Urumqi used to be on the northern route of the well-travelled Silk Road. It was a rich and verdant pasture more than 2,000 years ago. Since 1949, the Hans and the ethnic groups built and developed the city with their combined efforts. The ideal time of a year to visit the oasis city is from May to September. Tourists both home and abroad flock to sample the famous Hami melons and seedless grapes, and savour local cuisine, and also watch local traditional sports and games such as "Girl Chase" and "Goat Tussle. "

Red Hill

The Red Hill is situated in the City of Urumqi. Because of jagged red rocks on the top of the mountain, hence the name. The hill is high precipitous and looks magnificent. In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), there was a courier (post) station with troops stationed there. There used to be a temple named Jade Emperor Pavilion on top of the hill and was destroyed by war in the period 1929 to 1930. Also there used to be a nine-storey pagoda, called Dragon-Subduing Pagoda. Since the new China was founded, the people's government built a Cooling Pavilion on the hilltop so that tourists can take a rest in it. The visitor can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city of Urumqi. The hill is the symbol of the city.