China cities - Urumqi

Urumqi comes as a startling sight: a modern Chinese city rising out of a stark desert landscape.  Urumqi is the capital and business centre of Xinjiang, with few historical sights but beautiful parks, a fascinating museum, and good shopping.

Explore the city’s back street markets for great bargains in Xinjiang handicrafts, including inexpensive carpets. And enjoy the city vista from shady Hongshan Park and relax in the gardens with your fellow Travel Indochina travelers.

We also take a day-trip to Lake Tianchi (Lake of Heaven)  - surrounded by snow-capped mountains and rich green forests, the Lake presents an amazing contrast to the nearby desert landscapes.

Despite the unexpected modernity of Urumqi, we still take time in the evening to enjoy the age-old night markets which are such a feature of the social and economic life of the Silk Road.

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