Enjoying a Uyghur-Style Weekend at the Grand International Bazaar — The Largest Market in Ürümqi, Xinjiang [Silk Road Travel Journal]

On a winter afternoon with freezing air stinging my cheeks, I stood at the entrance of the “Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar” in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China. This market, counted as one of the ten new scenic spots of Urumqi, is a valuable tourist attraction that preserves the essence of the Silk Road to this day. Today, I’d like to share my experience at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar.

An Oasis City Below Freezing Point

Urumqi is a major city with a population of over 3 million located in the inner Central Asian part of China. Known for being near the “Pole of Inaccessibility”, it is recognized as the city farthest from any ocean, and this unique geographical positioning greatly influences the culture and atmosphere of the city.

During my mid-winter visit, the city temperature sometimes dropped to nearly -20°C (about -4°F). The cold of the dry continental climate was more severe than I had imagined. However, even in this extreme cold, people’s lives were full of energy.

Encounter with Exotic Architecture

As I approached the International Grand Bazaar, the first thing that caught my eye was the majestic Islamic-style building standing tall. Particularly impressive was the cylindrical minaret stretching straight toward the sky. It looked as if it had stepped out of a historical scroll depicting Central Asia.

Outside the bazaar, I encountered an unexpected sight. Local Uyghur people had formed a large circle and were enjoying traditional dance. The movements of the dancers in their vibrant traditional costumes were so graceful that I couldn’t help but stop and watch. A feeling suddenly welled up in my chest: “This truly is the land of the Silk Road.”

Inside the Bazaar

Finally, I stepped inside the bazaar. The interior had an arcade structure, with natural light filtering through the ceiling gently illuminating the corridors.

The atmosphere resembled that of a Middle Eastern souk, yet there was something different about it. While elements of Islamic culture were certainly prevalent, Chinese elements could also be seen throughout, with the two blending in perfect balance. This was truly the cultural crossroads characteristic of the Silk Road.

Abundant Merchandise

Shops lined both sides of the corridors. What particularly caught my eye were the specialty stores selling colorful dried fruits and spices. Mounds of raisins, various nuts, and unfamiliar dried fruits piqued my curiosity.

Shop signs and menus were all written in both Chinese and Uyghur languages. This bilingual display is another manifestation of the region’s distinctive culture.

I stopped in front of one store. There, beautifully decorated knives were on display. These blades, made using traditional methods, were truly worthy of being called works of art. I was tempted to pick one up and purchase it, but unfortunately, they would be difficult to bring aboard an airplane. I had to content myself with just taking photos.

Encounter with Traditional Crafts

As I ventured deeper into the bazaar, the atmosphere began to change. The area transitioned from dried fruits and spices to sections selling traditional clothing and carpets. What particularly caught my attention were the colorful Uyghur carpets with vibrant patterns.

From the wall covered with carpets of various sizes, I decided to look for a smaller one that could be carried home as luggage. After negotiating the price with the shop owner, I decided to purchase one that I liked. However, I struggled a bit with the payment method. Many shops wouldn’t accept AliPay or even cash, and the UnionPay card I had prepared in advance was my only salvation. It was an experience that painfully reminded me how essential it is to check payment methods before traveling.

Intriguing Tablets

When I reached the outer perimeter of the bazaar, the atmosphere completely changed. I came upon a lively street lined with stalls selling Uyghur bread and various snacks. Among them, what caught my eye was a curious candy shaped similar to Japanese ramune (a type of pressed powder candy).

Looking closely, each tablet had designs of animals like camels and sheep. As my curiosity was piqued, a Uyghur shopkeeper encouraged me to taste one with a smile. Even though we couldn’t communicate through language, his kind gesture warmed my heart.

I tried one cautiously and was surprised by how delicious it was – beyond my expectations. A rich milk flavor spread throughout the simple sweetness. According to the shopkeeper’s explanation, these were milk tablets made from the milk of various animals. Completely captivated by their unique taste, I decided to buy a large quantity. I was confident they would make perfect souvenirs for family and friends.

Evening Bustle

As the sun set, the bazaar showed a different face. Food stalls selling skewers and egg dishes along the street began to light up one after another. The savory aroma was so inviting that I couldn’t help but stop.

What’s particularly noteworthy is that the enthusiasm of the locals never waned even at night. The circle of dancers that had been going since daytime seemed to have grown even more lively at night. Even the extreme cold climate couldn’t dampen their passion for dancing.

With warm food in hand, I contemplated the unexpected encounters I had experienced in this foreign land while watching the circle of continuously dancing people. My body, which had been about to freeze from the cold, gradually warmed up with delicious food and the warmth of the people.

Heading Back

By the time I left the bazaar, it was completely dark. With the carpet and milk tablets I had purchased in hand, I looked back one last time. The illuminated building created a fantastical atmosphere different from that of the daytime.

My day at the International Grand Bazaar became not just a tour of a tourist spot, but a profound cultural experience. The cheerfulness of the Uyghur people, the beauty of traditional crafts, and the encounter with unique food culture – all of these will surely remain as unforgettable memories.

In the freezing winter of Urumqi, I was blessed with warm encounters with people and fully enjoyed the charm of a city where the history of the Silk Road still breathes. The smiles exchanged beyond language barriers and the numerous heartwarming hospitalities – these will certainly become memories I will never forget in my lifetime.