Weird & Unusual Attractions in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China

1. Dune Art Museum

An underground art museum located within the Eurasian desert of Ürümqi.

Buried Marvel: The unique feature is being buried in the sand dunes, offering a surreal experience.
Desert Oasis: Located amidst the desolate beauty of the desert, it serves as an unexpected art oasis.
Temperature Control: Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity to protect artworks in extreme desert conditions.

A tomb believed to hold a tooth relic of the Prophet Muhammad.

Religious Significance: Pilgrimage destination for Muslims, attracting visitors from around the world.
Historical Artifact: The tooth relic is an important piece of Islamic history and culture.
Architectural Wonders: The stunning architecture of the tomb makes it a must-see attraction in Ürümqi.

A museum showcasing the ancient Karez irrigation system.

Water Management: Demonstrating the ingenious water management system of the Silk Road era.
Subterranean Wonders: Exploring the labyrinthine network of underground channels is a unique experience.
Cultural Preservation: Preserving the heritage of the Uyghur people and their traditional way of life.

A historical area submerged underwater after a dam was built.

Underwater Ruins: The unique underwater exploration provides a glimpse into the city's past.
Water Conservation: Demonstrating the importance of water management and conservation.
Cultural Revitalization: Efforts are underway to revive the cultural significance of the submerged town.

A museum dedicated to an extensive collection of bottles from around the world.

Glass Artistry: Showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship in glass art.
Cultural Exchange: Exploring different cultures through their bottle designs and uses.
Bottle Conservation: Preserving rare and historical bottles for future generations.

A cemetery located on a mountain, offering panoramic views of Ürümqi.

Panoramic Views: Offering breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Mystical Atmosphere: The serene and mystical atmosphere makes it a peaceful escape from the city.
Cultural Traditions: Understanding local funeral customs and tombstone carvings.

A museum dedicated to the folklore, traditions, and history of the Uyghur people.

Cultural Preservation: Preserving and promoting the unique culture of the Uyghur people.
Storytelling Traditions: Experiencing oral storytelling traditions passed down through generations.
Interactive Exhibits: Participating in interactive exhibits and learning traditional Uyghur crafts.

A limestone cave with stunning stalactite formations.

Natural Wonders: Witnessing the incredible natural beauty of the stalactites.
Underground Exploration: Exploring the labyrinthine network of caves beneath the earth's surface.
Geological Education: Learning about the geology and formation of the cave system.

A space-themed amusement park in Ürümqi.

Science Education: Promoting scientific learning and space exploration through interactive exhibits.
Star Gazing: Offering star gazing opportunities with telescopes for a closer look at the cosmos.
Space-Themed Fun: Enjoying rides and attractions themed around space and astronomy.

A small lake with color-changing waters due to mineral deposits.

Natural Phenomenon: Observing the unique natural phenomenon of the color-changing water.
Relaxation Spot: Providing a peaceful and serene environment for relaxation.
Scenic Beauty: Offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

A park showcasing large wind turbines for energy production.

Renewable Energy Education: Educating visitors about renewable energy and its importance.
Scenic Landscape: Providing a unique, landscaped view of the wind turbines.
Sustainable Energy Solutions: Demonstrating sustainable energy solutions in action.

A zoo specializing in animals native to the grasslands of Ürümqi.

Conservation Efforts: Supporting conservation efforts for endangered species from the grasslands.
Interactive Exhibits: Participating in interactive exhibits and learning about the animals.
Wildlife Appreciation: Gaining a greater appreciation for the wildlife of Ürümqi's grasslands.

A golf course located in the middle of a desert.

Desert Experience: Experiencing golfing in the unique environment of a desert.
Adventure Golfing: Challenging yourself with the unpredictable sandy terrain.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoying the stunning desert landscapes while golfing.

A museum dedicated to the traditional agriculture and irrigation methods of the Uyghur people.

Cultural Preservation: Preserving the traditional agricultural practices of the Uyghur people.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Learning about eco-friendly farming techniques used by the Uyghurs.
Interactive Exhibits: Participating in hands-on exhibits and learning traditional agricultural skills.

A museum showcasing artifacts from the ancient Silk Road.

Historical Artifacts: Exploring artifacts that played a role in the Silk Road's history.
Cultural Exchange: Understanding the cultural exchange that occurred along the Silk Road.
Interactive Exhibits: Participating in interactive exhibits and learning about the Silk Road's impact on history.