Wujiaqu

Temperatures in Xinjiang vary considerably between day and night, so bring a windproof jacket.

Wujiaqu has distinctive Corps culture and is also a Silk Road city of lakes. Located about 50 km from Ürümqi, it is suitable for a short weekend trip and can also serve as a stopover on a small northern Xinjiang loop. Here, you can learn about the history of military reclamation, enjoy lakes and mountain scenery, and sample flavorful Xinjiang cuisine.

• Qinggeda Lake Scenic Area: One of Wujiaqu’s most representative natural attractions, with clear lake water and views of the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains in the distance. In spring and summer, you can see fields of tulips and cosmos flowers. At dusk, the sunset is reflected on the lake, creating a broad and pleasant view.

• General Memorial Hall: A red-themed educational venue centered on Wujiaqu’s development and the stories of military reclamation workers. It displays a variety of historical artifacts and offers interactive activities such as simulated shooting, trying on military uniforms, and viewing a cotton-picking machine model. It is suitable for families with children and history and culture enthusiasts.

• Shangmao City Market: This market offers a vivid look at everyday life in Wujiaqu. You can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, Kazakh smoked horse sausage, freshly baked guokui flatbread, and a variety of local snacks. It is a good place to experience the local neighborhood atmosphere.
• Beihai Park: A leisure park in the city, where mist can sometimes be seen over the lake in the early morning and the water glitters in the evening. The park has broad lawns suitable for walking, picnics, and pitching a tent, and is also a popular place for local residents to relax.

• General Street: A pedestrian street themed around military reclamation culture, with distinctive sculptures and related buildings lining its flagstone paths. The light filtering through the trees is soft, making it a pleasant place to stroll while taking in the surroundings and military reclamation elements.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Urban History and Everyday Life
  • Morning: Start with the General Memorial Hall to learn about Corps culture and Wujiaqu’s pioneering history, and try the interactive activities inside.
  • Lunch: Eat at Huijia Times or a local restaurant near General Street, choosing Xinjiang-style tossed noodles or saozi noodles.
  • Afternoon: Walk along General Street, observing the military reclamation-era buildings and sculptures, then visit Shangmao City Market to experience the local atmosphere and buy some specialty snacks.
  • Evening: Head to Wujiaqu Night Market or a barbecue restaurant in the city to try grilled lamb skewers, hand-grabbed rice, and yogurt zongzi.
• Day 2: Lake Views and Outdoor Relaxation
  • Morning: Take a walk in Beihai Park and relax in its relatively quiet surroundings while enjoying the pace of city life.
  • Lunch: Try local hand-grabbed rice or liangpi in the city.
  • Afternoon: Take a taxi or drive to Qinggeda Lake Scenic Area. Walk along the lakeside path and view the Windmill Square and the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains in the distance. If time permits, enjoy the lake scenery around sunset.
  • Evening: If you have enough time, take a walk around the Qinghu Yuyuan area, or return to the city for Xinjiang barbecue.

Food Recommendations

• Shahezi Rack Meat: Located on Qinghu South Road, this restaurant offers a limited daily supply of spicy lamb trotters. The skin is dry, fragrant, and chewy, while the meat is firm and satisfying.

• Ma’s Goose Manor Chicken: Known for serving chicken three ways, with tender and fresh-tasting meat. It is a popular local restaurant for big-plate chicken.
• 102nd Regiment Yellow Noodles with Barbecue: Located in the 102nd Regiment, the yellow noodles are pulled by hand to order and have a springy, smooth texture. They come with charcoal-grilled meat priced at 2 yuan per skewer, with the fat and spices blending into the noodles for a simple, rustic flavor.
• Niuxianlao Chaoshan Beef Hot Pot: The beef is sliced to order and tender, while the beef-bone broth is clear and richly flavored. Main dishes can be refilled without limit, and free ice cream is provided, making it suitable for dining with friends.

• Youxiang Liangpi: Located in the central market of Yangmaogong Town, this is one of the area’s longer-established liangpi shops. The chili oil is aromatic, the sesame sauce rich, and the shredded cucumber adds a refreshing texture, making it suitable for a light meal.

Transportation and Accommodation

• Transportation: From Ürümqi city center, including the Railway Bureau area, you can take a direct bus to Wujiaqu Passenger Transport Station. Tickets cost about 14.5–19 yuan, and the journey takes about 1–1.5 hours. Attractions within Wujiaqu are relatively close together and can be reached on foot or by bus. For Qinggeda Lake, taking a taxi or driving is recommended.
• Accommodation: Accommodation options in Wujiaqu are relatively limited, but overall value for money is good. Consider staying near Huijia Times in the city or at Junhao Yuyuan Phase II, which makes it convenient to reach night markets and restaurants. Prices are usually 150–300 yuan per night.

Travel Tips

• Museum opening status: Wujiaqu Museum and the General Memorial Hall sometimes close temporarily for renovations. Check their opening status on a map app before setting out to avoid a wasted trip.
• Seasonal differences at Qinggeda Lake: The scenery is better in spring and summer. You can see tulips in May, while summer brings fields of flowers. Autumn and winter are relatively bleak and colder, so visiting specifically for the lake is not recommended.
• Sun protection and warmth: Xinjiang has strong ultraviolet radiation, so use sun protection in every season. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so bring a windproof jacket.
• Map navigation: Information for some locations, including General Street and Qinggeda Lake bus stops, may not be fully accurate on certain map apps. Check multiple navigation sources when traveling, and ask local residents if necessary.