Xinjiang International Bazzar

The numerous buildings and structures that make up the Urumqi International Bazaar cover an area over 1000 000 square meters. This huge construction features the main bazaar (398888 square meters), a banquet hall (6100 square meters), the delicacy square (8000 square meters) and an open-air performance plaza (3000 square meters). In the midst of all this stands Xinjiangs first sightseeing tower topping out at 80 meters. The bazaar also features an Islamic mosque. The buildings and general area are constructed in an Islamic style representative of the preponderant religion and ethnic culture of the western region. The Bazaar is often referred to as a city within a city.

Two areas are particularly interesting and shouldnt be missed when visiting the Bazaar. The #1 NO building and the #3 NO building offer global and domestic delights for every taste. The #1 NO building is a modern global food market, while the #3 NO building holds local products. Inside #1 visitors can find all kinds of dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, Chinese dates, prunes, etc. In fact, there are several different types of raisins to choose from. The vendors often invite consumers to taste-test their goods before purchase. The vendors have rules in place were buyers dont pay if it isnt sweet, or taste it before you buy it. The #3 building sells traditional handicrafts from Xinjiang and Middle or East Asia. Here you can find beautifully made carpets, but buyer beware, prices can surge as high as 10000 CNY ($1500 USD). However, there are also less expensive varieties that wont break the bank. Here you can also find traditional embroidered hats, knives, Etles silk (tradition silk with Xinjiang tie-dye), Pakistani bronze craftwork, Russian war industry products, loads of bronze ware, and cloth and clothing from all over Asia and the Middle East.

There are also wonderful performances every evening. With little plaits and traditional clothes, Uygur actors and actresses put on stage belly and head bow dances. On occasion they even invite spectators to dance with them on stage.