Name:Urumqi
Chinese Name:乌鲁木齐
Chinese Pinyin:wu lu mu qi
Location:Northwest of China
Province:Xinjiang
Time Zone:(UTC+8)
Area Code:0991
Population:2.4million
Urumqi Introduction
Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China's most western province. The most "inland" city in the world - the furthest from any major body of water - Urumqi is 3,270 km.(2,050 miles) from Beijing (a five-hour flight).With a population of one million,the city lies as a green-blanketed oasis amidst Xinjiang's barren and uninhabited deserts,loess highlands,and the snowcapped peaks of the Heavenly Mountain.
Urumqi Brief History
Urumqi means "A beautiful Pasture land" in ancient Mongolian used by the Junggar tribe, 2000 years ago it was once an important town on the new northern route of the Silk Road,which made important contribution in promoting Sino-foreign economic & cultural exchanges.
During the 22nd year of the Zhenguan's reign in the Tang Dynasty,648 A.D.,the Tang government set up the town of Luntai in the ancient town seat of Urabo,which is 10 kilometers away from the southern suburb of Urumqi nowadays.The Ancient Luntai Town,which played quit significant a role on the new northern route of Silk Road in the Tang Dynasty,was the only town of tax collection,the only town of management,the town of supply and the first town as well.
In the time of Qing Dynasty (A.D.1763),the emperor Qian Long named the expanded city as "Dihua".UP to A.D.1884,another emperor Guang Xu put up Xinjiang as a Province and the Di Hua city as the capital of Xinjiang.After the founding of the people's Republic of China,by Feb.1,1954,the city name was restored to its original meaning,Urumqi.
Silk Road and Urumqi
Because the northern route of the "Silk Road" passed through Urumqi,it became a heavily-guarded fort in the Han Dynasty,and remained so for centuries.But today,the city itself has few historical sites to offer tourists,except for the museum of the autonomous region that houses some valuable relics unearthed along the "Silk Road".An excursion to Tianchi,however,is worthwhile.
Tianchi and Urumqi
Tianchi,or "Lake of Heaven",is about 30 miles southeast of Urumqi, at an elevation of 6,435 ft. above sea level.It is a beautiful highland lake, flanked by rugged pines and cypresses,and with clear waters that reflect the surrounding mountains.In winter,it provides an ideal alpine skating rink.In fact, China's winter skating games have been held there.
Urumqi Today
Although it occupies one sixth of the surface of China, there are only 16 million people living here.Now Xinjiang produces steel,oil,chemicals,sugar,tractors,and various other kinds of farm machinery.Trucks are the main method of transportation and thousands of miles of roads have now been paved.
There are eight universities in Xinjiang, including two medical schools. One medical college specializes in cancer research (Uygur people have a high incidence of laryngeal cancer, attributed to drinking hot liquids).
Islam is the dominant religion in Xinjiang.In cities such as Urumqi and Kashi,huge mosques are still in use.Religious festival days are still observed and it is even possible to encounter older women wearing veils.
Welcome to Urumqi
Urumqi is an attractive tourist attraction in Silk Road.You can enjoy the beautiful view of the heaven lake,taste the delicious fruits and foods. Urumqi is the special place for you to feel the view of desert and camel,which has thousands years with camel-bells sounding.
