
Scenic areas |
Authentic Kazakh experience |
100-200 RMB |
On-site negotiation |
Booking Channels
Platform |
Website |
Language |
Trip.com |
English/Chinese |
|
Ctrip |
Chinese (English limited) |
|
Booking.com |
English |
|
Agoda |
English |
|
Expedia |
English |
|
Marriott.com |
English |
|
Hilton.com |
English |
|
IHG.com |
English |
Major Activities Leisures & Events
Annual Fixed Events
Event |
Time |
Description |
Link |
Nalati Grassland Festival |
June-August |
Kazakh traditional sports, music, horse racing |
Local tourism bureau |
Turpan Grape Festival |
August |
Grape harvesting, wine tasting, cultural shows |
Turpan Tourism |
Kashgar Old Town Cultural Festival |
September |
Uyghur music, dance, handicraft exhibitions |
Kashgar Tourism |
Silk Road International Expo |
September |
Trade and cultural exchange event |
Xinjiang Government |
Altay Winter Tourism Festival |
December-March |
Ice and snow activities, skiing competitions |
Altay Tourism |
Regular Activities
Activity |
Description |
Price |
Booking |
Heavenly Lake Boat Cruise |
Scenic boat ride on alpine lake |
80-100 RMB |
On-site |
Kazakh Yurt Experience |
Traditional dwelling, meals, music |
150-300 RMB/person |
On-site |
Horseback Riding (Nanshan/Nalati) |
Guided rides through grasslands |
80-100 RMB/hour |
On-site |
Silk Road Observation Tower |
Panoramic views of Urumqi |
50 RMB |
On-site |
Grand Bazaar Cultural Shows |
Daily ethnic music and dance |
Free |
Walk-in |
Seasonal Guide & Travel Advice
Peak/Shoulder/Low Seasons
Season |
Months |
Characteristics |
Recommendation |
Peak (High) |
June-August |
Best weather; grasslands in bloom; highest prices; crowds |
Book 1 month ahead |
Shoulder (Gold) |
September-October |
Autumn colors; photographers' paradise; moderate crowds |
Best value period |
Low (Winter) |
November-March |
Cold; snow scenery; lowest prices; some roads closed |
For budget/skiing |
Regional Holidays
Holiday |
Time |
Description |
Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan End) |
Variable (Islamic calendar) |
Major Uyghur celebration; feasts and gatherings |
Eid al-Adha |
Variable (Islamic calendar) |
Sacrifice festival; important for Muslim communities |
Nauryz (Persian New Year) |
March 21 |
Kazakh and Kyrgyz New Year; spring celebrations |
Chinese National Day Golden Week |
October 1-7 |
Domestic tourist surge; avoid if possible |
Student Holidays (2026)
Holiday |
Typical Dates |
Winter Vacation |
Mid-January to late February |
Spring Vacation |
Late March to early April (varies) |
Summer Vacation |
Early July to late August |
Autumn Vacation |
Early October (1 week during National Day) |
Foreign Visitor Recommendations
Best Value: September-October (autumn colors, fewer crowds, moderate prices)
Photography: Late September for Kanas golden birch forests
Budget Travel: November-March (winter scenery, significant discounts)
Travel Budget Estimates
Daily Budget Estimates (Excluding Arrival Transport)
Category |
Budget (RMB/day) |
Mid-Range (RMB/day) |
Comfort (RMB/day) |
Accommodation |
150-250 |
300-500 |
600+ |
Meals |
60-100 |
150-250 |
300+ |
Local Transport |
30-50 |
100-200 |
300+ |
Attractions |
50-100 |
150-300 |
400+ |
Total/Day |
290-500 |
700-1,250 |
1,600+ |
Trip Budget Estimates
Duration |
Low Season |
Shoulder Season |
Peak Season |
4 Days |
1,200-2,000 RMB |
2,800-5,000 RMB |
4,000-7,000 RMB |
10 Days |
3,000-5,000 RMB |
7,000-12,500 RMB |
10,000-16,000 RMB |
Money-Saving Tips
Travel in winter: Accommodation and attraction tickets are 30-50% cheaper
Use public transport: Metro and buses are very affordable
Eat at local restaurants: Hetian Erjie offers authentic food at local prices
Book trains early: High-speed rail discounts available in advance
Share transport: Join group tours for remote attractions like Tianchi
