Ultimate Travel Guide to Urumqi

🌄 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights) - Day1: Cultural Exploration in the City - Morning: Head straight to Xinjiang Museum (opens at 10:30, closed Mondays) to see the Loulan mummies and Silk Road artifacts. - Afternoon: Visit the Grand Bazaar (open all day) for raisins, handmade carpets, and try baked buns with kvass. - Evening: Climb Red Hill Park for panoramic city views and sunset/night scenery. - Day2: Heavenly Lake of Tianshan - Full day: Drive 1.5 hours from downtown to Heavenly Lake, take shuttle bus to lakeside. Recommended: Mayashan Cable Car for snow-capped mountain reflections (ticket+shuttle ~¥125). Stop at Fukang for hand-pulled rice on return trip. - Day3: Nearby Highlights - Option ①: Hike in Nanshan Pasture (40-min drive), enjoy Juhuatai and Tianshan Grand Canyon. - Option ②: Turpan day tour (group recommended), visit Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley (best June-Sept). 🍢 Must-Try Local Food - Local favorites: - Grand Bazaar Night Market: Lamb skewers (¥3/stick), big plate chicken (¥30/person), handmade ice cream. - Consulate Lane: Spicy chicken with wide noodles, minced meat pilaf. - Hidden gem: "Abla Nangkeng Rou" in Erdaoqiao - juicy lamb wrapped in crispy nan bread. 🏨 Accommodation Tips - Most convenient: Near Red Hill Park (e.g. Red Hill New Century Hotel), walkable to bazaar with great night views. - Unique stays: - "Cat's Nest Inn" in Nanshan: Floor-to-ceiling mountain views, close to "Oath of Kunlun" live show. - Riverside B&B: Camping+bonfire parties, ideal for families. ⚠️ Travel Essentials 1. Transport: Airport to downtown taxi ¥30-50; mix subway/taxi for city attractions. 2. Gear: Large day-night temperature difference - bring jacket even in summer; strong UV - sunglasses+SPF50 sunscreen required. 3. Notes: Museum booking via WeChat official account; bargain 30%+ at bazaar; respect ethnic customs. 💡 Key Takeaway: Perfect 3-day Urumqi trip - museums & mountains by day, bazaar feasting by night. Stay at Red Hill or Nanshan lodgings, choose between Heavenly Lake or Nanshan, effortlessly experience frontier charm!