Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

Historical Overview

13th Century: Origins trace back to the Silk Road era, when caravanserais (inns) dotted the region.

2003: Construction of the modern Grand Bazaar completed, inspired by ancient Kashgari architecture.

2006: Inauguration of the Silk Road Tower, a landmark symbolizing cultural exchange.

2018: Recognized as a "National Cultural Industry Demonstration Base."

2020: Expansion of the "Bazaar Night Market" to boost tourism post-pandemic.

Structural Layout

The bazaar is divided into five zones:

• Central Square (Cultural Hub)

Silk Road Tower: 8-story observation deck with panoramic views of the Tianshan Mountains.

Uyghur Folk Theater: Daily performances of Muqam music and equestrian dances.

Ethnic Costume Museum: Exhibits of traditional Uyghur, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz attire.

• Handicraft Zone (Craftsmanship)

Carpet Galleries: Handwoven silk and wool rugs from Kashgar and Hotan.

Coppersmith Workshop: Live demonstrations of Uyghur metalworking techniques.

Jade Market: Nephrite and Hetian jade carvings (Xinjiang’s "gem of the desert").

• Food & Spice Zone (Gastronomy)

Grand Food Court: Sample laghman noodles, roasted lamb kebabs, and kumis (fermented mare’s milk).

Spice Bazaar: Saffron, turmeric, and dried chili peppers from the Pamir Mountains.

Fruit Market: Kashgari apricots, Hami melons, and xinjiang grapes.

• Artisan Street (Souvenirs)

Musical Instrument Shops: Dutar lutes, rawap fiddles, and dap drums.

Embroidery Ateliers: Suzhou-style silk embroidery fused with Uyghur motifs.

Calligraphy Stalls: Arabic-script ayat (Quranic verses) on parchment.

• Entertainment Zone (Nightlife)

Bazaar Night Market: Street food stalls, neon-lit alleys, and live dhol drumming.

Amusement Park: Camel rides, archery ranges, and traditional Uyghur games.

Major Attractions

Silk Road Tower: Climb for 360° views of the Tianshan Mountains and Urumqi cityscape.

Uyghur Folk Theater: Watch the 1-hour Twelve Mukam epic (UNESCO-listed).

Grand Food Court: Taste bigpan chiken (spicy Uyghur chicken) and nang (sesame flatbread).

Carpet Auction House: Bid on vintage rugs (Wednesdays and Saturdays).

Starlight Square: Nightly light shows projected onto the bazaar’s domes.

Suggested Itineraries

• Half-Day Cultural Tour (3–4 Hours)

Morning: Silk Road Tower observation → Uyghur Folk Theater performance → Carpet Gallery shopping.

Lunch: Grand Food Court (try polo — Uyghur pilaf with carrots and raisins).

Afternoon: Jade Market bargaining → Spice Bazaar sampling → Handicraft zone souvenir hunting.

• Full-Day Culinary & Craft Tour (6–8 Hours)

Morning: Breakfast at Xinjiang Family Restaurant (mantou buns and soymilk) → Coppersmith workshop demo.

Lunch: Xinjiang Home Cooking (roasted lamb shoulder and yogurt soup).

Afternoon: Musical instrument shopping → Embroidery atelier workshop → Camel ride at the amusement park.

Evening: Bazaar Night Market street food (try samsa meat pies) → Starlight Square light show.

• Two-Day Ethnic Experience

Day 1:

Morning: Silk Road Tower photography → Uyghur Costume Museum.

Afternoon: Carpet auction → Folk Theater show → Dinner at Grand Bazaar Banquet Hall (live music).

Night: Night market exploration.

Day 2:

Morning: Spice bazaar cooking class (learn to make laghman noodles).

Afternoon: Jade market appraisal session → Amusement park archery.

Evening: Farewell dinner at Xinjiang Flavors (try kumis and baklava).

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via Ctrip or Meituan (combo tickets with Heavenly Lake available).

On-Site: Tickets at Silk Road Tower entrance (queues peak 4–6 PM).

• Prices:

Peak Season (May–October): Adults ¥50, Students/Seniors ¥30.

Off-Season (November–April): 40% discount.

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Uyghur Folk Theater: ¥120–¥200 (show-only tickets).

Transportation

By Subway: Line 1 to Erdaoqiao Station (Exit B), 5-minute walk.

By Bus: Routes 10, 16, 61, or 104 to Erdaoqiao Bazaar Stop.

By Taxi: Direct to Grand Bazaar South Gate (¥30 from Urumqi Airport).

Departure: Exit via North Gate to Xinjiang Regional Museum or South Gate to Erdaoqiao Mosque.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid 5–7 PM (dinner rush); visit 10 AM–12 PM or 8–10 PM.

Crowds: Fridays (prayer days) and summer weekends are busiest; weekdays are quieter.

Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal.

• Essentials:

Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestone paths).

Bargain aggressively (start at 30% of the asking price).

Photography allowed (no flash near performers).

Prohibited Items: Outside food, alcohol, and drones.

Insider Tip: Combine a visit with Heavenly Lake (1-hour drive) for hiking or Xinjiang Regional Museum to see the "Loulan Beauty" mummy.