Urumqi, the capital of Western China’s Xinjiang province, is the commercial and industrial hub of the region. While there are a few things to do in Urumqi, like visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum, the Grand Bazaar, or the Great Mosque, the best thing to do in Urumqi is to rest up and restock. Taking a break in Urumqi especially makes sense if you’re embarking on greater Silk Road tours across China and into the surrounding countries, where facilities might be more rustic and supplies limited.
Urumqi is best in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. In the summer, temps can top 100°F (38°C), making being outside unpleasant unless it’s the middle of the night. It’s also best to avoid the frigid, gray winters when you want to stay inside near a heater.
One of the cheapest and most efficient ways to get around Urumqi is by Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT. You can also use Line 1 of the Urumqi Metro to get through the city. Taxis are another option, or you can hire a car and driver for ultimate flexibility. With a personal driver, you don’t need to deal with crowds or germs, and you have reliable transportation at the ready.
Keep an eye on the time when in Urumqi. Note that all of China runs on Beijing time, but out west in Urumqi, it doesn’t always make sense. The local Xinjiang time is three hours behind Beijing time. If plans are made for dinner at 7pm, check to see if the meeting time is really 10pm, which is normal for dinner in the warmer months—eating late helps to escape the heat.
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