Explore Ürümqi, the vibrant gateway to China's Silk Road, blending Uyghur culture, stunning landscapes, and bustling bazaars in a unique fusion.
Table of Contents
About Ürümqi
Ürümqi, the capital of Xinjiang, lies in the heart of the Eurasian continent.
As a key hub on the Silk Road Economic Belt, it is known as the “City at the Center of Asia.”
The city boasts a diverse cultural heritage with Han, Uyghur, and other ethnic groups.
Ürümqi is an international transport hub and a major center for energy, textiles, and trade.
It features stunning attractions like Tianshan Grand Canyon and Shuimogou Scenic Area, making it a top tourist destination.
With its unique blend of history, commerce, and nature, Ürümqi is a gateway to Central Asia and beyond.
If you want help choosing routes, trip length, and the best places to combine on a first visit, see our Urumqi Travel Guide.
Category
Detail
Category
Detail
Nickname
Wushi
Administrative Type
Prefecture-level city
Region
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
Location
Northwestern China, Central Xinjiang, Northern Tianshan, Southern Junggar Basin
Area
13,800 km²
Administrative Divisions
7 districts, 1 county
Postal Code
830000
Climate
Temperate continental arid climate
Population
4.08 million (2023)
Famous Attractions
Tianshan Grand Canyon, Silk Road International Resort, Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, Tianshan Wildlife Park
Airport
Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport
Railway Stations
Ürümqi Station, Ürümqi South Station, Urumqi East Station, Urumqi West Station, Urumqi North Station
Vehicle Plate Code
Xin A
Uyghur Name
ئۈرۈمچى شەھىرى
Geographical Coordinates
86°37’33″–88°58’24” E, 42°45’32″–44°08’00” N
Notable Universities
Xinjiang University, Xinjiang Agricultural University
Languages
Mandarin, Uyghur, Kazakh
City Flower
Rose
Ürümqi Travel Overview
Ürümqi offers a diverse range of tourism resources, covering 46% of China’s 68 basic types and 57% of Xinjiang‘s 56 types.
From the towering Tianshan Mountains to vast deserts, visitors can experience alpine snow, subalpine meadows, forests, grasslands, and desert landscapes.
It is an ideal destination for adventure, skiing, desert exploration, and scientific research.
In 2023, the city welcomed over 106 million tourists, generating 102.8 billion yuan in revenue.
Popular attractions include the Silk Road Resort, Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, Red Hill Park, and Tianshan Grand Canyon, making Ürümqi a must-visit destination.
Must-visit Attractions
Xinjiang Museum
This museum showcases Xinjiang's rich history, featuring ancient relics like the "Loulan Beauty" mummy and the "Five Stars Rise in the East" armband.
Hetian Second Street
A vibrant food street offering authentic Xinjiang delicacies, including lamb skewers, hand-grabbed rice, and naan, alongside rich ethnic cultural experiences.
Red Hill Park
A landmark of Ürümqi, famous for its red-colored mountain and scenic viewing pavilion, offering panoramic city views and the iconic "Red Hill Sunset."
International Grand Bazaar
One of the world's largest bazaars, featuring Islamic-style architecture, ethnic clothing, handicrafts, dried fruits, and live cultural performances.
Heavenly Lake
A breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests, where visitors can enjoy boat rides and stunning mountain reflections.
Shuimogou Park
The largest park in Ürümqi, blending southern China's water town beauty with Xinjiang's rugged charm, featuring streams, forests, temples, and hot springs.
Tianshan Grand Canyon
A picturesque canyon with snow-capped mountains, dense forests, rivers, and unique rock formations, perfect for hiking, photography, and summer escapes.
Dabancheng Ancient Town
A historic Silk Road town with ancient architecture, traditional craft shops, and delicious local cuisine, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
Jiangbulake Grassland
A vast natural prairie with snow-capped mountains, wheat fields, and wildflowers, creating idyllic scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons.
Tuyugou Mazar Village
One of Xinjiang's oldest Uyghur villages, preserving traditional mudbrick houses, mosques, and deep-rooted cultural heritage with an ancient atmosphere.
