Urumqi — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Urumqi.
Xinjiang's capital at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains — a Silk Road crossroads of cultures.
🍜 Signature dishes in Urumqi
- 大盘鸡Big Plate Chicken
- 烤羊肉串Lamb Skewers
- 抓饭Pilaf
- 拌面Mixed Noodles
- 烤包子Baked Buns
- 馕Naan Bread
- 酸奶Yogurt
- 手抓肉Hand-pulled Lamb
- 烤全羊Roast Whole Lamb
🎟️ Top things to do
- Xinjiang Museum
Mummies & cultures
- Grand Bazaar
Silk Road market
- Tianchi Lake
Alpine lake, 2h drive
- Hongshan Park
City viewpoint
- Nanshan Pasture
Grasslands, 1.5h drive
- Shuimogou Park
Hot spring park
- Bazaar Night Market
Night food & music
- Xinjiang Grand Theater
Cultural show
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Urumqi?
Take the metro or a taxi from URC (Diwopu) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Urumqi on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Urumqi. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Urumqi visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (URC (Diwopu)) · verify with official sources before travel.