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| ¡¡Urumqi |
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 Located on the northern slope of Tianshan Mountains, Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region and renowned as the city furthest from the ocean. Regarded as the center of politics, economy, and culture in Xinjiang, the city spans 12,000 square kilometers and covers seven zones and one county. Although the weather is exceptionally bad in the winter, Urumqi's climate is quite pleasant during the summer, with warm days and cool evenings. With an average elevation of 800 meters, Urumqi City enjoys a continental climate, with annual temperatures being 6.4oC and yearly precipitation of 236 mm.
Due to its position as the northern route of the Silk Road, Urumqi was regarded as a strategic city and was heavily guarded by the Han Dynasty. Though there are few historical sites left in the city, the city's population diversity is a far cry from the general situation in other Chinese cities. In total, there are 43 ethnic groups, including the Han, the Uygur, Kazak, Hui, Mongolia, etc. In fact the minority population makes up roughly 27.3 percent of the total population. It is this cultural diversity, combined with the breathtaking scenery that has drawn visitors to this region of China. |
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| ¡¡Special Reference |
| Xinjiang Museum |
| The Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region Museum was built in 1953 and a new museum was built in 1962 using local architectural styles. The museum includes several exhibits of silk, known in the region for the silk road, as well as other local and national treasures, especially items from the Tang Dynasty. Other important exhibits are terracotta sculptures and selected Tang Dynasty paintings. This museum is one of the best museums in Xinjiang and is a very educational destination for all tourists. |
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| Heavenly Lake |
The Heavenly Lake is located just south of Urumqi and is almost 2,000 meters above sea level. The scenery around the lake is spectacular, with grasslands, glacier forests and snow capped mountains. There are also several different plant and animal species that live in the area. This is one of the best lakes to visit in northwestern China. |
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| Tianshan Mountain |
The Tianshan Mountains are comprised of several mountain ranges running across the middle area of Xinjiang from East to West. Kansai Nature Reserve is one of the most famous scenic sports to see located nearby the Tianshan Mountain range. This reserve features a unique ecosystem of rivers, glaciers, grasslands, lakes and forests and the Kansai Lake, found in the reserve, is one of the most beautiful spots to visit. There are six different bays located along the lake, and they all have a unique history. The lake originated from the Kansai Glacier and changes color depending on the time of year. |
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| The Khazak Yurts |
| There are three main types of yurts today. The Khazak yurts are one of the three types and are mainly used by the Uygur people in Xinjiang. The Uygurs are the local ethnic minority in this region of China. Their yurts are made having a bent-wood roof and crown. If you have the opportunity, either eating a meal in one of these yurts or even spending the night in one would be a memory you will not soon forget. |
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| The Erdaoqiao Bazaar |
Erdaoqiao is the largest market of ethnic minority goods in Xinjiang. The covered market was first opened in 1982 and the new market was completed in 2002. Merchants at the bazaar sell all kinds of items from local products to imported products, from arts and crafts to animals. The most famous product to buy here are the Kashgar knives. If you are tired of shopping, the bazaar also has places to eat to replenish your energy. The best market to go is the Sunday market and on every Sunday, there are more stalls and more goods to buy than any other day. Next to the Erdaqiao market is the Erdaqiao mosque, another popular tourist location. |
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| The Southern Pasture |
| The Southern Pasture is located a few hours bus ride from Urumqi. The drive from Urumqi to the pasture is beautiful, with views of valleys, mountains and springs. The Southern Pasture is a grazing area with mountains, waterfalls and vegetation surrounding the area. Here there is a famous summer resort for visitors that have several activities, including horseback riding. In the pastures you can also visit a traditional yurt and have a meal there and witness dancing and singing. There are also several scenic spots to enjoy at the Southern Pasture including: Zhaobi Mountian, Da'xi Gully and others. |
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