Urumqi Travel Guide

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Urumqi Overview

Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is located to the north of Tianshan Mountain range. As its name in Mongolian indicates, Urumqi was once a beautiful pasture but today it is a bustling city filled with skyscrapers and congested highways. Steady economic development has totally changed the city's appearance. 

Being the furthest city from the sea, Urumqi is also the geographic center of Asia; and the political, economic and cultural center of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.  There are 47 ethnic groups in Urumqi, including, Uygur, Hui, Kazakstan, Mongolian, Kirkiz, Tatar, Tajik, Xibe, Uzbek, Manchu, Russian, etc.  Although these minorities have been outnumbered since the influx of the Han people from China's eastern seaboard, they have never been overshadowed. Their unique traditions and customs continue to prevail.  Muqimi (the mother of Uygur music), the heroic poems-Jiang-ger of the Mongolia Nationality, and Manasi of the Kirgiz Nationality are widely, played, read and recited.  Ethnic women in colorful dresses are often seen walking through the back streets.   Ethnic sports activities, such as horse racing, sheep herding, wrestling, and girl's whip continue to delight the people of this region. Urumqi is a hub of various ethnic arts in the region. Carpets, folk music instruments, and flower hats are on sale in the back street shops which fill the city.

Urumqi is a significant post on the ancient Silk Road. Nowadays, it serves as a starting point where travelers can make all the necessary preparations for various trips through Xinjiang. The Tianchi Lake and the Xinjiang Provincial Museum are the most two interesting sights in the city and should not be missed.
According to the fifth National Population Census, Urumqi city has a population of 2.082 million, 16.5% live in rural areas.
Division of districts in Urumchi: Tianshan district, Shayibake district, Xinshi district, Shuimogou district, Toutunhe, Nanquan district, Dongshan district, and Urumchi City.

Area code: 0991
Post code: 830000
Tourist complaint tel: 0991-4623900