Shihezi

Shihezi is known as the “Republic’s First Military Reclamation City,” a young oasis city built on barren Gobi land. Its orderly layout, extensive greenery, historical sites linked to the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and natural scenery give it a distinctive appeal. Dining is relatively affordable, and the city works well as a day trip or short weekend break from Urumqi.

• Xinjiang Corps Military Reclamation Museum: This is China’s only museum devoted to land reclamation and frontier defense. Admission is free, but you need to book ahead and bring your ID card. Displays such as a reconstruction of the “First Plow of Military Reclamation” and a shortened military overcoat illustrate life during the reclamation years, making this an important stop for understanding how Shihezi was founded.

• Jiangjun Mountain Liaojiang Ecological Park: Admission is free, and large patches of moss phlox bloom here in April and May. Climb to the summit for panoramic views of Shihezi and the Danxia landforms, with plenty of opportunities for photography.

• Chateau Changyu Baron Balboa: This winery features French-style chateau architecture and grounds reminiscent of a European town. Visitors can learn about winemaking and taste local wines, and the admission ticket can be credited toward wine purchases. It is a good stop for travelers interested in architecture, wine culture, or photography.

• Warship Theme Park: With two real warships and several tanks on display, this free park is a good spot for outdoor family activities. In the evening, you can enjoy riverside views and lights. Boarding the ships usually involves a queue, so arrive early.
• Ai Qing Poetry Memorial Hall: China’s only poetry memorial hall named after Ai Qing introduces the poet’s writing during his 15 years in the Shihezi reclamation area. The atmosphere is quiet and solemn. It closes fairly early, so plan your visit for earlier in the day.

Dining in Shihezi

Local food combines Corps traditions with Xinjiang flavors, and prices are generally affordable. A few dozen yuan per person will usually cover a filling meal.

• Shihezi Liangpi: Recognized as part of the Corps’ intangible cultural heritage, these cold noodles are thin, springy, and smooth, with a richly flavored sauce. Look for long-established shops on Liangpi Street in No. 8 Residential Community. Liangpi served with grilled meat and a chilled drink is a common local meal.

• Tudahong Dazui Specialty Pilaf: This long-running local restaurant specializes in pilaf. Its lamb shank pilaf features golden, richly flavored rice and tender lamb that falls easily off the bone. Try it with juicy thin-skinned steamed buns.

• Shiliu Huakai: This restaurant has Middle Eastern-inspired decor, with a copper-colored metal ceiling and stained-glass pendant lamps creating an elegant setting. For a meal with friends, try the big-plate chicken and the house cold chicken salad.

• Xingfu Road Pedestrian Street Night Market: After dark, this becomes one of the city’s livelier dining and leisure areas. Food stalls offer Lao Zhong potato cakes, baked buns, rack-roasted lamb, fried mushrooms, and more. Browsing the market also gives you a glimpse of how local young people spend their evenings.

Suggested Itineraries

Choose between these two options based on the length of your stay and your preferred pace.

• Weekend Break (2 Days, 1 Night):
  • Day 1: After arriving in Shihezi, visit the Military Reclamation Museum to learn about the Corps’ history. Note that last entry is at 17:30. Spend the afternoon walking in West Park, then head to Xingfu Road Pedestrian Street for dinner and the night market.

• Day 2: Climb Jiangjun Mountain in the morning for panoramic city views. In the afternoon, visit Chateau Changyu Baron Balboa for wine tasting and photography before heading home.
• In-Depth Cultural Trip (4 Days, 3 Nights):
  • Build on the two-day itinerary by adding the Ai Qing Poetry Memorial Hall and 1949 Industrial Memory Park to explore poetry and vintage industrial scenery. You can also drive to Kenswat Reservoir to see Danxia landforms and Tiffany-blue water, or visit the 143rd Regiment Taoyuan Tourism Area for fruit picking in the countryside.

Transport and Accommodation

• Getting there and back: A high-speed train from Urumqi Railway Station to Shihezi Railway Station takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, with tickets costing around 29 yuan. Driving via the Lianyungang–Khorgos Expressway takes about 2.5 hours.
• Getting around: Shihezi’s urban area is relatively compact, spanning about 20 kilometers both east to west and north to south. Short taxi rides usually cost only the starting fare, and shared electric bikes are also common.
• Where to stay: Consider staying near Youhao Fashion Shopping Center or Xingfu Road Pedestrian Street, where dining, shopping, and leisure facilities are concentrated. City Comfort Inn, Atour Hotel, and Runchang Grand Hotel are options offering a reasonable balance of price and comfort.

Travel Tips

• ID and opening days: Bring your original ID card to visit the Military Reclamation Museum. The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
• Visit times: Last entry to the museum is at 17:30, and the Ai Qing Poetry Memorial Hall also closes fairly early. Schedule cultural venues during the daytime.
• Outdoor protection: UV levels are strong in Xinjiang, so use sun protection when visiting outdoor places such as Jiangjun Mountain and the winery. Bring a windproof jacket for trips to the reservoir or areas around the Gobi.
• Food precautions: Local fruits such as flat peaches and watermelons are very sweet. Pay attention to how your stomach responds, and avoid drinking hot tea immediately afterward. Carry stomach remedies if needed.