The Museum of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

    A large and comprehensive museum with a strong local focus, it features regional traditions, unearthed relics, Urumqi history, and ancient human remains.

    Add: 132 Northwest Rd

    Opening hours: 10:30 to 18:00 in winter

    9:30 to 19:00 in summer

    10:00 to 18:00 on weekends and holidays

    Free entry.

The Nanshan Scenic Area

    On the northern slope of Tianshan Mountain range, 60 kilometers from downtown Urumqi, or two hours' drive by bus, lies an unbelievably beautiful pasture where tourists can be carried away by the unique life of the Kazak people. Watch their horse races, the snatching lamb competition, and the famous "girls' chase" -- a game not seen anywhere else. Local food and drinks are found in abundance, including milk tea and roast mutton.

    Open between May and September

    Ticket: RMB 30

The First Glacier

    The source of the Urumqi River, this glacier is located in a mountain 125 kilometers southwest of downtown Urumqi. The glacier is thought to be 4 million years old, and is surrounded by over 150 modern glaciers. Its distinctive features dating from the Ice Age have earned it the moniker a "living fossil."

    Opening hours: 9:30 to 17:30

    Entrance fee: RMB 15

The Tianchi Scenic Area

    Tianchi Lake is an ethereal barrier lake formed by glaciers 110 kilometers north of Urumqi. It is 1,980 meters above sea level. Though the lake is not large, it is 105 meters deep in some places. It is like a mirror, reflecting the image of the surrounding forest. The snow-capped mountain to its rear serves as a wonderful backdrop to this unforgettably idyllic scene. This area is very cool in summer, and is an ideal skiing spot in winter.

    Entrance fee: RMB 47

International Bazaar

    A place to shop, entertain and dine. Located in Erdaoqiao, the bazaar has a floor space of 100,000 square meters, making it far bigger than its counterpart in Istanbul, Turkey. Diners can enjoy local cuisine while being entertained by singing and dancing. The 12-Mukam performance, which appears on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, and the thrilling Dawarz wire-walking performance, can also be seen here.

The Grand Mosque of Shaanxi

    The largest mosque in the city, this site of worship was first constructed during the reign of Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty, and rebuilt in 1906 by Hui people from Shaanxi, who pooled money to cover the construction costs. The building is in a different style from most mosques in the area.

    Add: 10 Yonghezheng Lane, S. Heping Rd

    Opening hours: 8:00 to 16:00

    Entrance fee: RMB 10

Tatar Mosque

    Built using donations from Tatar people in 1897, this is a major place for Uygur, Tatar and Uzbek religious services. Foreign visitors are allowed to view the Islamic service from the mosque's rear. With permission, female tourists are allowed to enter. The mosque is more than 3,000 square meters in size, with a worshipping hall large enough for 1,000 people to attend a service at the same time. It is beautifully decorated, with many gorgeous carvings and paintings on the pillars of the front veranda.

    Add: Southern end of Jiefang Road

    Opening hours: 10:00 to 14:00; 15:30 to 17:30 in winter

    9:30 to 13:30; 15:30 to 17:30 in summer

    Entrance fee: RMB 10