All-Inclusive Private Urumqi Day Tour including Erdaoqiao Market 1
All-Inclusive Private Urumqi Day Tour including Erdaoqiao Market 2
All-Inclusive Private Urumqi Day Tour including Erdaoqiao Market 3
All-Inclusive Private Urumqi Day Tour including Erdaoqiao Market 4
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All-Inclusive Private Urumqi Day Tour including Erdaoqiao Market

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Ürümqi, China
Private Car ToursMuseums & ExhibitionsAttractions
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About this activity

Explore Ürümqi's most iconic landmarks and cultural treasures on an 8-hour private guided tour, starting with the Xinjiang Regional Museum's famous mummified remains, followed by Buddhist monuments, local cuisine, and the historic Erdaoqiao Market. Your dedicated guide provides historical context and insider knowledge while traveling in a climate-controlled private vehicle.

At 9:30 am, your private tour guide will greet you at your central Urumqi hotel. Hop aboard your private, climate-controlled vehicle for the short journey to the Xinjiang Regional Museum (Qu Bowoguan).

Your private guide will show you around the museum, giving historical context and background. One highlight of the collection is the well-preserved tattooed mummies discovered in the desert nearby. Look out for the Beauty of Loulan, buried around 3,800 years ago near the town of Loulan in the Taklamakan Desert and first excavated in 1980. The hot, dry sands preserved her facial features remarkably well in her open coffin: and she is still beautiful today.

Discover Xinjiang cooking, a fascinating fusion of Turkish and Central Asian elements with Chinese techniques and ingredients. Your guide will help you navigate the à la carte menu and recommend dishes to suit your palate.

It's a short ride to the Hongguang Shan Giant Buddha, which towers over downtown Urumqi at approximately 38.8 meters (128 feet) tall. Grab a few shots before you head to the Red Hill, a traditional Chinese-style pagoda standing on the top of the hill that is the symbol of the City.

Finally, recapture the magic of the old Silk Road with a stroll through Erdaoqiao Market, once a trading hub for merchandise from all over Central Asia. This makes a great place to shop for traditional Uighur souvenirs, and your guide can help you navigate the stalls.

As this is a private tour, the precise duration is up to you: most guests are back at their hotel by 5:30 pm.

Highlights

  • Ancient tattooed mummies at Xinjiang Regional Museum, including the 3,800-year-old Beauty of Loulan
  • 38.8-meter Hongguang Shan Giant Buddha overlooking the city
  • Red Hill pagoda, Ürümqi's most recognizable symbol
  • Authentic Xinjiang fusion cuisine lunch with guide recommendations
  • Erdaoqiao Market: historic Silk Road trading hub for Uyghur handicrafts and souvenirs

Insider tips

  • Ask your guide to explain the Uyghur script and cultural significance of artefacts—museums display less in English than Mandarin
  • Arrive at Erdaoqiao Market early in your tour if you plan serious shopping; negotiate prices respectfully and expect cash-only stalls
  • Bring small bills for the market and consider dining at smaller family-run restaurants your guide recommends rather than tourist-facing venues

Good to know

  • Hotel pickup starts at 9:30 am from central Ürümqi; confirm your accommodation address and contact number in advance
  • Climate-controlled vehicle provides comfort in Ürümqi's extreme continental temperatures (hot summers, cold winters)
  • Lunch is included but à la carte; inform your guide of dietary restrictions beforehand
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the market and Buddha site; bring sunscreen and a hat for outdoor stops

Who it's for

History and archaeology enthusiasts interested in Silk Road heritage and desert mummy discoveriesCultural explorers seeking authentic Uyghur cuisine, crafts, and local perspectivesFirst-time visitors to Ürümqi wanting a structured overview of major sitesLuxury travellers preferring private vehicles and personalized pacing

Best time to visit

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor sightseeing. Avoid December–February when temperatures drop below freezing and summer (July–August) when heat exceeds 35°C.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€280
per person