population: 3.5 million

extension: 10,989 square kilometers

Museums

Great! In Urumqi, you can visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum, which showcases the region's history, culture, and archaeology. If you're interested in art, you can also check out the Xinjiang Art Museum. These are two of the most popular museums in the city.

If you're looking for similar museums, you could also visit the Ürümqi Geological Museum or the Xinjiang Silk Road Museum, both of which are located in Urumqi as well.

Food

Sure! Urumqi is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, which is influenced by both Chinese and Central Asian culinary traditions. Here are some of the most popular and typical dishes that you can try according to local people:

1. Xinjiang-style lamb skewers (yangrou chuan): marinated lamb pieces grilled on skewers, seasoned with cumin and other spices.
2. Big plate chicken (da pan ji): a hearty dish with chicken, potatoes, peppers, and noodles, cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce.
3. Laghman noodles (lamian): long, hand-pulled noodles served in a rich broth with vegetables and meat.
4. Polo (pilaf): rice cooked with lamb, carrots, onions, and spices such as cumin and saffron.
5. Samsa: a type of baked pastry filled with meat or vegetables and spices.

These dishes are widely available in Urumqi's street food stalls and restaurants, and they are definitely worth trying if you visit the city.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that local people enjoy in Urumqi:

1. Visit the International Bazaar: This is a bustling market with vendors selling everything from traditional handicrafts to modern electronics.

2. Explore Tianchi Lake: Located about 70 kilometers away from Urumqi, this stunning alpine lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and breathtaking scenery.

3. Try Xinjiang cuisine: Local people love to eat delicious Xinjiang cuisine, which features lamb dishes, noodles, and bread.

4. Enjoy a Uyghur music and dance performance: Uyghur culture is an important part of life in Urumqi, and you can watch live performances featuring traditional music and dance at various venues throughout the city.

5. Take a cable car ride: The cable car ride up to the Heavenly Lake Scenic Area provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike.