A Three-Day Urumqi Adventure: Your Guide to a Western Fairy Tale

In this land farthest from the ocean, Urumqi shines like a brilliant pearl, radiating a unique exotic charm. Here, every breath is filled with the echoes of history, and every landscape whispers tales of millennia past. Follow this guide and embark on a magical three-day journey! 🌸 Day 1: Tracing the Silk Road, Unveiling the Marks of Time 9:00 am International Grand Bazaar Stepping into the International Grand Bazaar is like entering a world of fantasy and vibrant colors. As the largest bazaar in Asia, it's a bustling hub of activity. The giant statue of Afanti is an eye-catching landmark, and the Islamic-style arches are a photographer's dream, offering picture-perfect shots at every turn. Bargaining is an art form here, especially for handicrafts. Don't hesitate to haggle – you might snag a beautiful Adras silk scarf for just 50 yuan. 12:00 pm Culinary Delights at Consulate Lane When hunger strikes, head to Consulate Lane for a foodie adventure. The sheer variety of culinary delights is dazzling. Sink your teeth into freshly baked, giant naan pit meat, juicy and flavorful, and wash it down with a glass of sweet and sour pomegranate juice – pure bliss. Don't miss the fig jam yogurt zongzi, a unique treat with a taste that's simply divine. 3:00 pm Xinjiang Museum Exploration The Xinjiang Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. A must-see is the mysterious Loulan Beauty mummy, a poignant reminder of the passage of time. Also, check out the museum's "Five Stars Rise from the East" cultural and creative products, a perfect blend of history and modern design. 6:00 pm Sunset Views at Hongshan Park As evening approaches, make your way to Hongshan Park. Ascend the Urumqi Eye for panoramic city views, and watch as the golden sunset paints the peak of Bogda Peak – a truly mesmerizing sight. Day 2: Unveiling the Magic of Tianshan, Discovering a Paradise on Earth Chartered Car to Heavenly Lake Start your second day bright and early with a 1.5-hour chartered car ride to Heavenly Lake (Tianshan Tianchi). This stunning alpine lake, resembling a teardrop from the heavens, is breathtakingly beautiful. Reaching for the Clouds at Maya Mountain Upon arrival at Heavenly Lake, take the Maya Mountain cable car (210 yuan/person) to the summit. Here, you'll feel like you can touch the clouds – a truly magical experience. The red walls and green tiles of the Western Paradise Temple, reflected in the emerald lake, create a picture-perfect backdrop, especially for those who love Hanfu photography. Tips for Navigating the Scenic Area Be aware that restaurants within the scenic area can be pricey. Pack your own naan and raisins for a delightful picnic. Overnight Stay at Nanshan Pastureland As night falls, head to Nanshan Pastureland for your overnight stay. Settle into a yurt, sip on salty milk tea, and gaze up at the star-studded sky. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way at 4:00 am – a sight of unparalleled beauty. Day 3: Embracing Nomadic Life on the Grasslands 10:00 am Horseback Riding at Nanshan Pastureland Wake up to the dawn breaking over the grasslands and start your day with an invigorating horseback riding adventure. For 50 yuan/hour, explore the spruce forests on horseback. The friendly Kazakh guides will even teach you how to gallop, letting you experience the thrill of riding across the open plains. 12:00 pm Visiting a Herdsman's Home Next, visit a local herdsman's home. Learn to make baursaki, dip them in melted butter, and savor a bowl of fresh milk, boiled and topped with a layer of cream, for an authentic taste of nomadic life. 3:00 pm Exploring the Hidden Gem of Juhuatai In the afternoon, journey to Juhuatai. Here, fields of wild chrysanthemums stretch as far as the eye can see, with snow-capped mountains in the distance, creating a scene straight out of a Japanese film. Every photo you take here is sure to be a masterpiece. 7:00 pm Departure and Souvenir Shopping As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, don't forget to pick up some souvenirs at Hualing Market. Walnuts, milk dates, figs, and other dried fruits make perfect gifts and can be conveniently shipped directly to your home. Local Insider Tips For stunning photos of the city skyline against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, visit the "Forever Century Pavilion" on Yamalik Mountain. The baked buns on Hetian Erjie Street are a local favorite, priced at just 2.5 yuan each and bursting with flavor. Be sure to get there early to snag some before they sell out. Xinjiang time is 2 hours behind Beijing time, and the nightlife here doesn't get started until 10:00 pm, so don't miss out on the evening fun. OOTD Suggestions Embrace the local style with an embroidered ethnic vest and a pair of cowboy boots. A red dress paired with a straw hat will make you the star of your photos at Heavenly Lake. Due to significant temperature differences between day and night, a warm jacket is essential. Urumqi, a city brimming with charm, awaits your exploration. Pack your bags and embark on an adventure to this magical land, where warmth and beauty await.