Kumutag Desert
The world’s closest desert to a city, boasting rolling sand dunes perfect for sandboarding, desert off-roading, and experiencing the vastness of nature.
Flaming Mountains
Famous from Journey to the West, these scorching red mountains reach extreme temperatures in summer, featuring sculptures and displays of its legend.
Karez Irrigation System
An ancient underground irrigation network in Turpan, demonstrating the engineering ingenuity of ancient Chinese civilizations in arid desert regions.
Nanshan Pasture
A stunning mountain pastureland with lush grasslands, clear streams, and grazing livestock, offering horseback riding and Kazakh cultural experiences.
Ancient Ecological Park
Home to China’s largest Akhal-Teke horse base, this park also features petrified wood, rock carvings, and relics showcasing Xinjiang’s historical legacy.
Dabancheng Salt Lake
A mesmerizing salt lake with dazzling colors under the sun, offering unique salt bath experiences and therapeutic mud treatments for visitors.
Food Culture in Ürümqi
Ürümqi’s cuisine is deeply influenced by its diverse ethnic cultures, featuring rich flavors and unique culinary traditions.
Lamb plays a central role, with dishes like roasted lamb skewers, whole roasted lamb, and hand-pulled lamb showcasing different cooking techniques.
The city is also known for its variety of wheat-based foods, including baked nang, hand-pulled noodles, and crispy stuffed pastries.
Spices like cumin and chili are commonly used, enhancing the bold flavors of dishes like spicy chicken stew.
Ürümqi’s food culture reflects a blend of historical traditions, geographic influences, and social customs, making it a vibrant culinary destination in northwest China.
Must-eat Food
Gangzi Meat
A slow-cooked mutton dish sealed in an enamel mug with onions and carrots, cooked in a nang pit for tender, flavorful meat with rich broth.
Polo Rice
A fragrant rice dish with tender lamb, sweet carrots, and onions, where each grain is glistening with flavor, offering a rich and satisfying taste.
Spicy Chicken Stew
A hearty dish of braised chicken with potatoes, peppers, and onions in a spicy sauce, often served with thick belt noodles for a perfect combination.
Baked Meat Buns
Crispy four-cornered buns stuffed with minced lamb and onions, offering a perfect balance of crispy crust and juicy, flavorful filling.
Stir-Fried Rice Noodles
Thick rice noodles stir-fried with celery and pickled vegetables in a spicy sauce, with options to add chicken or beef for a richer taste.
Ethnic Pastries
Includes honey-infused Bahali, a soft nutty cake, and Gubaiti'ai, a baked rice pastry with raisins, both offering delightful sweetness and texture.
Hand-Pulled Noodles
A chewy, thick noodle dish stir-fried with seasonal vegetables like cabbage and tomatoes, often paired with beef or lamb for a robust flavor.
Baked Nang Bread
A traditional Xinjiang flatbread with variations like oil nang, meat nang, and sesame nang, offering a crispy exterior and soft, chewy inside.
Yogurt Rice Dumpling
A sticky rice dumpling soaked in creamy yogurt and drizzled with honey, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Lamb Skewers
Succulent lamb chunks grilled over charcoal, seasoned with salt, cumin, and chili powder, offering smoky, juicy bites bursting with aroma.
Whole Roast Lamb
A grand dish of a whole lamb roasted over fruitwood charcoal, with crispy golden skin and tender, juicy meat, traditionally served to honored guests.
Yibazhua Pastry
A long, crispy stuffed pastry filled with lamb, onions, cumin, and carrots, designed for easy hand-held eating with a rich and aromatic taste.
Intangible Cultural Heritage in Ürümqi
Ürümqi is home to a diverse array of intangible cultural heritage, with 70 recognized projects at various levels, including three national-level and 27 autonomous-region-level designations.
The city preserves rich traditions such as Manchu and Xibe calligraphy, Kazakh animal mimicry dance (Burkete Bi), and Xibe butterfly dance.
The art of gold and silver inlay, a centuries-old metal engraving technique, is a national treasure.
Ürümqi is also known for Xibe-style whole lamb feasts and traditional Kazakh hunting dances, which vividly depict the bravery of eagles.
