This morning, I took a bus (Rmb33) from Turpan to Urumqi (3.0mil people), the capital of Xinjiang. I arrived in Urumqi around 12.00pm. Our taxi driver took us to Wenzhou Hotel (158Rmb per room inclusive breakfast) and we stayed for a night there.
While walking around the People's Park, we made an inquiry with a tourist information booth for our trip to Kanas Lake. After a few inquiries, we decided to take up a 3 days 2 nights package tour (Rmb420 per person). Realising that Kanas is located at the northern tip of Xinjiang and would be cold in May, we borrowed two winter wears from the tour agency and promised to return to them after our trip.
In the afternoon and evening, I wandered around the Urumqi town centre. I paid a visit to the People's Park, Urumqi opera house & Wuyi market. I also went to a bank to exchange some local currency but ended up getting a raw deal with a local money exchanger moonlighting in front of the bank. A bad experience but a lesson learned !
1) Wuyi night market - A great place to try out local food eg kababs, dumplings, ramen noodles, nan, fresh fruit like Hami melons. There are over hundred of open market eatery stalls operating here - so just come and savor whatever food on sale !
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2) The Urumqi opera house where the famous classical Xinjiang dance is performed
Urumqi, a Mongolian name. Turkic language. The Mongols. The Uighurs. Xinjiang, home of barbarians, birth place of famous Chinese poet (Li Bai). For a first time traveler, I have a lot to learn and appreciate.
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