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Urumqi

Fri, 04/09/2010 - 12:45
Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, which is a vast area in Northwest China. Situated in north of Tianshan Mountain and south of Junggar Basin, Urumqi is 3,820 km or 2,368 mi west of Beijing, the westernmost major city of China. With a population of over two million, Urumqi is a city that combines modern development with the mixed ethnic cultures rich in the region. A good base for which to explore the natural and cultural wonders of Xinjiang.

Attractions

  • Great Shaanxi Monsque (Shaanxi Da Si)

    Located on Yonghe Zheng Lane, off Jiefang South Road, the Great Shaaxi Monsque is the largest Islamic house of worship in Urumqi. Originally built in the 18th century, the mosque was renovated and expanded at the beginning of the 20th century, mainly through the efforts of believers from Shaanxi Province - hence the name of the mosque. Unlike other mosques in Urumqi, which reflect Central Asian influence, the Shaanxi Mosque adopted the architectural style of interior China, with green-tile roofs and upward-curving eaves.

  • Red Hill Park (Hong Shan Gongyuan)

    Hong Shan, or Red Hill, sits in the heart of Urumqi. It is so named due to the color of its rocks. A tower that stands on top of the hill is a good place to take an overview of the city.

  • Shuimogou ScenicArea

    The park is located in western Urumqi. Hot springs, golf courses, vineyards...

  • Southern Mountain Scenic Area (Nanshan Fengjing Qu)

    Located 65 km southwest of Urumqi, the Nanshan Scenic Area comprises vast grassland, snow covered mountains, whispering poplars, and the pastoral lifestyle of the local Kasak people. Among scenic spots of particular interest are Juhuatai, Dongbaiyanggou, Xibaiyanggou, and Muxutai.

  • Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)

    Tiachi, the Heavenly Lake, is 110 km east of Urumqi, in the Tianshan mountain range. Measuring 4.9 square km in area, the lake is 1,980 m (6,496 ft) above the sea-level. Rising above the lake is Mount Bogda, which has an elevation of 5,445 m (17,864 ft). Snow, pine trees and crystal clear water make Tianchi a beautiful sight.

  • Urumqi No. Glacier (Yihao Bingchuan)

    Urumqi No. 1 Glacier is 120 km southwest of the city. It is the glacier closest to a major city in the world. Located on the slope of Mount Tiangar, at the elevation of 3,740-4,480 meters (12,270-14,698 ft), the glacier is 2.4 km in length and on average 500 meters in width. It is named "No. 1" because it is the largest of dozens of glaciers in the area. This is also the headwater of the Urumqi River.

Urumqi Transportation


Airport:

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is 15 northwest of the city. The airport is connected to the city by shuttle buses, taxis and city buses.

Railway Station:

Urumqi Railway Station is located in the southern part of the city, at no. 135 Nanzhan Road.

Long Distance Bus Stations:

Urumqi Beijiao Passenger Transportation Center (Wulumuqi Beijiao Keyun Zhan), no. 959 Nanhu Bei Road. Urumqi Nanjiao Passenger Transportation Center (Wulumuqi Nanjiao Keyun Zhan), no. 1 Yanerwo Road. Mingyuan Passenger Transportation Center (Mingyuan Keyun Zhan), no. 138 Youhao Bei Lu Xi Xiang (Youhao North Road - West Lane).

Taxi:

¥6 for the first 3 km; ¥1.3 for each additional km.

Urumqi Map



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