These cultural elements reflect the city’s deep history and ethnic diversity.
Ürümqi Intangible Cultural Heritage
Xibe Calligraphy
A unique script blending Manchu and Chinese calligraphy styles, emphasizing symmetry, elegance, and artistic expression.
An intricate folk art creating three-dimensional paper designs, blending painting, and sculpture.
Stone Carving & Painting
A traditional stone engraving and painting craft, depicting myths, history, and daily life in vivid colors.
Gem Inlay Painting
A vibrant art form using natural gemstones to create colorful, textured, and visually striking designs.
Kazakh Silver Jewelry Craft
Traditional silver engraving techniques produce unique, handcrafted jewelry with deep cultural and symbolic meaning.
Tatar Traditional Pastry Making
A fusion of Silk Road and European baking, featuring beautifully shaped, delicious pastries.
Hongshan Temple Fair
A lively folk event with theatrical performances, street food, and cultural exhibitions, merging tradition and modernity.
Cloisonné Enamel Painting
A metal filigree and enamel art form, creating smooth, vibrant, and intricate decorative paintings.
Origin of Ürümqi’s Name
The name Ürümqi originates from Mongolian, meaning “beautiful pasture”, reflecting its historical significance as a grazing land.
The earliest recorded mention dates back to the year 925 in the Khotanese Saka text “Records of the Western Rivers”.
In 1765, during the Qianlong Emperor’s reign, the city was renamed “Dihua”, also known as Hancheng or Hongmiaozi.
In 1954, the region reverted to its original name, becoming Ürümqi Prefecture and Ürümqi City, preserving its rich cultural and historical identity.
Ürümqi’s Population
As of the end of 2023, Ürümqi had a permanent population of 4.08 million, with an urbanization rate of 96.56%.
The city’s natural population growth rate was 0.3‰, with a birth rate of 5.22‰ and a death rate of 4.92‰.
According to the seventh national census, 14.56% of the population is aged 0-14, 72.19% is between 15-59, and 13.25% is 60 or older.
Ürümqi is a multi-ethnic city with 52 ethnic groups, where Han Chinese make up 74.91%, while Uyghur, Hui, Kazakh, and other minorities account for 25.09% of the population.
Customs in Ürümqi
Han Chinese
The Han people primarily consume rice, wheat, vegetables, meat, and soy products.
Major traditional festivals include Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Architectural landmarks like Confucian Temples, Red Temples, and Hongshan Pagoda reflect Han culture in Ürümqi.
Uyghur
The Uyghur people practice Islam and follow traditional wedding customs involving courtship, proposal, engagement, and marriage.
Their clothing includes long robes for elderly men and stylish attire for younger generations.
Women favor dresses, embroidered hats, and silk scarves. Dietary customs prohibit pork, donkey meat, and blood products, while staple foods include naan, pilaf, dumplings, and hand-pulled noodles.
Major festivals include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Nowruz.
Hui
The Hui people also follow Islam, and their traditions have been shaped by their religious beliefs.
Historically, marriages were arranged, but modern customs have changed.
Hui men often wear white skullcaps, while women, depending on age, may wear headscarves.
Their diet strictly adheres to Halal laws, avoiding pork, dog, and non-Halal-slaughtered animals.
Festivals include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and they traditionally practice burial rites.
Kazakh
The Kazakh people also follow Islam, and traditional marriages were once arranged, though modern customs have simplified ceremonies.
Their clothing features fur hats, embroidered garments, and boots. Women wear colorful floral dresses, embroidered vests, and decorative headscarves, with younger girls often accessorizing with silver ornaments.
Their diet mainly consists of meat and dairy products, and key festivals include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Nowruz.
Ürümqi’s Dialect
Ürümqi is a multilingual city where Mandarin Chinese and Uyghur are the official languages used in government documents.
The city embraces linguistic diversity, with media outlets broadcasting and publishing in Mandarin, Uyghur, Kazakh, Mongolian, and Kirghiz.
Xinjiang People’s Radio Station and Xinjiang Television air programs in multiple languages, while Xinjiang Daily publishes newspapers in four languages.
