In my previous two articles about my visit to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the northwest of China, I described my wonderful experiences in Kashi and Aksu prefectures. Now, I want to share with you my excellent visit to Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang.

Urumqi is located in the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains in the middle section. Situated along the ancient Silk Road, the city has always been regarded as an important commercial and cultural center throughout history.

Taking into account the significant commercial status of Urumqi and its reputation as one of the main industrial centers in Xinjiang, we visited several outstanding commercial and industrial sites in this city.

One of our visits was to GAC motor factory in Urumqi Economic and Technological Development Zone. Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (abbreviated as GAC Group, is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Guangzhou, Guangdong.)

Officially founded in 1997, it is currently one of the largest automobile manufacturers in China.

GAC Motor Xinjiang Project with the theme of "A New Wonder in Xinjiang" was inaugurated in February 2018 in response to the Belt and Road Initiative.

Another site we visited was Urumqi International Land Port Area, which has been playing a vital role in constructing the region as a core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt while contributing to the development of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

Mahnaz Abdi at the Urumqi International Land Port Area in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

In the last day of our stay in Urumqi, we took part in the inaugural ceremony of the 8th China-Eurasia Expo, which was held in Urumqi during June 26 to 30.

Themed "New Opportunities of Silk Road, New Vitality for Eurasian Cooperation," the five-day expo drew over 3,200 participants from 50 countries, regions and international organizations, showcasing over 6,000 varieties of products.

We also had some amazing social and cultural visits in Urumqi, one of which was a visit to the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar (market).

Mahnaz Abdi at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

It is the largest bazaar in the world in terms of scale, combining Islamic culture, architecture, ethnic commerce, tourism and entertainment. It is also one of the most famous landmarks in Xinjiang.

The construction of the bazaar was completed in 2003; it was opened to public in August 2003.

Walking into the Grand Bazaar, you can see a tower about 80 meters high in the center of the square, which is the most famous attraction in Grand Bazaar，and is named the Silk Road Sightseeing Tower. Paintings and exhibitions show the historical story of the Silk Road on each floor of the tower. Atop the tower, you will have a panoramic view of Urumqi City.

The Uygur-style pedestrian streets are distributed on both sides of the square, where a variety of delicious Xinjiang dried fruits are sold, as well as some ethnic musical instruments, handicrafts, painted tambourines, etc. Local Uygurs play their folk music in front of shops.

"Naan museum" is another major attraction in this bazaar. Naan has a long history in Xinjiang, and it is the staple food of the ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. The "museum" showcases more than 100 kinds of naan from various areas of Xinjiang.

The Grand Bazaar is a gathering place for various local cuisines in Xinjiang. When the lights illuminate the pedestrian street around 22:00(BJT), the Grand Bazaar presents a different night view.

Mahnaz Abdi in the "naan museum" in the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Finally, my most wonderful experience in Urumqi, which is also one of the best memories of my life, was a surprise birthday party organized by our trip planners at the hotel where we stayed. It was a grand ceremony on the last night of our stay for all participating journalists, whose birthdays fell between June 25 and 30.

I was really surprised and will always remember this unique sweet experience in Urumqi.

Mahnaz Abdi is an editor at Tehran Times, a leading Iranian newspaper.

Planner : Jie Wenjin

Reviewers : Hou Weili and Cheng Li

Related:

Expat Eyes | Journey to Xinjiang, a land of beautiful scenery and rich culture: Kashi special

Expat Eyes | Journey to Xinjiang, a land of beautiful scenery and rich culture: Aksu special