Exploring Urumqi

After visiting Wuerhe Ghost City, our bus then traveled approximately 10Km to our accommodation for the night, Begonia Hotel in Karamay. With that final excursion, our guided tour of Xian and Northern Xinjiang effectively came to an end.

The next morning on 04.06.2025 (Day 13), we checked out from the hotel and embarked on a 410Km drive to Urumqi. We arrived in the late afternoon and checked into Hoi Tak Hotel, marking the start of the free-and-easy segment of our trip. From that point onward, we were free to explore Urumqi at our own pace, until our scheduled departure for home on 06.06.2025.

Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is a sprawling and modern metropolis with a population of around 4 million - accounting for a significant portion of Xinjiang’s total population of 25 million. Approximately 75% of Urumqi’s residents are Han Chinese, while Uygurs make up about 12 - 15%. The remainder comprises various minority ethnic groups, including Kazakhs, Hui, Kyrgyz, and Mongols.

Directly in front of our hotel, lies the expansive People’s Square - an energetic and bustling public space at the heart of the city. We passed through the square a couple of times during our stay, but it was in the evenings that the place truly came alive. Locals gathered in large numbers to take part in synchronized group dancing, their graceful and coordinated movements creating a lively, festive atmosphere. It was a display of community spirit and a vivid reflection of Urumqi’s dynamic urban culture.

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We had a full day on Day 14 (05.06.2025) to explore Urumqi at our own leisure. We began the day by visiting several nearby shopping malls, accompanying the ladies in browsing through the ladies' casual wear sections. 

After that, we wandered through the city streets in search of local eateries eager to sample some of Urumqi's culinary specialties.

Trying out the tandoor oven baked bum.

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Hand-pulled noodle.

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But the real highlight of our evening outings was a visit to the famous Urumqi International Grand Bazaar (乌鲁木齐国际大巴扎). Known as one of the largest bazaars in the world, the Urumqi Grand Bazaar is a major cultural and commercial landmark in Xinjiang. Located in the heart of the city, it is a vibrant showcase of the region’s ethnic diversity - especially the rich cultural heritage of the Uygur people. The bazaar features Islamic-style architecture, with intricately designed facades, domes, and minarets.

Inside the bazaar, we were greeted by a dizzying variety of goods - a vibrant showcase of local culture and craftsmanship. Traditional Uyghur handicrafts filled the stalls: hand-forged knives, intricately painted pottery, souvenirs and richly woven carpets. The air was thick with the aroma of exotic spices, while tables overflowed with dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and walnuts. Vivid textiles and beautifully embroidered fabrics added splashes of color to every corner.

The bazaar is also a paradise for food lovers, offering a tantalizing array of authentic Uyghur and Central Asian dishes. We saw stalls selling grilled lamb kebabs, freshly baked naan from tandoor ovens, fragrant rice pilaf with lamb and carrots, and hand-pulled noodles served with sauces.

As is common in traditional markets, bargaining is part of the shopping ritual - though, for me, it was more of a nuisance than a novelty!

While strolling further, we discovered a hidden basement level within the bazaar. The number of stalls there was significantly fewer. Most visitors, it seemed, never ventured that far down. Interestingly, we found that the stall owners on this lower level were more straightforward, often offering noticeably lower prices without much need for bargaining. It felt like an overlooked corner of the bazaar - quieter, less chaotic, and refreshingly honest.

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As I passed this station, my attention was immediately drawn to two soldiers standing perfectly still inside a box. At first glance, I assumed they were simply sculptures on display. However, Jenny insisted they were real people. I was skeptical - until, after what seemed like an eternity of absolute stillness, both suddenly moved, proving her right. Their discipline and composure were truly impressive.

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Barbequed fish and chicken for lunch.

The Urumqi Grand Bazaar is far more than just a marketplace; it is a living, breathing cultural mosaic that offers a window into the lives, traditions, and artistry of Xinjiang’s ethnic communities. For visitors to Urumqi, it is an unforgettable experience - and a must-see destination.