Books and audio materials are also available in several languages, reflecting the city’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity.
Ürümqi Evening News and Ürümqi People’s Radio primarily use Mandarin and Uyghur, ensuring accessibility for different communities in the region.
Ürümqi’s Art Overview
Ürümqi has a rich performing arts scene, featuring traditional Chinese opera and folk storytelling.
Popular styles include Xinjiang Quzi Opera, Hunan Huagu Opera, Qin Opera, Hebei Bangzi, Peking Opera, and Henan Zhuizi, with performances of classics like The Red Lantern and Qin Xianglian.
Folk storytelling includes tales from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Journey to the West, and Water Margin.
Uyghur folk music is also prominent, with songs like The Song of Shadir and The Wedding Song.
The city has also developed modern theatrical works, including operas and plays reflecting local history and culture.
Religious in Ürümqi
Ürümqi has a long history of religious diversity due to its location on the ancient Silk Road.
Before the introduction of Islam in the 14th century, the region practiced Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Manichaeism, and Nestorian Christianity.
During the Qing Dynasty, Christianity and Catholicism also spread to the city. Today, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, Christianity, and Eastern Orthodoxy coexist in Ürümqi.
The majority of Uyghur, Hui, and Kazakh populations follow Sunni Islam, with over 400 mosques in the city.
Buddhism has historical roots in the region, primarily among Han and Manchu communities.
Taoism declined in the early 20th century but saw a revival in the 1980s, with restored temples like Lao Hongmiao (Old Red Temple) continuing religious activities.
Ürümqi’s City Flower – The Rose
The rose was officially designated as the city flower of Ürümqi in September 1985.
Known for its elegant appearance and symbolic meaning, it represents love, beauty, vitality, and courage.
Roses thrive in Ürümqi’s climate due to their hardiness, drought resistance, and preference for well-drained soil.
The city celebrates an annual rose-themed festival, attracting locals and tourists.
Beyond its beauty, the rose embodies Ürümqi’s spirit of openness and inclusivity, reflecting its cultural diversity and appreciation for nature.
Ürümqi’s City Tree – The Large-Leaf Elm
The Large-Leaf Elm was chosen as the city tree of Ürümqi due to its strong adaptability and long history in the region.
Originally from Europe, it has thrived in Xinjiang for centuries, witnessing the city’s growth.
This deciduous tree grows up to 30 meters tall, with a dense, semi-spherical canopy and smooth bark that later develops vertical cracks.
It withstands extreme temperatures from -40°C to 45°C and thrives in dry, sandy conditions.
Its hardwood is used for construction, tools, and furniture, while its seeds can be pressed for oil, making it valuable for forestry and urban landscaping.
A Brief History of Ürümqi
Pre-Qin Period
During the Neolithic Age, early humans lived in the Ürümqi region. The ancient Cheshi people were the first recorded inhabitants, migrating from Turpan and establishing the Rear Cheshi Kingdom.
Qin and Han to the Southern and Northern Dynasties (221 BC – 589 AD)
60 BC: The Western Han Dynasty established control over the region, integrating it into the protectorate of the Western Regions.
222 AD: Ürümqi fell under the administration of the Wei Dynasty.
335 AD: The area came under the rule of the Former Liang Dynasty.
414 AD – 553 AD: The city was controlled by Rouran, Gaoche, and Hephthalites, reflecting the shifting power in Central Asia.
Sui, Tang to Yuan Dynasties (581 – 1368 AD)
605 AD: The area was governed by Western Turkic Khaganate.
640 AD: The Tang Dynasty established Tingzhou, integrating Ürümqi into its administration.
702 AD: The region became an important garrison and military settlement under the Tang’s Beiting Protectorate.
1209 AD: The Mongol Empire took control of the region.
1251 AD: Ürümqi was governed under the Beshbalik administration of the Mongol Empire.
Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 – 1912 AD)
