Capital of Xinjiang since the 19th century, Urumqisits amidst beautiful scenery, with the snow-laden Tianshan Mountains to the east. Today a growing metropolis with a population of one million, Urumqiis a modern Chinese city, with designer stores and high-rises. Many Han Chinese have settled here since 1949, and the population is now half-Han and half-ethnic minorities including Uighur, Manchu, Kazakh, Mongolian, and Tajik.

No longer a remote outpost, Urumqiwas finally connected to Central Asia and Europe after the Urumqi-Almaty rail line was built in 1991. Most visitors come to see Tian Chi (Heaven Lake) but the city has other attractions such as its lively markets and the fascinating mix of ethnic peoples. The fine Xinjiang Provincial Museum devotes a section to archeological finds, especially from around Turpan, including some preserved corpses, silk paintings, and lovely brocades. The museum also has a section dedicated to local peoples and includes gers, jewelry, and traditional clothes. Up on a hill in the north of the city, the scenic Hong Shan Park is surmounted by a small 18th century pagoda, and offers wonderful views.