Stay in hostels: International youth hostels offer great value
Classic Travel Routes
Route 1: Urumqi City Highlights (3 Days)
Day |
Destinations |
Transport |
1 |
Xinjiang Museum → Hetian Erjie → Grand Bazaar |
Metro/Bus/Taxi |
2 |
Tianshan Tianchi (full day) |
Tour bus/Car |
3 |
Hongshan Park → Nanshan Pasture → Departure |
Metro/Car |
Route 2: Northern Xinjiang Nature Loop (8-10 Days)
Day |
Destinations |
Transport |
1-2 |
Urumqi → Tianchi → Urumqi |
Train/Car |
3-4 |
Urumqi → Keketuohai → Burqin |
Train/Car |
5-6 |
Burqin → Kanas → Hemu |
Car/Bus |
7 |
Hemu → Devil's City → Karamay |
Car |
8-9 |
Karamay → Sayram Lake → Yining |
Car |
10 |
Yining → Nalati → Urumqi |
Car/Flight |
Route 3: Southern Xinjiang Cultural Journey (10-12 Days)
Day |
Destinations |
Transport |
1-2 |
Urumqi → Turpan (Jiaohe, Flaming Mountain) |
High-speed train |
3-4 |
Turpan → Korla → Kuqa |
Train/Car |
5-6 |
Kuqa → Kizil Caves → Kashgar |
Car/Flight |
7-9 |
Kashgar → Tashkurgan → Karakul Lake |
Car |
10 |
Tashkurgan → Kashgar |
Car |
11-12 |
Kashgar → Hotan → Urumqi |
Flight |
Route 4: Ili Grassland Special (6-8 Days)
Day |
Destinations |
Transport |
1 |
Urumqi → Sayram Lake |
Car |
2 |
Sayram → Huocheng Lavender → Zhaosu |
Car |
3-4 |
Zhaosu → Tekes Bagua City → Karajun |
Car |
5-6 |
Karajun → Nalati → Duku Highway |
Car |
7-8 |
Return to Urumqi via Duku Highway |
Car |
Route 5: Winter Wonderland (5-7 Days)
Day |
Destinations |
Transport |
1-2 |
Urumqi → Silk Road Ski Resort |
Car |
3-4 |
Urumqi → Altay (General Mountain Ski) |
Flight |
5-6 |
Altay → Kanas Winter Scenery → Hemu |
Car |
7 |
Return to Urumqi |
Flight |
Travel Agencies (Foreigner-Serving)
Agency |
Services |
Languages |
Website |
China Discovery |
Custom Xinjiang tours, English guides |
English |
|
Asia Odyssey Travel |
Group/private tours, Silk Road specialists |
English |
|
Wild Great Wall Adventures |
Adventure tours, trekking, cultural immersion |
English |
|
Xinjiang Travel Tips |
Self-drive support, route planning |
English |
|
China Explorer Tour |
Small group tours, local experiences |
English |
Tourist Shopping
Signature Products
Product |
Origin |
Best Buy Location |
Atlas Silk (Adras) |
Hotan, Kashgar |
Grand Bazaar, Kashgar Old Town |
Handmade Carpets |
Khotan, Kashgar |
Grand Bazaar |
Dried Fruits & Nuts |
Turpan, Hami |
Grand Bazaar, local markets |
Jade |
Hotan |
Hotan Jade Market (certified shops) |
Uygur Musical Instruments |
Kashgar |
Kashgar Old Town workshops |
Nang Bread |
Urumqi |
Nang Culture Park, Grand Bazaar |
Grape Wine |
Turpan |
Turpan wineries |
Tax Refund Policy for Foreign Tourists
Minimum Purchase: 500 RMB at same store, same day
Eligible Goods: Clothing, electronics, accessories, souvenirs (unused, in original packaging)
Refund Rate: Approximately 11% VAT refund
Process: Present passport at purchase → Get tax refund form → Customs verification at airport → Collect refund
Time Limit: Must leave China within 90 days of purchase
Major Shopping Venues
Venue |
Location |
Features |
Link |
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar |
Urumqi |
Largest bazaar; crafts, food, souvenirs |
|
Jinquan Mall |
Urumqi |
Local shopping, affordable prices |
- |
MM Meimei Shopping Center |
Urumqi |
Modern shopping mall |
- |
Kashgar Bazaar |
Kashgar |
Authentic Central Asian market |
- |
Pre-Departure Preparation
Climate Overview
Urumqi has a temperate continental arid climate with extreme temperature variations. Summers (June-August) are warm at 20-30°C but nights can be cool. Winters (November-March) are severely cold, reaching -20°C. Spring and autumn are short but pleasant. The region receives abundant sunshine (2,500-3,500 hours annually) with very low humidity. Rainfall is minimal year-round. Due to the significant day-night temperature difference, layered clothing is essential regardless of season.