1755 AD: The Qing Dynasty pacified the Dzungar Khanate and built defensive forts in Ürümqi.
1763 AD: The Qing renamed the city “Dihua”, meaning “Enlightened Transformation”.
1886 AD: The Dihua Prefecture was established as part of Gansu Province.
Republic of China (1912 – 1949 AD)
1935 AD: The government approved Dihua as a municipal city.
1945 AD: The city was officially established and divided into five districts.
People’s Republic of China (1949 – Present)
1949 AD: Ürümqi was peacefully liberated, and the Dihua People’s Government was formed.
1954 AD: The city’s name was restored to Ürümqi.
1959 AD: Ürümqi County was incorporated into Ürümqi City.
1985 AD: The city expanded to include six districts and one county, solidifying its role as Xinjiang’s political and economic center.
Location of Ürümqi
Ürümqi is located in northwestern China, in the central region of Xinjiang, deep in the Eurasian continent.
The city sits at the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains and the southern edge of the Junggar Basin, with coordinates ranging from 86°37’33” to 88°58’24” E and 42°45’32” to 44°08’00” N.
Ürümqi borders Turpan to the east, Changji to the west, and several counties including Tokkuztara, Hejing, and Hoxud.
The total area of the city spans 13,800 square kilometers, with an urbanized area of 545.1 square kilometers, making it a vital regional hub in Xinjiang.
Topography of Ürümqi
Ürümqi’s landscape consists of mountains, basins, plains, and hills, with significant elevation differences across the city.
The highest point is Bogda Peak, standing at 5,445 meters, while the lowest point near Mengjin Reservoir is 490.6 meters, creating a striking elevation contrast of 4,954.4 meters over a distance of 75 km.
More than 50% of the city’s land is mountainous, while plains occupy less than 10% of the total area.
The city sits at an average elevation of 2,000 meters, with the urban area at approximately 800 meters above sea level.
Mountains
Ürümqi is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with Bogda Mountain, Karatagh, and Dongshan in the east, Karazha Mountain and Xishan in the west, and Tenger Mountain and Tugedaban Mountain in the south.
The city’s elevation descends from southeast to northwest in three steps: high mountains (2,500–3,000 meters), basins and hills (1,000–2,000 meters), and plains (below 600 meters).
Tenger Mountain (East Section of Yilianhabirga Mountain): Located in the southern part of Ürümqi, stretching 140 km from west to east, with a width of 5–10 km. It has 27 peaks above 4,000 meters, with the highest reaching 4,487.4 meters.
Bogda Mountain: Northeast of the city, with a distinctive arc shape and a peak height of 5,445 meters, visible from the city. It has seven peaks above 5,000 meters and is covered with glaciers above 3,800 meters.
Xiageze Mountain: A 30 km-long range in the southern mining area, with a maximum altitude of 3,871.8 meters. It features granite rock formations, sparse spruce forests, and dryland vegetation.
Basins
Ürümqi has two major basins: Houxia Basin and Dabancheng-Chaiwopu Basin.
Houxia Basin: A fault basin located 75 km southwest of the city, extending 21.4 km east-west and 12.4 km north-south, with an average elevation of 2,200 meters.
Dabancheng-Chaiwopu Basin: Situated between Bogda and Yilianhabirga Mountains, covering 2,800 square kilometers. The basin stretches 114 km east-west, with an elevation range of 1,100–1,400 meters.
Plains
The northern part of Ürümqi consists of alluvial plains formed by the Ürümqi and Toutun Rivers.
These plains extend 32 km northward, reaching Mi’quan County, with an average slope of 0.3–1.3%. The area has dry riverbeds and gullies ranging 20–50 meters wide and 2–3 meters deep.
Hills
Ürümqi has several hilly areas, including Hongshan, Yamaleike Mountain, Xishan, and Karazha Mountain, as well as the Seven-Daowan Hills in the eastern part of the city.
Hongshan: A landmark of Ürümqi, stretching 5.5 km with a maximum elevation of 934.3 meters. The reddish sandstone gives it the name “Red Mountain.”
Yamaleike Mountain: Located in the western part of the city, it has a 9 km length and a 5 km width, with peaks ranging 900–1,300 meters. The name comes from Mongolian, meaning “land of many goats.”
