URUMQI Living with diversity: a multi-cultural city

Location of Urumqi

In Mongolian, the word “Urumqi” means “beautiful meadow”. The city that three sides surrounded by mountains is abundant in water and grass and blessed with many magnificent natural landscapes. One should not forget to experience Urumqi’s unique local culture while astonished by its nature’s beauty. Urumqi is a multi-racial metropolis that is home to more than 40 ethnic groups, including Chinese, Uighurs, Huis, , Mongols, Manchus, Xibes, Kyrgyzs, Uzbeks, Tajiks, etc. The many ethnic groups, different customs and diverse cuisine have shaped the city’s colourful and hospitable humanistic style.

What’s hot

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar International Grand Bazaar is a must-visit place when one comes to Urumqi, as it showcases the cultural characteristics of the diverse north-western ethnic groups, particularly the Uighurs. The bazaar built in a strong Islamic architectural style sells a wide range of local specialties such as Roast Whole Lamb, Baked Naan, as well as ethnic musical instruments, Yengisar knives, ethnic tapestries and etc., which will definitely delight your eyes and your stomach. You may also learn about the history of the and get a great view of the city by visiting the nearby Silk Road Tower.

8 Jiefang South Road, Tianshan , Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Take bus Route 10, Route 16, Route 61, Route 104, Route 310 or Route 912 and get off at Erdaoqiao Stop, then walk about 340 metres. The Grand Bazaar area opens all day; Shops 9:30am-10pm, daily; Silk Road Tower 10am-10pm, daily Free entry for the Grand Bazaar; Silk Road Tower 50RMB

Xinjiang Museum If you wish to know more about Xinjiang’s history and culture, Xinjiang Museum is a good suggestion. The distinctive arched- windowed domed building houses a wide range of historical antiquities of Xinjiang. In addition to artefacts with traditional Chinese characteristics from Han to Tang Dynasties, there are also frescoes of angels, ethnic Russian cutleries and furniture with a European twist, all of which demonstrate Xinjiang’s ancient regional character as a link between East and West. The world-famous “Loulan Beauty” is currently on display in the “Mummy Hall” on the second level of the museum as well.

581 Xibei Road, Saybag District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China Take bus Route 7, Route 51, Route 52, Route 303, Route 305, Route 311, Route 518, Route 906, or Route 928 and get off at Bowuguan Stop, then walk about 140 metres. 10:30am-6pm, closed on Monday Free (Limited to 1,000 visitors per day, booking via WeChat) xinjiangmuseum

Nanshan Pastures Nanshan is both an excellent natural pasture and a summer holiday destination, with its undulating mountains covered in lush greenery and a stunning trickle of spring water flowing down from them. The Azalea blooming season runs from April to May and the grass is at its best from July onwards. At this time of year, one can ride on horses on the grasslands, and also meet the Kazakhs who come to graze their livestock every summer. A visit to the yurt and experience the ethnic culture of Kazakh people through aromatic milk tea and roast lamb is strongly recommended.

Dabancheng District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China Take a shuttle bus from Zhongqiao Bus Station 9am-7pm, daily 45RMB

Naan Cultural Museum Naan is one of Xinjiang’s staple food, and the Naan Cultural Museum located in the Naan Culture Industrial Park is a great place to learn more about this delicacy. One can learn about the history of naan, its making process, utensils used to make it, and see various sizes of naan. In addition, visitors can also take part in the process of making a naan by themselves. There are nearly 20 famous naan and specialty food producers in the museum, where one can see the production of 157 types of naan, as well as handmade dumplings, pastries, roasted whole lamb and other specialty foods.

Jiudaowan Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China Take bus Route 101 and get off at Jiudaowanlubei Stop, then walk about 1km. 9am-7pm, daily Free

Minjie Street Consisting of five typical Islamic-style buildings, “Minjie Street” (means Folk Street) is nearby the International Grand Bazaar. The buildings showcase the politics, history, culture, economy and customs of different parts of Xinjiang, as well as the famous landscapes of each region. As the largest culturally distinctive pedestrian street in Xinjiang, Minjie Street is home to many shops where one can find everything from local specialties to special clothing and ethnic cuisine. It has been said that walking down this street is the equivalent of walking through Xinjiang.

