Hami

Hami has large temperature swings between day and night, so bring a light jacket even in summer.

Hami is the eastern gateway to Xinjiang, with travel highlights ranging from Hami melons and Gobi Desert yardang formations to grasslands, snowy mountains and the cultural heritage of China's Western Regions. Prices are generally modest, and attractions are relatively clustered, making it worth planning a stay.

• Hami Museum: Admission is free with an ID card; closed on Mondays. Explore Silk Road artifacts and see the world's largest collection of pterosaur fossils.

• Aletun Old Street: This old street retains a distinctive Uyghur character, with restaurants and creative gift shops lining the road. Consider visiting after 8 p.m., when the lanterns are lit and the street is pleasant for a stroll.

• Hami Prince's Palace: Known as the “Little Forbidden City of the Western Regions,” the palace combines Han, Manchu, Mongol and Uyghur architectural features. Admission is 35 yuan. Head to the higher sections for views over urban Hami.

• Hami Princes' Tombs: Islamic architecture is the main feature here. Look out for the blue domes and intricate brick carvings, which photograph well in bright sunshine. Admission is 35 yuan.

• Dahaidao: Described as China's only uninhabited wilderness area that can legally be traversed, Dahaidao is known for its vast yardang formations and Mars-like desert scenery. Admission is 45 yuan per person, with an additional charge of 100 yuan per vehicle for self-drive visitors.

• Barkol Grassland: Xinjiang's second-largest grassland can be visited alongside the old town and wetlands. The natural landscape is well preserved, making it a relaxing summer escape, and there are no paid attractions.

• Eastern Tianshan Mountains: Pine forests, pastures and snowy peaks create a varied landscape, where a single day can feel like a journey through all four seasons. A good choice for short walks and photography.

• Muqam Heritage Center: Next to Hami Museum and free to the public, the center introduces Hami's intangible musical heritage and varieties of Hami melon. The building itself also makes a good photography subject.

Relaxed 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Explore the City's Cultural Heritage
  • Morning: There is no need for an early start, as shops in Xinjiang generally do not open until 10 a.m. Begin with the pterosaur fossils at Hami Museum, then visit the neighboring Muqam Heritage Center to learn about local intangible cultural heritage.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Hami Prince's Palace and Hami Princes' Tombs on foot, taking in the details of the region's historic architecture. Afterwards, stop at the nearby giant Hami melon landmark for photos.

• Evening: Stroll along Aletun Old Street and sample baked buns, tamarisk-skewered grilled meat and yogurt while experiencing everyday life at the night market.
• Day 2: Dahaidao Landscape Tour
  • All day: Set off early for the eastern entrance of the Dahaidao scenic area. Drive yourself or hire a car with a driver to cross the uninhabited wilderness, visiting the Hongliutan S-bend road, Tongtian Cave and Pterosaur Grand Canyon along the way.
  • Late afternoon: Stay among the yardang formations to watch the sunset and colorful evening sky, then return to urban Hami for the night.
• Day 3: Nature Near the City
  • Morning: Choose between the pine forests and pastures of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains or the grassland and lake scenery of Barkol Grassland and Barkol Lake.
  • Afternoon: Return to the city and buy fresh Hami melons and local specialties at Gongren Market or street stalls before your onward journey.

In-Depth 5-Day, 4-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Hami and check into a city hotel, then head to Aletun Old Street in the early evening for a walk and dinner.
• Day 2: Spend the day crossing Dahaidao and admiring its Mars-like desert landscape. Stay overnight at the Hongliutan service area or return to the city.
• Day 3: Set out from urban Hami to explore the Eastern Tianshan Mountains, then continue to Barkol county town in the afternoon. Stay in a Kazakh yurt or a local hotel.
• Day 4: Visit Barkol Old Town and Barkol Lake, enjoying the quiet atmosphere of this thousand-year-old frontier town. Return to urban Hami in the afternoon.
• Day 5: Visit any city sights you have not yet seen, buy fruit and local specialties at a supermarket or market, then head to the airport or high-speed railway station for departure.

Where to Eat in Hami

• Xingjiang Pilaf: A popular local pilaf restaurant. The lamb-rib pilaf comes with generous portions of meat, separate grains of rice and mildly sweet carrots, without feeling overly greasy.

• Abulimitijiang Nutritious Naan: A long-established bakery frequented by local residents. Try the dried-chili naan and meat naan, which are fragrant and crisp straight from the oven and best eaten hot.

• Yi Loulan: The dining space has a distinct Xinjiang character, and the food offers authentic regional flavors. Options to try include sticky rice dumplings with yogurt, baked buns and Hotan-style grilled meat.

• Minmin Barbecue: A well-known barbecue restaurant that has operated in Hami for many years and remains popular with local residents. Portions are generous and prices reasonable. Try the grilled meat and tendon skewers.

• Chun'ai Ice Cream: This long-established business has a 77-year history and is known for its rich milky flavor and affordable prices. A good stop during summer sightseeing.

• Lamb with Braised Flatbread: Restaurants such as Qianliuhu Lamb with Braised Flatbread serve this dish. The thin flatbread absorbs the flavorful broth, and the accompanying lamb portions are generous.

Accommodation and Transport

• Where to stay: Choose accommodation near Wanda Plaza or Aletun Old Street in urban Hami for convenient dining, shopping and sightseeing, as well as easy taxi access to attractions. If you have an early flight or high-speed train, you can also consider staying near the high-speed railway station.
• Getting there: Take a direct flight to Hami Airport or arrive by train. Hami is Xinjiang's closest city to Gansu and is often the first stop for travelers driving into Xinjiang.
• Getting around: Use taxis or buses within the city; some local journeys cost only a few yuan, and many attractions are within walking distance of one another. For Dahaidao and Barkol, driving yourself or hiring a car with a driver is advisable. Choose a high-clearance SUV or an off-road vehicle.

Preparation and Travel Tips

• Local hours: Daily routines generally run about two hours later than Beijing time, and sunset can be after 9 p.m. Most shops open after 10 a.m., so there is no need to schedule an early start every day.
• Sun protection and warm clothing: Xinjiang has strong UV radiation, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Day and night temperatures differ considerably, so bring a light jacket even in summer and warmer clothing if visiting in October.
• Driving in Dahaidao: There is no mobile signal along the route through Dahaidao's uninhabited wilderness. Download offline maps, fill your fuel tank and pack enough drinking water and food before entering. Standard passenger cars are unsuitable for the gravel roads, where the undercarriage can easily scrape the ground. Rent an off-road vehicle or hire a car with a driver instead.
• Buying fruit: Before buying Hami melons at Gongren Market or street stalls, compare prices between vendors. Check stalls both near the market entrance and inside before deciding, and be cautious about higher-priced fruit sold at scenic-area entrances.
• Local etiquette: Hami is home to several ethnic groups. Respect local ethnic minorities' customs and religious beliefs during your visit.