Winters are long and cold, while summers are hot and dry.
The north plains experience extreme summer heat, with July temperatures averaging 24–28°C, while the southern mountains remain cool, averaging 8.5–11.5°C.
January is the coldest month, with temperatures dropping to -15.4°C on average and a record low of -41.5°C.
Annual precipitation averages 277.6 mm, mainly in summer.
Ürümqi also enjoys high sunshine hours, with Dabancheng Valley recording up to 3,121.7 hours annually.
Hydrology and Water Resources of Ürümqi
Ürümqi’s hydrology consists of inland rivers, short and scattered, primarily fed by glacial meltwater from the surrounding mountains.
The city has 46 rivers, divided into five main river systems, including Ürümqi River, Toutun River, Baiyang River, Alagou, and Chaiwopu Lake.
The Ürümqi River originates from Glacier No. 1 on the northern slope of Tianshan’s Tianger Peak, stretching 210 km with an annual runoff of 235 million cubic meters.
Chaiwopu Lake, southeast of the city, covers 30 sq km, with an average depth of 4.2 meters.
Ürümqi has 32 reservoirs, including the Hongyanchi Reservoir, a natural depression located 6 km south of the city, designed for water storage and irrigation.
Geology of Ürümqi
Ürümqi’s geology is shaped by two major structural units: the Northern Tianshan Fold Belt and the Junggar Block, further divided into four subunits: Ili-Habirga Syncline, Bogda Anticline, Chaiwopu-Dabancheng Fault Depression, and Ürümqi Foreland Depression.
The Bogda Anticline dominates the region with large-scale box fold structures, while the Ürümqi Foreland Depression developed as a massive Mesozoic-Cenozoic sedimentary basin.
The city’s stratigraphy includes rocks from the Proterozoic to the Cenozoic, covering formations like the Changcheng System, Silurian Ablak Group, Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Tertiary sediments.
These formations feature various sandstones, siltstones, limestone, and conglomerates, contributing to the region’s diverse terrain.
Ürümqi’s Natural Resources
Ürümqi is rich in natural resources, including water, land, and minerals.
Despite being in an arid inland region, it has valuable glacial meltwater, surface runoff, and groundwater, with total water resources of 1.14 billion cubic meters in 2021.
The city’s glacier reserves reach 7.39 billion cubic meters, primarily in the Tianshan Mountains.
The city’s land resources include 713,382 hectares of arable land, 931,394 hectares of grassland, and 137,357 hectares of forest.
Its mineral resources are diverse, with coal, oil shale, copper, gypsum, refractory clay, and limestone being the most significant.
Ürümqi’s coal reserves exceed 809 million tons, making it a key energy resource hub in Xinjiang.
Ürümqi’s Biodiversity
Ürümqi is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, reflecting its unique ecological landscape.
The city hosts 1,097 species of wild plants, including provincially protected species such as snow lotus, ephedra, licorice, fritillary, cistanche, cynomorium, and rhodiola, with ephedra and licorice being the most widely distributed.
The region also supports 329 species of vertebrates and around 200 bird species, including great tits, house martins, Eurasian sparrowhawks, black-headed gulls, mallards, and moorhens.
Rare species like the Pallas’s fish eagle and white-headed duck have been spotted, while crested grebes have become a local attraction at South Lake Citizen Square.
Nature Reserves in Ürümqi
Ürümqi is home to several nature reserves, including wetland and forest parks, preserving the region’s unique ecosystems.
Chaiwopu Lake National Wetland Park, the city’s largest freshwater lake, provides vital habitats for wildlife, featuring marshes, shrub meadows, and open waters.
As of June 2024, the lake has expanded to over 20 square kilometers.
Another key reserve is the Xinjiang Ürümqi Tianshan National Forest Park, established in 2015, covering 221.02 square kilometers.
Located in the eastern Tianshan Mountains, it boasts 90.46% forest coverage, offering a rich natural landscape and diverse flora and fauna.
Ürümqi’s Administrative Divisions
Ürümqi is administratively divided into seven districts and one county, with the municipal government located at 30 East Nanhulu Road.
