Urumqi Attractions: Top Places to Visit

Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is the most remote major city on earth from any ocean, and a fascinating gateway to China's far northwest.  Whether you are passing through on the way to the Tianshan mountains or staying a few days, this guide rounds up the best attractions in Urumqi.

Urumqi's Top Attractions at a Glance

1. Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is the largest bazaar in Xinjiang and the beating heart of Urumqi's old town. Housed in grand Islamic-style buildings with ornate blue domes and towering minarets, it brims with spice stalls, carpets, knives, dried fruit, embroidered hats and Uyghur street food. It is completely free to enter, and at night the 'night bazaar' lights up with music, performances and a lively crowd.

✅ Best things to do here

• Haggle for carpets, knives and handicrafts
• Sample lamb skewers, naan and dried fruit
• Admire the Uyghur architecture and domes
• Return after dark for the lively night bazaar

2. Xinjiang Regional Museum

The Xinjiang Regional Museum is the best place to grasp the region's extraordinary Silk Road heritage. Its most famous exhibits are the remarkably preserved ancient mummies, including the celebrated Loulan Beauty, along with textiles, Buddhist art and artefacts from the Taklamakan desert. Admission is free, but you must reserve a timed slot in advance through the official WeChat account and bring your ID. 

✅ Best things to do here

• See the famous ancient mummies and Silk Road relics
• Admire Buddhist art and desert artefacts
• Trace Xinjiang's history across the exhibits
• Book a free timed slot in advance

3. Red Hill Park

Red Hill Park sits on a prominent red sandstone hill right in the centre of the city, crowned by the historic Red Pagoda, a symbol of Urumqi. A gentle climb leads to sweeping views over the city and the surrounding snow-capped Tianshan peaks, making it the classic spot for sunset photos. 

✅ Best things to do here

• Climb to the Red Pagoda for panoramic views
• Photograph the city at sunset
• Watch locals doing tai chi and dancing
• Enjoy the gardens and shady paths

4. Heavenly Lake of Tianshan

About two hours' drive from the city, Heavenly Lake is a dazzling alpine lake set at around 1,900 metres beneath the snow-covered Bogda Peak. Take the shuttle up through forested slopes, then walk, boat or ride a cable car around the turquoise water, with yurts, wildflowers and dramatic views all around. In summer it is cool and green; in winter it freezes into a vast snow playground. 

✅ Best things to do here

• Ride the shuttle up through the forested slopes
• Boat on the turquoise alpine lake
• Take a cable car for higher viewpoints
• Visit in winter for the snow and ice scenery

5. Tianshan Grand Canyon

A short drive southwest of the city, Tianshan Grand Canyon is a dramatic valley of sheer rock faces, forested slopes and high meadows threaded by clear streams. Well-marked trails and scenic walkways make it an easy and rewarding nature escape, with a quieter, cooler atmosphere than the city. 

✅ Best things to do here

• Hike the trails through forest and canyon
• Picnic by the clear mountain streams
• Photograph the sheer rock faces
• Enjoy the cooler, quieter atmosphere

6. Nanshan Ranch

The Southern Pastures, or Nanshan Ranch, are a vast belt of grassland and forest in the mountains south of Urumqi. This is where locals come to picnic, ride horses and soak up the Kazakh herding culture, with white yurts scattered across the meadows.

✅ Best things to do here

• Ride a horse across the meadows
• Visit the white yurts and herding families
• Picnic among the wildflowers
• Photograph the mountain pastures

7. Salt Lake (Dabancheng)

On the road towards Turpan lies the Dabancheng Salt Lake, a vast, shimmering expanse of white salt flats that stretches to the mountains. The stark, mirror-like landscape is a magnet for photographers, and the salty water is dense enough to float in. 

✅ Best things to do here

• Walk across the white salt flats
• Try floating in the salty water
• Photograph the mirror-like lakebed
• Combine with a drive towards Turpan

8. Shuimogou Park

Shuimogou Park is a leafy, family-friendly green space built around the city's historic hot springs. Expect ponds, pavilions, gardens and a small museum, all free to enter.

✅ Best things to do here

• Stroll through the gardens and ponds
• Discover the historic hot spring buildings
• Visit the small on-site museum
• Relax away from the busier sights

9. Silk Road International Ski Resort

For winter visitors, the Silk Road International Ski Resort is one of the closest and best-known ski areas in China, set on the slopes of Urumqi County. It offers groomed pistes for all levels, equipment hire, night skiing and even fireworks evenings.

✅ Best things to do here

• Ski or snowboard the groomed pistes
• Hire equipment on site if you have none
• Try the night session with fireworks
• Visit between November and March for the best snow

10. People's Park

In the heart of the city, People's Park is Urumqi's oldest and most beloved public green space. Locals gather here for tai chi, chess, singing and relaxed strolls around the lake and willow trees, giving you a genuine glimpse of everyday city life.

✅ Best things to do here

• Watch locals doing tai chi and playing chess
• Stroll around the lake and willow trees
• Join the morning singing groups
• Take a relaxed break from sightseeing