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An interesting bit of trivia is that Urumqi is the farthest city in theworld from the ocean, at 2.25o kilometres. However, for over two thousandyears, the area around Urumqi has been lush pasture populated by manyminorities who herded sheep and cattle. It was once an important townon the new northern route of the Silk Road, which linked central China tocentral Asia and even to the Middle East and Europe.
One fun attraction in Urumqi is to go on a bazaar tour, as thisprovides a good opportunity to mingle with the different ethnic groupsand understand the life and customs of the local people. When you seethe peddlers in their embroidered caps and the women in their colourfulshawls, or hear the haunting ballads at a street-side restaurant, there isno mistaking where you are. Visitors can taste a variety of national foods,enjoy fresh fruits and shop for local Xinjiang handicrafts. ErdaoqiaoMarket is a very famous bazaar featuring ornate carpets, beautiful silks,unique medicines, traditional musical instruments and horse whips. This isa must-see destination when you get to Urumqi.