The seven districts include Tianshan District (171 km², based in Xingfu Road), Shayibake District (422 km², based in Yangtze River Road), Xinshi District (263 km², based in Beijing Road), Shuimogou District (278 km², based in Qifang Street), Toutunhe District (276 km², based in Huoche West Station Street), Dabancheng District (4,759 km², based in Dabancheng Town), and Midong District (3,407 km², based in Gumu Land Town).
Ürümqi County, covering 4,212 km², is under the jurisdiction of Shuimogou District.
Ürümqi’s Economy
Ürümqi’s economy is primarily driven by the tertiary sector, with an industrial structure of 0.8:27.5:71.7 in 2023.
The city focuses on nine strategic industry clusters, including oil and gas processing, coal and chemical industries, green mining, grain and textiles, organic agriculture, high-quality livestock, new energy materials, and tourism.
With abundant wind, solar, and water resources, Ürümqi has developed a new energy industry cluster by attracting wind power, photovoltaics, and energy storage enterprises.
The city also supports biopharmaceutical expansion, investing in research and development to enhance ethnic and biological medicine industries.
In 2023, Ürümqi’s GDP reached 416.85 billion yuan, with primary industry at 3.31 billion yuan (+13.7%), secondary industry at 114.67 billion yuan (+0.9%), and tertiary industry at 298.86 billion yuan (+7.8%), with a per capita GDP of 102,078 yuan.
Education in Ürümqi
Ürümqi is home to 23 higher education institutions, 21 vocational schools, 58 high schools, and 109 middle schools, with a 100% enrollment rate for primary and middle school students.
Among its universities, Xinjiang University is the most prestigious. Established in 1924, it became a “211 Project” key university in 1997 and was later included in China’s “Double First-Class” initiative in 2017.
The university has three campuses, 28 colleges, and offers 98 undergraduate programs.
It is renowned for its research excellence, with three national “Double First-Class” disciplines and nine fields ranked in the global ESI top 1%.
With over 38,000 students and 2,096 faculty members, it plays a crucial role in higher education and research in Xinjiang and beyond.
Healthcare
As of 2023, Ürümqi had 1,810 medical institutions, including 131 hospitals (56 public and 75 private) and 1,643 primary healthcare facilities.
The city has 48,300 medical personnel, including 18,200 licensed doctors and 21,900 registered nurses.
The average number of doctors per 1,000 people is 4.46, while hospital beds per 1,000 people reach 8.41.
Major hospitals include Xinjiang Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang People’s Hospital, and Xinjiang Tumor Hospital. Annual outpatient visits reached 25.77 million, with 1.43 million hospital admissions.
Media
Ürümqi’s radio and television coverage reached 99.9% of the population in 2023.
The city established the Ürümqi Integrated Media Center in December 2023.
Ürümqi TV Station, founded in 1985, operates seven channels, including news, Uyghur programs, movies, fashion, tourism, and children’s content.
In 2010, the station completed a digital transformation project worth 1 billion RMB, transitioning from analog to digital broadcasting.
Technology
By 2023, Ürümqi had 144 key laboratories (including four national labs), 137 engineering research centers, and 62 incubators, 21 of which received national certification.
The city has 20 collaborative innovation platforms (18 domestic and two international).
That year, 6,712 patents were granted, including 1,210 for inventions and 5,002 for utility models.
The technology contract market recorded 449 deals, with a total transaction value of 1.68 billion RMB.
Culture
Ürümqi had 10 cultural centers, 9 public libraries, and 2 museums by 2023.
The city designated 123 cultural industry demonstration bases and developed 11 cultural districts.
Throughout the year, 619 cultural performances and 472 traditional opera events were held, benefiting 300,000 residents.
Sports
Ürümqi had 9,159 sports venues in 2023, along with one national sports industry demonstration base and three county-level fitness centers.
The city built 243 new community sports facilities and generated 18.67 billion RMB in sports lottery sales.
A total of 1,389 public sports events were organized, attracting 129,000 participants.
Ürümqi’’s Air Transportation
Ürümqi’s air transportation is vital for regional travel and trade.