Clothing Advice
Season |
Essentials |
Spring (Mar-May) |
Layered clothing, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes |
Summer (Jun-Aug) |
T-shirts, light pants, sun hat, sunscreen (UV index very high), light jacket for evenings |
Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
Warm layers, fleece jacket, windbreaker, hiking boots |
Winter (Dec-Feb) |
Heavy down jacket, thermal underwear, warm boots, hat, gloves, scarf |
Other Recommendations
Altitude: Tianchi is at 1,900m; most visitors experience no issues, but those with heart conditions should consult a doctor
Sun Protection: High altitude means intense UV; SPF 50+ sunscreen essential
Hydration: Extremely dry climate; drink plenty of water
VPN: Download before arrival (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp blocked in China)
Apps: WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, AMap (essential for navigation and payments)
Emergency Contacts
Service |
Number |
Notes |
Police |
110 |
Emergency response |
Medical Emergency |
120 |
Ambulance service |
Fire |
119 |
Fire department |
Tourist Complaint Hotline |
12301 |
National tourism complaint line |
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation |
+86 991 282 2 |
Regional tourism support |
Urumqi Airport Information |
+86 991 380 1453 |
24-hour service |
Medical Services
Major Hospitals with International Services
Hospital |
Location |
Specialties |
Link |
Xinjiang Medical University First Affiliated Hospital |
Urumqi |
Comprehensive, international patient services |
- |
Urumqi General Hospital (PLA) |
Urumqi |
Military hospital, high standards |
- |
Xinjiang People's Hospital |
Urumqi |
Largest public hospital, multiple departments |
- |
Foreign Patient Visit Process
Registration: Present passport at international/foreign patient window
Translation: Request English interpreter (may require advance booking)
Payment: Cash or Chinese bank card; limited international card acceptance
Insurance: Contact your travel insurance provider before treatment
Pharmacy: Hospital pharmacies available; bring prescription for special medications
Emergency Medical Advice
Carry basic medications and prescriptions
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage strongly recommended
Tourism Websites Directory
Official Tourism Websites
Website |
Link |
Language |
Xinjiang Government Portal |
Chinese |
|
Urumqi Municipal Government |
Chinese |
|
China National Tourism |
Chinese/English |
Transportation Booking
Platform |
Link |
Purpose |
Trip.com |
Flights, hotels, trains (English) |
|
12306.cn |
Train tickets (Chinese) |
|
China Southern Airlines |
Flights to/from Xinjiang |
Accommodation Booking
Platform |
Link |
Language |
Trip.com |
English |
|
Booking.com |
English |
|
Agoda |
English |
Food & Services
Platform |
Link |
Purpose |
Meituan |
App only |
Food delivery, restaurant booking |
Dianping |
App only |
Restaurant reviews, bookings |
Video Resources
Official & High-Quality Videos
Video Title |
Platform |
Language |
Link |
Xinjiang Tourism Official Promotion |
YouTube |
English/Chinese |
Search: "Xinjiang Tourism Official" |
Urumqi City Promotion |
YouTube |
English |
Search: "Urumqi China Travel" |
Heavenly Lake Documentary |
YouTube |
English |
Search: "Tianshan Tianchi documentary" |
Silk Road Series |
YouTube |
English |
Search: "Silk Road Xinjiang documentary" |
Travel Vlogs & Reviews
Creator/Channel |
Platform |
Language |
Content |
Various Travel Vloggers |
YouTube/Instagram |
English |
Search: "Xinjiang travel vlog 2026" |
Trip.com Moments |
Trip.com App |
English |
User-generated content, reviews |
If there are any changes or updates, please contact us for revisions.