Urumqi International Bazaar: Complete Shopping Guide 2024

By Xinjiang Attractions Editorial Team | Last updated: June 27, 2024

Quick Reference: Urumqi International Bazaar at a Glance

Our Experience at the Bazaar

When we first walked into Urumqi International Bazaar in September 2023, the sheer scale hit us immediately. The 80-meter-tall minaret — the tallest of its kind in the world — dominates the skyline. We arrived around 6 PM, just as the golden hour light was hitting the Islamic-style arches. The place was alive: vendors calling out prices, the smell of roasting lamb kebabs in the air, and rows of colorful textiles fluttering in the breeze.

We spent three hours exploring the area, then dove into the market streets. The experience was overwhelming in the best way — every turn revealed something new: a spice stall with dozens of varieties of cumin, a carpet shop with hand-knotted wool rugs, a jewelry counter glittering with silver and turquoise.

What is Urumqi International Bazaar?

The International Bazaar (Xinjiang Guoji Dabaza) is China’s largest bazaar-style commercial complex, covering 39,800 square meters. It’s a National AAAA tourist attraction that combines shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural displays. The architecture blends Islamic and Central Asian styles, with the iconic minaret serving as both a landmark and a symbol of Urumqi’s role as a crossroads on the ancient Silk Road.

How to Get to Urumqi International Bazaar

By Metro (Recommended)

• Take Metro Line 1 to International Bazaar Station (Guoji Dabaza Zhan) — Exit B leads directly to the entrance.
• Metro operates 7:30 AM – 11:30 PM.

By Bus

• Routes 10, 16, 61, 63, 104, 310, 911, 912 — get off at “International Bazaar” stop.
• Fare: 1-2 RMB (pay with Alipay/WeChat Pay).

By Taxi/Didi

• From Urumqi Diwopu International Airport: ~25 km, 40-60 minutes, 60-80 RMB.
• From Urumqi South Railway Station: ~8 km, 20 minutes, 15-25 RMB.
• Show driver: 乌鲁木齐国际大巴扎 (Wūlǔmùqí Guójì Dàbāzā)

Best Time to Visit

• Season: May to October offers the most comfortable weather. July-August can be hot (30-35°C), but the bazaar is mostly shaded.
• Time of day: Arrive at 5-6 PM. You’ll see the bazaar in daylight, then stay for the illuminated evening view. The building lighting starts at 9 PM and is spectacular.
• Avoid: Chinese Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and summer weekends — extremely crowded.

What to Buy: Shopping Guide

1. Dried Fruits & Nuts

Xinjiang produces some of China’s best dried fruits. Prices at the bazaar are 30-50% lower than in city supermarkets.

• Raisins: 15-40 RMB/jin (500g). Try the green seedless variety.
• Walnuts: 20-35 RMB/jin. Xinjiang walnuts are large and meaty.
• Red dates (jujube): 25-60 RMB/jin. Hetian red dates are the most prized.
• Almonds & pistachios: 40-80 RMB/jin.

Tip: Sample before buying. Many vendors offer free tastes.

2. Nang Bread (新疆馕)

Fresh-baked nang is a must-try. The round flatbread comes in dozens of varieties — plain, sesame-covered, onion-flavored, or sweet. Price: 3-15 RMB each. Buy from the shops on Bazaar Food Street for the freshest. Read our Xinjiang Naan Bread guide to learn about the different varieties before you buy.

3. Carpet & Rugs

Hand-knotted wool carpets from Hotan are famous across China. Sizes range from small prayer rugs (200-500 RMB) to large room carpets (2000-10,000 RMB). Check the knot density — higher density means better quality and higher price.

4. Knives & Swords

Islamic-style decorative knives make unique souvenirs. Note: These cannot be taken on airplanes. Consider shipping home or buying a small folding knife instead. Prices: 50-500 RMB.

5. Silk & Textiles

Atlas silk (colorful Central Asian pattern fabric) is sold by the meter. A 3-meter length suitable for a scarf or small garment costs 150-300 RMB. Look for the “silk” label — synthetic blends are cheaper but less durable.

