Changji

Changji is about half an hour’s drive from Urumqi. With snow-capped mountains and lakes, vast wheat fields, ancient sites and local food, it is worth allowing time to explore in depth.

• Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake): Located in Fukang, this lake reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Take the cable car up Maya Mountain for panoramic views of the lake area. Admission and the shuttle bus cost about RMB 155 per person in total.

• Jiangbulake: Located in Qitai County, this area has vast stretches of dryland fields at the foot of snow-capped mountains. You can go horseback riding and experience the Tianshan Mystery Slope. Admission costs RMB 55, with an additional RMB 30 for the shuttle bus.

• Beiting Ancient City: This Tang-dynasty Silk Road site in Jimsar County is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a good place to explore the area’s thousand-year history. Admission costs RMB 48.

• Kenswat Blue Lake: In Manas County, Danxia rock formations surround a lake with richly varied shades of blue. The scenic area has a high glass bridge and a cableway, making it a possible stop on a self-drive trip.

• Laolong River Urban Euphrates Poplar Forest: Close to the city center, this forest turns golden in autumn and is a good spot for sightseeing and photography. Around sunset is a good time to photograph the autumn colors among the trees.

• Changji Dinosaur Museum: This science and educational museum focuses on Asian dinosaur fossils and is suitable for families with children. Admission is free. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so check the opening schedule before setting out.

Suggested Itineraries

• 1-Day Relaxed City Tour: Spend the morning learning about local culture at Changji Museum. At lunchtime, visit Changji Snack Street to try meatball soup and yougao pastries. Walk around People’s Park in the afternoon, then photograph the exterior and evening lights of Xinjiang Grand Theater (Piyazi Building) around dusk.
• 2-Day Nature Tour: Day 1: Visit Tianshan Tianchi and take the cableway for elevated views of the lake. Stay overnight near the scenic area. Day 2: Drive to Jiangbulake to see vast wheat fields and alpine meadows backed by snow-capped mountains, then return in the evening.
• 3-Day In-Depth Self-Drive Tour: Day 1: Visit Tianshan Tianchi. Day 2: Head to Jiangbulake and Qitai Devil City, where you can watch the sunset over the yardang formations. Day 3: Stop at Beiting Ancient City on the return journey to learn about Silk Road history, then return to the city in the afternoon and browse a night market.
• 5-Day Grand Loop: Link Tianshan Tianchi, Jiangbulake, Beiting Ancient City, the S101 Hundred-Li Danxia landscape, Kenswat Blue Lake and the Mulei Euphrates Poplar Forest in one route. This suits travelers with more time who enjoy driving and photography.

Local Specialties

• Jiuwan Sanhangzi (Nine Bowls in Three Rows): This traditional Hui banquet, recognized as intangible cultural heritage, consists of nine bowls arranged in a square. It combines meat and vegetable dishes, steamed to absorb flavor while keeping a relatively light taste.

• Changji Meatball Soup: A base of slow-simmered beef bone broth is served with handmade beef meatballs, glass noodles and frozen tofu. Pair it with freshly baked youtazi, a layered bread.

• Jiaoma Chicken: Firm-textured chicken soaks up a fragrant, numbing pepper broth and is served with tofu skin and onions. It goes well with rice. Both Hutubi and Changji City are well known for this dish.

• Yellow Noodles with Grilled Lamb: A common pairing at local night markets, chewy yellow noodles are eaten with freshly grilled lamb skewers. The meat juices coat the noodles for a richer flavor.

• Yougao (Fried Sweet Pastries): Try these sweets on Changji Snack Street. A crisp shell surrounds a brown sugar and sesame filling, with a soft, chewy interior and a sweet, fragrant taste.

Practical Travel Tips

• What to Wear: Temperatures vary considerably between day and night in Changji’s mountains and grasslands. Bring a thick, windproof jacket even when visiting Tianchi or Jiangbulake in summer. Pack a down jacket for autumn trips.
• Sun Protection and Moisturizing: Xinjiang has strong UV exposure and a dry climate. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a moisturizing facial mist.
• Self-Drive Preparation: Gas stations are sparse along routes to scenic areas such as Jiangbulake and the S101 Hundred-Li Danxia landscape, so fill your tank before setting out. Mobile reception may be weak in the mountains; download offline maps in advance.
• Tickets and Opening Hours: For popular attractions such as Tianshan Tianchi, book tickets ahead through official channels. Changji Museum and the Dinosaur Museum both offer free admission, but check their closure schedules.
• Local Customs: Changji is home to several ethnic groups. Respect the customs and dietary restrictions of local ethnic minorities when traveling and dining.