Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar
The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is Central Asia’s largest cultural and commercial hub, blending Uyghur, Han, and Islamic architectural styles. Dubbed "Xinjiang’s Window to the World," this vibrant marketplace spans 100,000 square meters and features a 67-meter-tall Silk Road Tower, traditional courtyards, and over 3,000 stalls selling handicrafts, spices, and textiles. Designated a 4A-level tourist attraction in 2004, it offers live performances, culinary delights, and immersive experiences into Xinjiang’s ethnic heritage.
Historical Overview
13th Century: Origins trace back to the Silk Road era, when caravanserais (inns) dotted the region.
2003: Construction of the modern Grand Bazaar completed, inspired by ancient Kashgari architecture.
2006: Inauguration of the Silk Road Tower, a landmark symbolizing cultural exchange.
2018: Recognized as a "National Cultural Industry Demonstration Base."
2020: Expansion of the "Bazaar Night Market" to boost tourism post-pandemic.
Structural Layout
The bazaar is divided into five zones:
- Central Square (Cultural Hub)
Silk Road Tower: 8-story observation deck with panoramic views of the Tianshan Mountains.
Uyghur Folk Theater: Daily performances of Muqam music and equestrian dances.
Ethnic Costume Museum: Exhibits of traditional Uyghur, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz attire.
- Handicraft Zone (Craftsmanship)
Carpet Galleries: Handwoven silk and wool rugs from Kashgar and Hotan.
Coppersmith Workshop: Live demonstrations of Uyghur metalworking techniques.
Jade Market: Nephrite and Hetian jade carvings (Xinjiang’s "gem of the desert").
- Food & Spice Zone (Gastronomy)
Grand Food Court: Sample laghman noodles, roasted lamb kebabs, and kumis (fermented mare’s milk).
Spice Bazaar: Saffron, turmeric, and dried chili peppers from the Pamir Mountains.
Fruit Market: Kashgari apricots, Hami melons, and xinjiang grapes.
- Artisan Street (Souvenirs)
Musical Instrument Shops: Dutar lutes, rawap fiddles, and dap drums.
Embroidery Ateliers: Suzhou-style silk embroidery fused with Uyghur motifs.
Calligraphy Stalls: Arabic-script ayat (Quranic verses) on parchment.
- Entertainment Zone (Nightlife)
Bazaar Night Market: Street food stalls, neon-lit alleys, and live dhol drumming.
Amusement Park: Camel rides, archery ranges, and traditional Uyghur games.
Major Attractions
Silk Road Tower: Climb for 360° views of the Tianshan Mountains and Urumqi cityscape.
Uyghur Folk Theater: Watch the 1-hour Twelve Mukam epic (UNESCO-listed).
Grand Food Court: Taste bigpan chiken (spicy Uyghur chicken) and nang (sesame flatbread).
Carpet Auction House: Bid on vintage rugs (Wednesdays and Saturdays).
Starlight Square: Nightly light shows projected onto the bazaar’s domes.
Suggested Itineraries
- Half-Day Cultural Tour (3–4 Hours)
Morning: Silk Road Tower observation → Uyghur Folk Theater performance → Carpet Gallery shopping.
Lunch: Grand Food Court (try polo — Uyghur pilaf with carrots and raisins).
Afternoon: Jade Market bargaining → Spice Bazaar sampling → Handicraft zone souvenir hunting.
- Full-Day Culinary & Craft Tour (6–8 Hours)
Morning: Breakfast at Xinjiang Family Restaurant (mantou buns and soymilk) → Coppersmith workshop demo.
Lunch: Xinjiang Home Cooking (roasted lamb shoulder and yogurt soup).
Afternoon: Musical instrument shopping → Embroidery atelier workshop → Camel ride at the amusement park.
Evening: Bazaar Night Market street food (try samsa meat pies) → Starlight Square light show.
- Two-Day Ethnic Experience
Day 1:
Morning: Silk Road Tower photography → Uyghur Costume Museum.
Afternoon: Carpet auction → Folk Theater show → Dinner at Grand Bazaar Banquet Hall (live music).
Night: Night market exploration.
Day 2:
Morning: Spice bazaar cooking class (learn to make laghman noodles).
Afternoon: Jade market appraisal session → Amusement park archery.
Evening: Farewell dinner at Xinjiang Flavors (try kumis and baklava).
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Ctrip or Meituan (combo tickets with Heavenly Lake available).
On-Site: Tickets at Silk Road Tower entrance (queues peak 4–6 PM).
- Prices:
Peak Season (May–October): Adults ¥50, Students/Seniors ¥30.
Off-Season (November–April): 40% discount.
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Uyghur Folk Theater: ¥120–¥200 (show-only tickets).
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to Erdaoqiao Station (Exit B), 5-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 10, 16, 61, or 104 to Erdaoqiao Bazaar Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to Grand Bazaar South Gate (¥30 from Urumqi Airport).
Departure: Exit via North Gate to Xinjiang Regional Museum or South Gate to Erdaoqiao Mosque.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 5–7 PM (dinner rush); visit 10 AM–12 PM or 8–10 PM.
Crowds: Fridays (prayer days) and summer weekends are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal.
- Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestone paths).
Bargain aggressively (start at 30% of the asking price).
Photography allowed (no flash near performers).
Prohibited Items: Outside food, alcohol, and drones.
Insider Tip: Combine a visit with Heavenly Lake (1-hour drive) for hiking or Xinjiang Regional Museum to see the "Loulan Beauty" mummy.