6. Jewelry & Accessories

Silver jewelry with turquoise or coral inlays, decorated doppa hats (50-200 RMB), and beaded necklaces (20-100 RMB) make great gifts.

Food at the Bazaar

The bazaar’s food street (大巴扎美食街) is a destination in itself. Here’s what we tried and recommend:

• Lamb kebabs (羊肉串): 5-10 RMB/skewer. Grilled over charcoal right in front of you. The cumin-heavy seasoning is unforgettable. Check our Xinjiang Kebab guide for more street food tips.
• Hand-pulled noodles (拉面): 15-25 RMB/bowl. Watch the chef stretch the dough — it’s performance art.
• Nang pizza (馕披萨): 20-35 RMB. A modern fusion — nang bread topped with cheese, meat, and vegetables.
• Ice cream (土耳其冰淇淋): 15-25 RMB. Turkish-style, served with theatrical flair by vendors who tease you with the cone before handing it over.
• Fresh pomegranate juice: 10-15 RMB/glass. Seasonal (September-November).

All food at the bazaar is halal. Read our Xinjiang Halal Food guide to understand what Muslim travelers need to know.

Bargaining Tips

Bargaining is expected and accepted at the bazaar. Here’s our strategy:

1. Never accept the first price. Vendors typically start 50-100% above the final price.
2. Smile and walk away. If the price isn’t coming down, start walking. The vendor will often call you back with a better offer.
3. Buy multiple items. “I’ll take three if you give me a package price” is very effective.
4. Cash helps. Some vendors offer a small discount for cash payment.
5. Learn the numbers in Chinese: 一(yī), 二(èr), 三(sān), 十(shí), 二十(èrshí), 五十(wǔshí), 一百(yìbǎi).

Sample Itinerary: Half-Day at the Bazaar

Practical Tips

• Security check: Everyone must pass through a security checkpoint to enter. Bring your passport.
• ATMs: Available at the north and south entrances. Most vendors accept Alipay/WeChat Pay, but cash is useful for bargaining.
• Restrooms: Clean public toilets are located near the food street and the north gate. 1-2 RMB fee (carry small change).
• Shipping: Many shops offer shipping services (SF Express, EMS). Ask about shipping fragile items like ceramics.
• Photography: Taking photos of buildings and streets is fine. Always ask before photographing people or inside shops.
• Halal: All food at the bazaar is halal. Look for the halal certification sign.

Nearby Attractions

Make a day of it — these spots are within walking distance or a short taxi ride:

• Hongshan Park (Red Mountain Park): 2 km away. The city’s most famous landmark, especially beautiful at sunset.
• Xinjiang Regional Museum: 4 km away. Home to the famous Tarim Basin mummies. Free entry (passport required).
• People’s Square: 1.5 km away. Good for an evening stroll.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the International Bazaar safe for tourists?

Yes. The bazaar has uniformed security personnel, CCTV coverage, and a visible police presence. We felt safe throughout our visit. As with any crowded market, watch your belongings for pickpockets.

Are prices at the bazaar fair?

Prices for tourists are higher than what locals pay, but they’re still reasonable by international standards. Bargaining brings prices down to fair levels. Compare prices at 2-3 shops before buying big-ticket items.

Can I use a credit card?

Most vendors don’t accept international credit cards. Use Alipay (connect your foreign card) or carry sufficient cash. There’s a Bank of China ATM at the north gate.

Is the bazaar wheelchair accessible?

Partially. The main walkways are flat, but some shops have steps. The food street has ramps. Rent a wheelchair at the north gate information desk (200 RMB deposit).

What’s the difference between this bazaar and Kashgar’s Sunday Market?

Urumqi International Bazaar is a purpose-built tourist complex with fixed shops and a more polished experience. Kashgar Sunday Market is an authentic weekly market that’s larger, grittier, and more chaotic — and only happens on Sundays.

Disclaimer

About the Author