2-Day Urumqi Itinerary: Urban Cultural Exploration & Natural Scenery

• Tianchi Lake -- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum -- International Grand Bazaar
• 4-Stars Hotel
• Breakfast

In the morning, you will drive to Tianchi Lake， a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled at the northern foot of Bogda Peak in the eastern Tianshan Mountains, this natural alpine lake sits at an altitude of about 1,910 meters. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, its crystal-clear blue waters offer cool summer retreats and transform into a natural ice rink in winter. Take the scenic shuttle bus to explore spots like Shimen Gorge and Longtan Lake, then arrive at the lakeshore. Optionally take a paid boat tour or stroll along the shore to admire the mountain-lake scenery and surrounding snow-capped peaks and forests. 

Notes: 

Altitude: Due to the high elevation, dress warmly, apply sunscreen, and avoid strenuous exercise. -

Environment: Protect the eco-system; no littering. 

Weather: Mountain weather is changeable; bring rain gear and warm clothing.

In the afternoon, return to Urumqi from Tianchi Lake and visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum. Housing over 40,000 cultural relics and specimens, including nearly 400 national first-class relics (accounting for 60% of Xinjiang’s total first-class relics), highlights include the "Five Stars Rising in the East for China" silk armguard, Han-Tang silk fabrics, ancient woolen textiles, bronze wares with Scythian cultural features, and ancient mummy specimens. The museum’s exhibits span historical, folk customs, ancient corpse, revolutionary history, and special theme halls. In the evening, head to the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, stunning under night lights. Climb the Silk Road Observation Tower for panoramic views of Urumqi and the bustling bazaar. Sample Xinjiang specialties like hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, and nang bread in the food street, shop for handicrafts and dried fruits, and watch folk performances to experience Xinjiang’s warmth and vitality. 

Xinjiang Cuisine Recommendations:

 Hand-pulled rice, laghman noodles, baked buns, red willow lamb skewers, big plate chicken, spicy chicken, nang bread, and nut cake. 

Travel Tips:

1. Transportation: Strict speed limits apply in Xinjiang, with section speed monitoring on some roads. Avoid speeding if self-driving.

2. Time Difference:Xinjiang is 2 hours behind Beijing Time; adjust your schedule accordingly.

3. Network Signal: Good coverage in cities and scenic areas, but remote mountains and deserts may have no signal. Download offline maps and carry a power bank.

4. Temperature: Large day-night temperature variations; pack warm clothing.

Transportation Advice: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is Xinjiang’s largest aviation hub and a key airport in northwest China, serving domestic, international, and Central Asian routes. Trains also connect Urumqi to multiple Chinese cities. Consult Intoexplore advisors for more info.

• Tianshan Grand Canyon -- Hongshan Park -- Wuyi Starlight Night Market
• 4-Stars Hotel
• Breakfast

In the morning, visit Tianshan Grand Canyon, renowned for its majestic canyons, snow-capped peaks, forests, and grasslands, hailed as the "miniature of Xinjiang." Encompassing all natural landscapes of Xinjiang except deserts, it features eight unique zones: Tianshan Dam Leisure Area, Zhaobi Mountain Resort, Gas Daban Scenic Area, Swan Lake Nature Reserve, Niuhao Lake Forest, Kazakh Folk Custom Park, Alpine Grassland Eco-zone, and Snow Mountain Glacier Viewing Area.

Next, head to Hongshan Park, a comprehensive natural mountain park integrating tourism, classical architecture, cultural heritage, and fitness. Key attractions include:

Dafo Temple：A Han Buddhist temple, part of an ancient temple complex along Hongshan's foot, with Dafo Temple at the east, Yuhuang Temple in the middle, and Dizang Temple at the west. 

Hongshan Pagoda：Urumqi's earliest historical relic, built in 1788 during the Qing Dynasty. This 10.5m solid brick pagoda, named "Zhenlong Pagoda," wards off mythical dragons. 

Yuan Tiao Lou：A three-story Qing-style building at Hongshan's peak, adorned with carved beams and painted rafters. Climb to the top for views of Tianshan Mountains and urban Urumqi.

In the evening, explore Wuyi Starlight Night Market, one of Urumqi's most vibrant night markets since 1992 (Xinjiang's first official modern night market). Located on Wuyi East Road and Jing'er Road, it features a food street and shopping street, illuminated by 9 rainbow bridges, tens of thousands of starlight lights, and 64 high-pressure sodium lamps. At night, the market glows spectacularly, attracting thousands to savor dishes like hand-pulled rice and lamb skewers while enjoying views likened to "a galaxy falling from the sky." 

Safe travels, and we hope to see you again for your next adventure!

Cuisine Recommendations: Hand-pulled rice, laghman noodles, baked buns, red willow lamb skewers, big plate chicken, spicy chicken, nang bread, nut cake.

Travel Tips:

1. Transportation: Strict speed limits with section monitoring; avoid speeding when self-driving.

2. Time Difference: 2-hour gap from Beijing Time; adjust schedules.

3. Signal: Good in cities/scenic areas, but download offline maps for remote areas; carry a power bank.

4. Temperature: Large day-night variations; pack warm layers.

Transportation Advice: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is Xinjiang’s major aviation hub, serving domestic/international/Central Asian routes. Trains also connect Urumqi to major cities. Consult Intoexplore advisors for details.