In 2023, air cargo turnover reached 274 million ton-kilometers, while passenger turnover hit 33.34 billion passenger-kilometers.
Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport, located 16 km northwest of the city center, is one of China’s five major gateway airports.
Originally expanded in 1970, it now has three terminals (T1, T2, T3) and a 4E-class flight area.
By October 2023, annual passenger throughput exceeded 20 million.
A major expansion, set for completion in 2024, includes two new 4F-class runways, boosting capacity to 63 million passengers and 750,000 tons of cargo annually.
Ürümqi’s Railway Transportation
Ürümqi serves as a major railway hub in Xinjiang, with five train stations: Ürümqi Station, Ürümqi South, Ürümqi West, Ürümqi North, and Ürümqi East.
Ürümqi Station, the largest passenger station in the region, opened in 2016 and is the terminus of the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway.
The city is connected by Lanzhou-Xinjiang HSR, North Xinjiang Railway, South Xinjiang Railway, and Xulian HSR, integrating Ürümqi into China’s national high-speed rail network.
By 2023, the railway operation mileage reached 9,092 km, forming three major entry-exit corridors and high-speed intercity routes to key Xinjiang cities.
Ürümqi’s Road Network
As of 2023, Ürümqi’s total road network spans 2,940.45 km, with 95.4% classified as graded roads.
This includes 335.64 km of highways, 139.69 km of first-class roads, 485.55 km of second-class roads, and 719.82 km of third-class roads.
The city continues to expand its transportation infrastructure, with major road projects such as the Zhuhai Road Extension,
East Second Ring Road, North Station Road, and Saima Road improving connectivity.
These developments enhance urban mobility and regional accessibility, reinforcing Ürümqi’s role as a key transportation hub in Northwest China.
Ürümqi’s Public Transportation System
Ürümqi’s public transportation network includes 246 bus routes, spanning 3,983 km, with a 1,331 km route network.
In 2023, 30 new or optimized bus routes and 49 additional bus stops were introduced.
The city operates 41,150 buses and 13,234 taxis, ensuring efficient urban mobility.
Ürümqi Metro Line 1, the city’s first subway line, opened in phases between 2018 and 2019, covering 27.6 km with 21 stations.
It connects Tianshan, Shuimogou, Shayibake, and Xinshi districts, marking Ürümqi as China’s 32nd metro city and significantly improving transit efficiency.
FAQs About Ürümqi
What does Urumqi mean?
“Ürümqi” is written as “ئۈرۈمچى” in Uyghur and has multiple interpretations. One common explanation is that it originates from the Mongolian language, meaning “beautiful pasture.” Its former name, “Dihua,” was given during the Qianlong Emperor’s reign, meaning “enlightenment and education.”
What is the religion of Urumqi?
As a key hub on the ancient Silk Road, Urumqi has seen religious evolution throughout history while maintaining a diverse religious landscape. The city is home to six major religions: Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism, Christianity, and Eastern Orthodoxy.
How do you pronounce Urumqi?
The international phonetic pronunciation of Urumqi is /uːˈruːmkɪ/. It can also be pronounced similarly to its Chinese phonetic counterpart as “Wu-Lu-Mu-Qi.”
What language is spoken in Urumqi, China?
In Urumqi, the primary languages spoken are Uyghur and Mandarin Chinese. Additionally, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and Russian are spoken by certain communities. Uyghur is the main language of the Uyghur ethnic group, while Mandarin is the official language of China and is widely used in government, education, and business.
What is the former name of Ürümqi?
Ürümqi was formerly known as “Dihua.” On November 20, 1953, the State Council approved the renaming of Dihua to Urumqi, with the name officially changing on February 1, 1954.
I’m Anthony, the founder and editor of The China Journey.
I create practical, experience-based guides covering travel, food, and culture across China, with a focus on helping international travelers make clear planning decisions.
China is not fully cashless, but mobile payments dominate daily life. Apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay cover most transactions, while cash remains a backup for seniors, rural areas, and emergencies.
Dumplings, a traditional Chinese dish, are made by wrapping minced meat or vegetables in dough, then boiling, steaming, or frying.
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