Vacation in Urumqi China with Asian Vacations, Inc.

Heavenly Lake (Tianchi Lake)

Situated in the Heavenly Mountain range (Tianshan), 115km northeast of Urumqi, Heaven's Lake (Tianchi) is arguably one of the nicest spots in all of China. The huge clear water lake, the pine trees covering the hillsides and the snow capped mountains in the background make this a spectacular sight- reminiscent of Switzerland or the Rocky mountains but somehow with more vibrancy and color. The Indian writer Vikram Seth, who studied at Nanjing University for two years, took the lake as inspiration for the title of his account of his travels through Xinjiang and Tibet "From Heaven Lake". Indeed, this is a stimulating spot. This huge lake (3km long and 1km wide) sits half way (560 ft) up the mountain range and offers some excellent walking and horse riding with breathtaking views. This spot is particularly refreshing for those arriving in Urumqi from the barren deserts elsewhere in Xinjiang or from one of China's numerous granite cities. Buddhists visit this spot to praise the God of Mercy, Kazakh families set up camp here between May and September, and tourists visit the area in their hundreds. All this, surprisingly enough, does not spoil the area. One of the most pleasant aspects about exploring here is just being able to wander the lake and mountains at your own pace. This is a vast area and, despite the crowds, it is easy to lose yourself and there are no restrictions about where you can go. The Kazakhs bring their entire house, home and family with them when they set up base here. There are hundreds of Yurts built around the shores and slopes, surrounded by goats, sheep and horses. Kashmere goats and sheep are the main source of income for these people followed by tourism. Many will offer horse back tours of the hillside and accommodation in their homes for a small fee (Approximately �30 including food). This is a great experience, and a fun way to get a glimpse of the lifestyle of these people. Yurts are made from hide or canvas stretched over a wooden frame. The interiors are wonderfully colorful, with handmade rugs and tapestries adorning the walls. You MUST spend at least a day here, and staying the night in the Yurts or at the more up-market Shui Xin Hotel is good fun. The evening and early morning here are comparitively peaceful. There are numerous small restaurants along the western shore serving good simple dishes for about �20-30. A gargantuan glacier, 100m thick and 500m wide lies at the peaks of the Tianshan mountain range, surrounded by ice caves and valleys. This is the source of the Urumqi River, and although it is too COLD up here for many travellers, this area is one of the most important in the world in terms of research and development. How to get there: Buses leave from the north end of Renmin Park in Urumqi between 09:00 and 09:30 every day and return from the lake between 16:00 and 16:30. The trip takes between 90 minutes and 4 hours, depending on the type of transport you take. Mininbuses are the most efficient. There are also private buses running from the Hongshan Hotel. The trip costs �25 for a same day return on the cheapest bus. The minibus is �50 one way and the private buses are �30 return. The views along the route are spectacular. Climate: It can get very cold up here, so make sure you take enough warm clothing, especially if you plan to stay the night.

Red Hill Park
Red Hill Park (Hongshan Gongyuan) is a pleasant spot to visit to get your bearings when you first arrive in this modern city. The views from the top of the mountain of the surrounding countryside and breathtaking mountains, make the steep (but short) climb worthwhile. The mountain peak stands 1,391m above sea level. Climb up to the top, where you can stop and sit down for a drink and enjoy fabulous views over the city with the snow capped mountains behind. Numerous legends are associated with the mountain, including a few scary tales about a dragon that inhabits the hillside! A Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD) Pagoda (Zhenlong Ta) can be found half way up the mountain. This was built by one of the emperors to ward off the evil dragon and his spirits! There are also a few fairground rides within the grounds here, and a lake to boat on. This is a popular spot with local families who come here to get out of the city for the day. How to get there: Walk for 45 minutes north from the Holiday Inn to Hongshan gongyuan. Alternately take a taxi. This should cost about �10.

Xinjiang Provincial Museum
The Xinjiang Minority Peoples' Museum (Xinjiang weiwuer zi zhiqu bouwuguan) is definitely worth a visit. This museum houses an impressive collection of exhibits, covering artifacts and relics from more than 12 minority groups. The lay out and presentation of the exhibits is imaginative and the preserved bodies of men, women and babies found in tombs in Xinjiang, along with the 3,000 year old mummies, make for insightful (if a little spooky) visit! The museum is divided into different sections: a Mongol wing, a Tajik exhibition, a Kasak exhibition and a Dauer people and relics display. Many of the more interesting exhibits have signs in English too! How to get there: Take the #7 bus from the Hongshan Dept. store. Opening hours: Daily 09:30 - 17:30

Southern Pastures (West White Poplar Gully):

75km (46 miles) South of Urumqi, in the Southern Mountain, the area at the northern foot of Karawuquntag Mountain, a spur of the Tian Shan Mountains, lies West White Poplar Gulley. Traveling through this narrow verdant gully is a unique experience for sightseers who love natural scenery like snowcapped peaks, dragon-spruce trees and wild flowers to name just a few of the beautiful things to see. It is also home to a 2,100m (6,888 ft) wide waterfall which cascades down, above sea level. The valley has an annual precipitation of 500 to 600mm. Screened by snow-capped peaks and dotted with tall and straight dragon spruce trees, it is an ideal place for an excursion. The Kazakhs usually spend summer here between May and October and graze their herds. Visitors can take a horseback tour guided by local Kazakhs. In a traditional yurt, the hospitable host will welcome you in with fragrant milk tea, mare's milk, cheese and roasted lamb. The horse-racing and traditional Kazakh dancing are equally amazing. More spectacular landscape come at the far end of the valley - a 2m (6.6 ft) wide waterfall cascades 40m (131 ft) down, roaring with mist. It makes you feel refreshed and relaxed. How to get there: Transport to this area can be a bit inconvenient, but there are some buses from the north end of Renmin Park off Guangming Lu.

Southern Mosque
Renovated in 1902 and again in 1987, the Southern Mosque takes its name from is proximity to the South Gate of Urumqi. Embraced by four minarets, the vaulted mosque, both grand and imposing, expresses the elegant character of Islamic architecture. The tower shaped main body of the mosque has four floors, two below ground level and two above. The floors below ground are shops and living areas while the two above contain the prayer hall and seminary. The walls of the passageway leading to the prayer hall are decorated with carved orchids, plums, bamboo and lotuses. The compound also includes a washing room for ablution before prayers.

Tartar Mosque
Also known as the Yanghang Mosque, the Tartar Mosque is located at the southern end of Jiefang Nan Lu (South Jiefang Road). Built with private donations from the Tartar Community, the mosque is unique in its use of traditional Tartar architecture. It features geometric carvings in wood and brick and an octagonal dome adorned with a crescent. The mosque is a main center for worship in Urumqi and covering 3,000 sq. m it can accommodate up to 1,000 people in its prayer hall. The mosque is open to tourists, including women, however you must obtain permission prior to visiting.