Urumqi
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Heavenly Lake
Visit the south bank of Tianchi, the Heavenly Lake, which is situated to the east of the Tian Shan Mountain range outside Urumqi. Cross the lake by boat and take in the majestic mountains, glaciers and forests that surround it.
Kazak Nomads
Visit a nomadic Kazak family, who are usually situated south of the city on the "Southern Pasture". Have a rare chance to understand the local Kazak nomads and their way of life.
Mount Bogda Hike
More adventurous travelers can hike and camp at the foot of Mount Bogda, then watch the sun rise at 10,600 feet (3,230 meters) above sea level, where there is a magnificent view of the countryside and the Heavenly Lake.
The Grand Bazaar
Browse the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s foremost consumer paradises; a raucous, dynamic mix of peoples and products from all over Central Asia, Russia and Mongolia. Items on sale include, among others, fine rugs of silk and wool, assorted spices, fine grapes and melons (for which Xinjiang is famous), and the distinct fat-tailed sheep - a breed of sheep known for its hardiness and considerable tail fat, which can account for almost twenty percent of its total body weight.
Urumqi History Museum
Meet a curator for a privately guided tour of the Urumqi History Museum, whose collection includes 3000-year-old mummies on display, and gain insight into the history of the most ancient states along the Silk Road.
Urumqi Night Market
Take in the local blend of central Asian and Chinese cultures on display at the local night market. Dine in the city’s backstreets on sumptuous Uighur and Hui (Chinese Muslim) food such as lamb kebabs, sprinkled with cumin and grilled over charcoal; lamian, or hand-stretched noodles in steaming broth; or dapanji, chicken roasted in a giant pan with vegetables.
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Urumqi: Gateway to Western China & the Silk Road
- Author
- Jay Tindall
I recently spent some time in Urumqi and discovered that though the city itself is somewhat plain, there are some truly beautiful sights just a short distance away
A Place as Hot as Fire: Highlights of Turpan
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Those on a quest to discover the ancient Silk Road often make stops in Dunhuang, Urumqi, and Kashgar, all oases on the ancient trade route, but none with as much to offer as Turpan.
Golden Eagle’s New Tibet and China Rail Discovery Route Set to Take Off
- Author
- Travelogues
A new journey from the luxury train brand Golden Eagle takes riders on a journey from Lhasa to Urumqi aboard the Shangri-la Express.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A couple from Quebec
We had a fabulous time in China. This was our second trip with Remote Lands...We received extraordinary service because of your introductions and behind-the-scenes monitoring.


A Couple from California
The most memorable trip we have ever had. Thank you very much for all of the nice arrangements you have prepared.