Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum

Many Urumqi tours make a stop at the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum, providing a great option to see the collection plus other landmarks in Urumqi in a streamlined way. Private and group tours also often visit Erdaoqiao Market, or even go out to Heavenly Lake, making for a very full day. You can also visit the museum on your own and enjoy it for as much time as you like.

• Be sure to make an online reservation on WeChat before you go, since the number of visitors per day is limited.

• Guided tours are available several times throughout the day.

• Choose an audio guide for more flexibility, but make sure to bring cash for a deposit.

• Store your gear, food, beverages, and lighters in provided lockers at the entrance.

Once you’re in Urumqi, it’s easy to get to the museum. You can always take a taxi, or opt for one of the many city bus routes or the BRT. It’s a pretty famous spot, but if it is helpful, write the name in Chinese characters to show your taxi or bus driver to keep things simple.

The museum is open every day except Monday, from mid-morning to early evening, but make sure to check the schedule before you show up. Expect it to be more crowded on the weekends, so aim for a weekday if you can. During national holidays like the first weeks of May and October and Chinese New Year, tourist sites are packed.

Don’t miss the mutton after a day of sightseeing in Urumqi. The Uyghur influence flourishes in the city’s food options, and mutton is a prominent feature. Try some plov, a rice dish cooked all day with carrots and chunks of mutton, or have the clear soup with potato, carrot, and mutton shank (shorpa). You can also find tender lamb, too, if mutton is a bit much.