Urumqi's famous International Bazaar
The south side of Urumqi (a.k.a. Wulumuqi or 乌鲁木齐) has a much different flavor than the north. Down here you'll find the mosque, markets, and this - the International Bazaar. It's a must-see for any person who can't see any other part of Xinjiang besides its capital. Here you'll be able to buy rugs, knives, instruments, hats...you name it. You'll probably get ripped off, but that's beside the point.
The minaret-style structure pictured above has become somewhat of a symbol for this area. Built in 2003 as an observation deck, you can pay a small fee of 20 RMB to take an elevator up to the top where you'll get some good - not great - views of Urumqi. Good luck getting a good picture, though - even if you're lucky enough to come on a clear day, the windows don't look like they've been washed for years. While looking around you can also view a pictographic timeline of Urumqi dating back to the time when the city was named "Dihua". Historical details are lacking but it is still intriguing.
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If you are interested in contributing a photo to FarWestChina's Picture of the Week series, please contact me and send in your Xinjiang-related photo. All photos must be originals and will be credited to you and/or your personal website.
8 Comments:
I'm not sure if the minaret is a historical structure. It looks like it was built recently. I haven't seen it when I was in Urumqi in 2002.
You can go up in the minaret?? If I had known that I would've done it. It's a pretty cool market there...really liked seeing KFC in three languages there (is it Halal?).
@Frogdeck, you're absolutely right. I just made a change to one of the phrases that might have made it sound like this was a historical structure. I knew it wasn't too old, but I didn't realize until doing a bit of research just now how new it is.
According to one source I read, the Bazaar was completed on June 26, 2003, which means that it was probably under construction while you visited here in 2002. Again, thanks for pointing that out.
@Matt - If you would have asked me I would have told you that you could get better views from Hong Shan park instead of the Bazaar viewing tower. Still, 20 RMB isn't too expensive.
KFC Halal? Ha! Never even thought about that. For that matter, are all of the KFC's around Xinjiang Halal? I'll have to check into that. Thanks for the tip.
would that include pictures of Xinjiangren taken in other cities?
Hek
Hek, if it has to do with Xinjiang, I'm game! Send it on in and we can talk.
Great photo, Josh. I really have to visit.
I found an American's public albums. His photos are really wonderful.
Maybe you can ask him.
http://picasaweb.google.com/The.Temp.Shoebox/FacesOfKashgar#
Thanks for the tip, I might just do that :)
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