Introduction
Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) (also written as Ürümqi) is the largest city and capital of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. For centuries Urumqi has been a stopping point along the Silk Road. Until recently Urumqi was a small trading post in the desert nestled next to the nearby mountains. In the last 20 years the city has exploded as a boom town with 5-star hotels springing up everywhere. This is mainly due to the growth of the oil and mining industry in the deserts and mountains of Xinjiang.
Another factor is Urumqi has become a major transport hub between North East Asia and Central Asia, including rail lines and pipelines all the way to Almaty in Kazakhstan. The city is worth a day or two as there are plenty of sights to see. If you are looking for the Indiana Jones adventure this is not the city for you, most of the old town has disappeared and what little remains is becoming a victim to development.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
- Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum (新疆自治区博物馆) is located at 132 Xibei Lu and is open everyday from 10am to 1:30pm with a break till 3:30 to 6:30pm. This is a great museum and well worth the 25 RMB. This place is a must see for anyone interested in Xinjiang. The museum offers great English translations and even has some 4000 year old mummies with original tattoos.
- Erdaoqiao Markets (二道桥市场) is kind of a let down but the streets north of the market is the centre of the local Uighur community.
- Wuyi Night Market
- Tianchi - Also known as the Heavenly Lake.
Events and Festivals
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) is located about 30 minutes outside of town. The airport serves all major Chinese cities and plus many flights to nearby countries. There is some fast food on the second floor of the airport, so if your hungry you can get a cheap snack. China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines are the main carriers in this airport.
Be careful of the taxi drivers hanging out at the airport because they have been known to scam people by rigging their meters. A taxi ride to the city center so should only cost about 30 to 45 RMB.
By Train
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
By Foot
By Bike
One of the odd parts of Urumqi is that very few people ride bikes. This is due to the extreme winters.
Eat
Drink
Work
Learn
This is version 23. Last edited at 6:11 on May 15, 08 by GeoBot (+55). 16 articles link to this page.
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