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Urumqi
 Urmqi
(Wulumuqi in Chinese spelling), situated on the
northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, is most
famous for being the furthest city in the world
from the ocean. A relatively new city (founded
in 1763), the most land-locked area in the world
is essentially a modern and drab place, resembling
a Russian industrial town in many ways, with few
sights of interest but a lively resident population
who sustain enough intrigue to hold you here for
a day or two. This is also a compulsory stop in
terms of transportation (and has been since the
Silk Road opened) throughout Xinjiang, and the
spectacular Heaven's lake, a day trip from the
city, justifies a visit to this area in itself.
Previously known as Dihua, meaning
"Enlightening and Civilizing", the Chinese
renamed the city in 1884 to its present day tag.
Although the feeling and atmosphere here is predominantly
Uigurian, 80% of the population is Han Chinese.
Long an important trading center, the industrial
and commercial side of the city is dominated by
the Han Chinese population today, with huge department
stores and factories ruling the skyline here.
An exploration of the old streets and the Uigur
area known as Erdaoqiao provides a more interesting
look of the different nationalities living in
the city.
Keep one thing in mind - time difference!
Although it is the same time on the clock as Beijing,
residents here actually live life two hours behind.
This does not, however, affect the train, plane
or bus. So stick to the time you are given.
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