Shihezi, located in the far northwestern corner of China, is an oasis in the middle of the arid and ruggedly beautiful Taklimakan Desert. It is a rapidly growing city with a population of around 800,000, making it the third-largest city in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It is an important center of commerce, industry, and education, and has become increasingly popular with tourists in recent years.
Shihezi's most impressive sights include its colorful bazaars, bustling markets, and the massive Shihezi University. The city also features numerous parks, monuments, and cultural attractions, including the Shihezi Mosque, the Five-Fold Buddha Pagoda, and the ancient Suyab City ruins.
The city is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and is a great base for exploring the surrounding area, including nearby Hemu Village, which is known for its traditional Uyghur culture, and the stunning Tianchi Lake, which is believed to be the home of a mysterious lake monster.
Shihezi is a great destination for anyone looking for a unique cultural experience. Whether you're interested in learning about the Uyghur culture, exploring the desert, or just getting away from it all, Shihezi is an ideal place to visit.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. North District: Located in the north of Shihezi, the North District is home to Shihezi University, the largest university in Xinjiang, and is the center of the city’s economic and cultural development. The area is home to a variety of hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants.
2. South District: Located in the south of Shihezi, the South District is a popular residential area with a variety of parks and public spaces. It is close to Shihezi's main attractions, including the Shihezi Grand Mosque and the Botanical Garden.
3. Central District: The Central District is the main business and commercial hub of Shihezi, with a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It is also home to the city's main train station and several universities.
4. East District: Located in the east of Shihezi, the East District is a popular residential area with a variety of parks and public spaces. It is home to several shopping centers, including the Shihezi International Shopping Mall, and is close to Shihezi's main attractions.
5. West District: The West District is the most culturally diverse area of Shihezi, with a mix of Uyghur, Han, Kazakh, and other ethnicities. It is home to the Shihezi Grand Mosque, the Shihezi Zoo, and the Museum of Ethnic Minorities.
1. Yinshan Tower: Located in Shihezi City, Yinshan Tower is a 6-storey viewing tower perched on top of a hill. From the top, visitors have a stunning view of the city and its surrounding landscape.
2. People's Park: People's Park is a large public park in Shihezi, featuring lush gardens, beautiful flower beds, and a variety of leisure activities.
3. Great Wall of China: The Great Wall of China is a world-famous site located in the nearby city of Alashankou. Visitors can take a day trip to the wall to marvel at its majestic architecture.
4. Ujimqin Mongolian Cultural Village: This is a unique attraction in Shihezi, where visitors can experience the culture and lifestyle of the Mongolian people in a traditional village setting.
5. Sand Lake: Sand Lake is a vast lake located in the outskirts of Shihezi. Visitors can take a boat ride or simply enjoy the scenery from the lake’s banks.
1. Lamb Kebabs - Lamb kebabs are a popular street food in Shihezi, marinated with various spices and cooked over an open flame.
2. Sliced Noodles - Sliced noodles are a simple but delicious dish consisting of thin, wide noodles served in a savory broth.
3. Lamb Soup - A hearty and flavorful soup made with lamb, potatoes, and carrots.
4. Fried Rice - A classic Chinese dish made with fried rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood.
5. Roasted Duck - A popular delicacy in Shihezi, the duck is marinated with various spices and roasted to perfection.