349 Longquan Road, , Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China Take bus Route 7, Route 68 or Route 70 and get off at Minjie Stop, then walk about 100 metres. 10am-7pm, opening hours of shops differ Free entrance, excluding in-store purchases

Xinjiang Art Museum The Xinjiang Art Museum consists of six exhibition halls that visitors can learn about the natural and cultural landscape of Xinjiang through various artworks. A variety of Chinese paintings, oil paintings, watercolour paintings, panel paintings, sculptures, and other works of art vividly depict the diverse geographical landscape of Xinjiang and its vibrant ethnic cultures. Many of the paintings depict the daily lives of the local people while some of the scenes are hard to be found today. The museum brings together the aesthetics of life of the various ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

167, Youhao North Road, Saybag District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China Take bus Route 51, Route 52 or Route 157 and get off at Balou Stop, then walk about 400 metres. 11am-7pm, closed on Monday Free (Booking via Wechat) @新疆美术馆, ID: gh_1643e4c37f85

What to eat

Grilled Whole Lamb With crispy golden skin and soft, tender, fragrant meat, the Grilled Whole Lamb (“Kaoquanyang”) is one of Xinjiang’s most characteristic traditional dishes. In terms of selection and preparation, a skillful chef will first select a 2-year-old fat lamb. A mixture of flour and water with spices will be applied to shroud the whole carcass. Put the lamb into a specially-made oven and bake for around 1 hour.

Shouzhuafan “Shouzhuafan” (Pilaf) is a popular dish in South, Central and West Asia, it is especially popular among the Muslim communities in Xinjiang. The ingredients of an authentic Xinjiang Shouzhuafan are mutton cubes, carrots and onions that would be cooked with rice and olive oil for a healthy, aromatic and delicious staple food. Shouzhuafan which means “hand-held rice” is traditionally eaten by hand.

Kaobaozi The “Kaobaozi” (Samsa) is a favourite snack for all ethnic groups in Xinjiang. Minced lamb and onions are mixed with spices as the filling, put on a thin crust, then fold it to quadrilateral shape before baking in a naan pit. The large chunks of lamb under the thin crust are very satisfying in a full bite with the irresistible aroma of onions and cumin. In addition to lamb, chicken and beef are used as fillings too.

Dapanji As one of the representative dishes in Xinjiang, “Dapanji” (which means “Big Plate Chicken”) is a big portion dish that is vividly coloured, and taste spicy, with chicken, onions, garlic, potatoes, chilli peppers and so on as ingredients. The dish is usually served with noodle or naan bread which is a perfect match with its sauce. These combinations would satisfy any hungry trucker.

Where to go

By train/ subway By taxi By bus On foot

Day 1

Xinjiang Museum

Lunch: Kaobaozi

Minjie Street

Xinjiang International TIP Grand Bazaar 01

International Grand Bazaar TIP Dining Arts Grand Theatre 02

Dinner: Grilled Whole Lamb

TIP Inexpensive dried fruit, Yengisar knife (one of 01 the three most famous knives of China’s ethnic minorities), and colourful tubeteika hat are popular souvenirs when visiting Xinjiang.

TIP It would be a good choice to watch a song and 02 dance performance that featuring local ethnic cultures at International Grand Bazaar Dining Arts Grand Theatre after visiting the International Grand Bazaar.

Day 2

Nanshan Pastures

Lunch: Shouzhuafan

TIP Shaanxi Great Mosque 03

TIP Hongshan Park 04

Dinner: Dapanji

TIP Shaanxi Great Mosque is the largest mosque in 03 Urumqi, with many living nearby.

TIP Hongshan Park is famous for its dusk and sunset 04 views, with the hills taking on a stunning red hue as the sun sets.

Day 3

Naan Cultural Museum

TIP Lunch: Naan 05

Xinjiang Art Museum

TIP Teatime: Xinjiang Milk Tea 06

Airport

TIP Visitors can enjoy naan as lunch directly in the 05 Naan Cultural Museum after visiting.

TIP Xinjiang milk tea is mostly savoury and is served 06 with water and milk as well as ghee. It has a strong flavour and quenches thirst in summer, making it a rare and versatile drink.

Halal choice

Chinese Cuisine Nawa Restaurant Famous dishes: Roasted lamb leg, milk tea, Shouzhuafan

179 Xihong West Road, Shayibak District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China +86 991 458 0390 12:30pm-11pm, daily

Chinese Cuisine Ba Te Fish Restaurant Famous dishes: Mala fish, garlic fish

11 Guoshu Alley, Jianshe West Road, Tianshan District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China +86 991 230 6989 11am-11pm, daily

Chinese Cuisine Qiu Shan Hui Halal Theme Restaurant Famous dishes: Fried beef with chilli, crispy Lu Fish with garlic

73 Nanhu East Road, Shuimogou District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China

+86 991 333 3893 12pm-12am, daily

Chinese Cuisine Tuo Ke Xun No. 4 Restaurant Famous dishes: Fried lamb and mixed vege with noodle, Dapanji

227 Tanggu Road, Xinshi District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China +86 150 9914 3983 12pm-9:30pm, daily

Accommodation Hilton Hotel 5-star hotel with a lot of amenities

1237 Hongguangshan Road, , Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China

+86 991 783 8888 www.hilton.com

Accommodation Wanda Vista Hotel All kind of restaurants and sites are nearby

567 Xuanwuhu Road, Economic-Technological Development District, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China

+86 991 318 1111 www.wandahotels.com