Urumqi belongs to semiarid continental climate of middle temperate zone, temperate difference between day and night; shorter spring and autumn and longer winter and summer; frost-free period of 179 days and 2821 hours sunlight annually. The grape harvest season, namely July, August and September, is the best time for tourists to visit.

• Heavenly Lake
• Red Hill
• Southern Mosque
• Southern Pastures

Grilled Whole Lamb 
Grilled whole lamb is the most famous food in Urumqi. The most authentic grilled whole lamb, however, remains that in Xinjiang, mostly in Urumqi. A mixture of flour and water with egg yolk, salt, ginger, and pepper powder is first applied to the whole lamb which is then placed into a specially-made oven and baked for around 1 hour. 
It is trimmed with red silk around its neck and served with it mouth stuffed with fresh caraway.

Xinjiang Kebabs
Xinjiang Kebabs are chunks of mutton thread on skewers and roasted over charcoal. The kebabs are turned continually and basted frequently, and when they are almost done, salt, pepper paprika and cumin are sprinkled on them. Kebabs are crispy outside and tender inside, slightly salty and hot. They are not greasy and have no unpleasant smell. They are sold in the streets and bazaars throughout Xinjiang.

Zhua Fan (Rice Eaten with Hands)
Zhua Fan (Rice Eaten with Hands) is cooked with ingredients from fresh mutton, carrot, vegetable oil and rice. This food is soft, delicious and nutritious. It is consumed at the festivals, funerals and weddings of Uygurs and Uzbeks. People habitually pick the food from the tray by hand hence the name 'Rice Eaten with Hands'. Nowadays, people use chopsticks and spoons instead of fingers. We recommend the No.17 restaurant in May the First night market and Wuyuehua Restaurant opposite No. 17 in Hetian Jie for your Zhua Fan experience.

By air
Situated about 17 km (about 10.6 miles) northwest of the city center, Urumqi International Airport (URC) is one of the busiest air hubs in China. The airport meets the 4E Standards Airport of the International Civil Aviation. Every week, over 700 flights leave here for 53 destination cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Harbin, Guangzhou and Qingdao, etc. as well as 14 foreign destinations including Tashkent, Novosibirsk, Moscow, Islamabad, Almaty and Bishkek. You can book flight tickets at most high-rated hotels in Urumqi.

By train
Urumqi is linked by rail to six major Chinese cities, including Xian, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Zhengzhou and Lanzhou. Due to the great distances, we strongly advise you to take hard or soft sleeper berth. Train services also connect Urumqi with other main cities in Xinjiang, such as Korla, Aksu, Kuitun, and Liuyuan.

Wuyi Night Market
Wuyi Night Market is the most popular gourmet downtown street. Food stalls in this street are well stocked with everything from kebabs to soup. People meet their families or friends here for relaxation as well as sampling the delicacies. The night market opens from 8:00pm to 1:00am daily.

Urumqi Fu Bar
Urumqi Fu Bar is a great place for travelers to drink beer, eat Western food, and listen to music
Address: 1 North Park Street (Gong Yuan Bei Jie) 

Corban Festival
Corban Festival is one of the most important festivals.It is also known as 'Sacrifice Festival', which is hosted every December 10th by Islamic population. In preparation all Muslims should clean and dress up to attend the ceremony at the Great Mosque. During the three-day holidays, people go door to door to exchange greetings in their best ethnic costumes. All homes serve the visitors delicious mutton. The thumping singing and dancing parties will be held in both urban and rural areas. Some sports activities: such as horse races, wrestling and sheep snatching are most popular among the Kazaks, Ozbeks and Tajiks nationalities.

Xinjiang International Folk Dance Festival
From June 8th to 18th, the first China Xinjiang International Folk Dance Festival, with the theme of Harmonious China and Charming Xinjiang, will be held in Urumqi City and Changji City. During the Festival, Xinjiang will see dance troupes from 9 countries and regions from Asia, Europe, Egypt, etc. Besides, 3 famous and fine dance performances given by Shanxi Province, Gansu Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region will also be performed. Performances given by Xinjiang's dance troupes include Xinjiang in Bright Sunshine by Xinjiang Song and Dance Troupe, Spring of Muqam by Xinjiang Muqam Art Troupe and Guests from Icy Mountains by Xinjiang Opera House.