FindYourStay
🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Ürümqi

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Moderate💰 Budget: CNY 250/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Apr, May, Sep

Our pick for backpackers

Stay in Xinjiang University Area

Offers the most affordable accommodation and dining options, with a more local and less touristy atmosphere.

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Ürümqi

1

International Grand Bazaar Area

Budget

A vibrant tourist hub centered around the massive bazaar, filled with Uyghur culture, food, and souvenirs.

first-timersfoodiesculturebudget
  • +Immersive cultural experience, especially the bazaar.
  • +Abundant local food options.
  • +Lively atmosphere.
  • -Can be very crowded and tourist-oriented.
  • -Accommodation options might be more basic or geared towards tour groups.
🏨 Boutique Hotel of Xinjiang Grand Bazaar🏨 Urumqi Hualing Garden Hotel🏨 Xinjiang International Hotel
2

Xinjiang University Area

Budget

A more local and youthful area surrounding the university, with affordable eats and a less touristy feel.

solo travelersbudgetfoodies
  • +Authentic local experience and food.
  • +Very affordable prices for food and accommodation.
  • +Less crowded than tourist centers.
  • -Further from main tourist attractions.
  • -Limited English spoken by locals.
  • -Fewer upscale dining or shopping options.
🏨 Hanting Hotel (Xinjiang University Branch)🏨 Home Inn (Xinjiang University)🏨 Local Guesthouses/Inns
3

People's Square (Renmin Guangchang)

Mid-range

The bustling administrative and commercial heart of the city, with wide avenues and modern buildings.

first-timersculturenightlife
  • +Central location with easy access to major attractions.
  • +Wide range of dining and shopping options.
  • +Good public transport links.
  • -Can feel very commercial and less authentic.
  • -Traffic can be heavy.
🏨 Grand Mercure Urumqi Hualing🏨 Xinjiang Grand Hotel🏨 Urumqi Chang Fu Hotel

Daily Budget (Budget)

CNY 250/day

Hostel dorm bed at Urumqi Youth HostelCNY 50
Noodles and skewers from a local street vendor near the Grand BazaarCNY 50
Single bus rides within the city centerCNY 20
Explore the Grand Bazaar (entry is free, focus on browsing)CNY 0
Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum (free entry, donations welcome)CNY 0
Dinner of Laghman noodles at a local eateryCNY 30
Taxi to and from the Xinjiang Regional MuseumCNY 50
Walk around People's Square and observe local lifeCNY 0
Snacks and tea from a local teahouseCNY 50
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Ürümqi

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🛍️

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

FREE

While the main bazaar can be touristy, explore the smaller alleys and food stalls for an authentic taste of Uyghur culture and incredible local snacks. It's a vibrant hub of activity, especially in the evenings.

marketTianshan District
🛍️

Erdaoqiao Market (Inner Market)

FREE

Venture beyond the main bazaar into the labyrinthine inner market where you can find authentic Uyghur crafts, spices, textiles, and delicious street food. It’s a more local experience with bustling energy and great photo opportunities.

marketTianshan District
⚠️

1 area to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Ürümqi

More Ürümqi Guides

Full Ürümqi guideAreas to avoid👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers