I had the privilege of participating in the 2025 Media Cooperation Forum of SCO Countries held in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China. As an editor from Armenia's Armenpress news agency, this was my first visit to the People's Republic of China—and more specifically, to the culturally rich city of Urumqi.

From the very moment I set foot in Urumqi, it felt as though time had paused. Though just a single dot on China’s vast map, the city captivated me with its colors, scents, and sounds. Over the course of a few days, I came to understand that Urumqi is a true crossroads of diverse cultures—a place where East and West have long met and embraced.

Unlike the rhythmic pace of classic Chinese cities, Urumqi has its own unique atmosphere. Here, you hear the gentle beats of ethnic music, inhale the warm scents of mustard and chili, and encounter smiling locals walking through colorful bazaars.

I vividly remember the evenings, when the sun would slowly dip behind the snow-covered peaks of the Tianshan Mountains, casting a golden glow across the city. Just 110 kilometers from Urumqi lies the Tianchi Lake, one of the region’s most enchanting destinations. Nestled at the foot of the Tianshan range, it reminded me of the breathtaking natural beauty of the Armenian Highlands.

One of the places that impressed me the most was the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi. To understand Urumqi—to grasp its spirit, character, and vibrant personality—you simply must visit the Grand Bazaar. It’s more than a marketplace. It is a living museum, where the spirit of the ancient Silk Road still breathes in the folds of silk, the aroma of tea, and the melodies of street musicians.

Standing at the entrance of the bazaar, you feel as though you’re stepping into a fairytale rather than a commercial hub. The architecture has its arched designs and intricate patterns. Sunlight reflects off the golden walls, glowing like the soul of antiquity. From the very entrance, you're immersed in melodies played through loudspeakers, the bustling chatter of merchants, and most memorably, the myriad of fragrances in the air.

As I wandered through the Grand Bazaar, I realized that every corner spoke of tradition. Here, you can find handmade carpets, ceramics, traditional Uygur attire, stone jewelry, silk scarves, and even handcrafted musical instruments like rawap and dutar.

I also had the opportunity to learn about the unique Uygur art form of Muqam—a sophisticated and deeply expressive musical tradition. One especially moving experience was my visit to the Xinjiang Museum. It is a space that encapsulates the essence of a people—their identity, existence, culture, lifestyle, and traditions.

I left Urumqi carrying vivid impressions, fresh ideas about the world and its people, and a new appreciation for different ways of life and cuisines.

Lilith Verdyan is an editor at Armenpress news agency in Armenia.

Producer: Xiao Chunfei

Supervisors: Ding Tao and Jie Wenjin

Planners: Jie Wenjin and Cheng Li

Reviewers: Cheng Li and Hou Weili

Editors: Gvlzar Mijit and Zhang Shijie