Weather in Urumqi

Urumqi has the distinction of being the most landlocked major city on Earth, the gateway to China's vast Xinjiang region and a melting pot of Uyghur, Han, Kazakh, and Hui cultures. The sprawling Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar is the place to feel that mix most strongly, with kebab grills, dried fruit stalls, and carpet sellers under domed roofs, while the nearby Tianshan mountains offer an easy escape to alpine lakes and grasslands.

Best areas to stay in Urumqi

Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar area

The cultural heart of the city, with markets, mosques, and Uyghur food stalls.

Hongshan Park

A hilltop park with a pagoda offering panoramic views over the city and surrounding mountains.

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

A larger, more modern market complex with shops, a hotel, and cultural performances.

Tianshan foothills

A short drive from the city, with access to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) and alpine scenery.

Getting to Urumqi

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Flights

Fly into Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) from the UK via hubs such as Istanbul, with onward connections from Beijing or Shanghai also common.

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From London

~16–19 hours total journey time from London including connections

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Getting around

Urumqi has a metro and extensive bus network; taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Urumqi?

Late spring to early autumn (May–September) offers the best weather for exploring the city and nearby Tianshan mountain trips; winters are very cold.

How do I get to Urumqi?

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport has connections to major Chinese cities and some international routes; from the UK, connect via hubs such as Istanbul or Beijing.

What is the Grand Bazaar?

Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar is one of the largest markets in northwest China, with Central Asian-style architecture and stalls selling food, carpets, and crafts.

Is Urumqi a good base for Xinjiang trips?

Yes — it's the region's transport hub, with easy onward connections to Turpan, the Tianshan mountains, and further west to Kashgar and the Ili Valley.

What food is Urumqi known for?

Uyghur cuisine dominates — try hand-pulled noodles (laghman), lamb skewers, polo (pilaf), and freshly baked naan from bazaar bakeries.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

The Grand Bazaar is a sensory overload in the best way — incredible food and a real crossroads-of-cultures feel that's different from anywhere else in China.

Daniyar M. · July 2024

★★★★☆

Used Urumqi as a base for a day trip to Tianchi Lake, which was stunning. The city itself is fairly modern but the bazaar areas have a lot of character.

Susan F. · August 2023

★★★★★

Uyghur food here is some of the best I've had — the lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles near the bazaar were a highlight of our whole China trip.

Rustam A. · June 2024