Urumqi, despite its location in the heart of Central Asia, surprises visitors with its numerous and varied green spaces. Noteworthy among them are two parks that are true oases of tranquility and recreation in this bustling metropolis.

The People's Park, known locally as 'Renmin Gongyuan,' is one of Urumqi's most popular leisure spots. Located in the Saybag district, this park offers visitors not only shade and relaxation, but also a range of activities for the whole family. Rated 4.3 stars, the People's Park impresses with its atmosphere, which is 'even fabulously recommended,' according to reviews. Visitors praise the greenery and children's playgrounds, which make it an ideal place for a family picnic or afternoon stroll.

One visitor to the park noted that the place 'has a sense of time and a return to the days of 20 years ago,' which adds to its unique charm and nostalgic feel. Another reviewer highlighted the 'very relaxing atmosphere and extremely nice' surroundings, confirming that People's Park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature.

However, not everyone is unanimous in their opinions. Some visitors note that the park 'has too many man-made objects and lacks the tranquility of the park.' This diversity of opinion shows that the People's Park, while popular, may not meet the expectations of all visitors, especially those looking for more wild and unspoiled nature.

The other notable site is Shuimogou Park, which attracts both locals and tourists with its unique character and rich history. Located in the Shuimogou district, this park boasts an impressive 4.6 star rating, making it one of the highest rated green spaces in Urumqi.

With a history dating back to the Qing Dynasty, Shuimogou Park was originally created as part of a water conservation project. Today it is a place that combines elements of history, culture and nature, offering visitors a unique experience. As one visitor noted, the park 'has beautiful scenery and is cleaned by many people, so the environment is well maintained. This makes it an ideal place to relax and commune with nature.

Visitors praise the park for its diversity and atmosphere. One reviewer describes his experience: 'I drove the car from the entrance towards the mountain, went down, had tea in the teahouse and returned to the entrance by water, which was nice.' This review underscores how many attractions and activities Shuimogou Park offers.

Moreover, the park is divided into several special areas, including plazas, small bridges and flowing water. Particularly noteworthy is the river flowing through the park, which is 'very clean and cool, and there are many fish'. This makes the park not only a place for recreation, but also for environmental education.

It is worth noting that admission to Shuimogou Park is free, making it accessible to all residents and tourists. It is only a 10-minute drive from the city center, making it easily accessible even for those with limited time to visit.

Comparing the two parks, one can see that while People's Park offers a more urban and organized experience, Shuimogou Park seems to be closer to nature and more diverse in terms of landscape. Both places have their own unique features and attractions that attract different groups of visitors. Regardless of preference, both People's Park and Shuimogou Park are valuable green spaces in Urumqi, offering residents and tourists alike the opportunity to relax, recreate and get in touch with nature in the heart of this fascinating Central Asian city.

Urumqi, although mostly known as a bustling metropolis, hides real pearls of nature in its immediate surroundings that offer visitors unforgettable views and unique experiences. Two sites particularly worth noting are the Nanshan Pasture Scenic Spot and the Tianshan Grand Canyon, known locally as 天山大峡谷 (Tianshandaxiagu).

Nanshan Pasture Scenic Spot, located in Urumqi County, is a place that transports visitors to a completely different world, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With a 4.0 star rating, the area attracts visitors with its natural beauty and the opportunity to experience a traditional lifestyle. As one visitor describes: 'This place seems very remote. It's really quite picturesque. We were in the mountains and it was very cool.'

Nanshan Pasture's scenery is dominated by mountainous landscapes, making it an ideal place for nature and photography lovers. The fresh air and green surroundings create the perfect conditions for relaxation and escape from city life. In addition, as another reviewer notes, the place is 'famous for its waterfalls', which adds to its charm and appeal.

However, it is important to note that due to the altitude, the temperature in Nanshan Pasture can be much lower than in the city. As one visitor recalls: 'It was frighteningly cold for some. Therefore, when planning a visit, it is advisable to prepare accordingly and bring warm clothes, even in the summer months.

An interesting aspect of Nanshan Pasture is the opportunity to see the traditional way of life. There is a village nearby where tourists can see what a traditional home looks like, which adds educational and cultural value to the trip.

Tianshan Grand Canyon (天山大峡谷), on the other hand, offers a completely different but equally fascinating experience. With an impressive 4.4-star rating, this canyon is considered one of the most spectacular places in the Urumqi area. Located in Urumqi County territory, the canyon is home to the most integral and admirable virgin spruce forest on the snowy hills of the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains.

As one reviewer describes: 'The Grand Canyon of Tianshan encompasses all of Xinjiang's natural scenery except for the deserts and serves as a living museum of nomadic culture from before agricultural civilization. This makes the site of great value not only for tourism, but also for scientific research and historical and cultural studies.

However, as with Nanshan Pasture, the weather in the canyon can be unpredictable. One visitor notes, 'The place is very cool in the morning, the water is strong and cold.' This underscores the need to prepare properly for a visit, regardless of the season.

It is worth noting that the Tianshan Grand Canyon also offers a number of activities for more active tourists. As one visitor recalls: 'We chose a package of 198 yuan per person for entrance fees and 4 optional entertainment venues. They included banks. A water slide. The glass bridge. While some will consider these experiences 'ordinary, nothing too exciting,' for many they may be an added attraction when visiting the canyon.

Comparing the two sites, it is clear that while Nanshan Pasture offers a more tranquil and traditional experience, Tianshan Grand Canyon attracts a more diverse offering, combining natural beauty with modern attractions. Nanshan Pasture seems to be ideal for those seeking quiet and contact with nature, while Tianshan Grand Canyon may attract tourists looking for a more diverse experience.

Both places have their own unique features and offer unforgettable views. Nanshan Pasture impresses with its mountainous landscapes and the opportunity to experience a traditional lifestyle, while Tianshan Grand Canyon impresses with its geological history and variety of attractions. Regardless of your choice, both Nanshan Pasture and Tianshan Grand Canyon are excellent complements to Urumqi's urban attractions, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the Xinjiang region.

When planning a trip to Urumqi and its surroundings, it's worth keeping in mind a few practical aspects that can significantly affect the comfort and quality of our stay. Here are some valuable tips to help you better prepare for your visit to this fascinating region of China.

1 Proper preparation for changing weather conditions: As we noted when analyzing reviews of both People's Park, Shuimogou Park, and outlying attractions such as Nanshan Pasture and the Grand Canyon of Tianshan, the weather in and around Urumqi can be very changeable. Especially in the mountainous areas, the temperature can be much cooler than in the city center. Therefore, no matter what time of year you plan to visit, it is advisable to bring warm clothes with you, even if you are going there in summer. Layered dressing will be the best solution, allowing you to adapt to changing conditions.

2. Planning time for sightseeing: Many reviews emphasize that the time to visit some attractions, such as Shuimogou Park, may be limited. That's why it's a good idea to plan your route in advance and check the opening hours of each site. For more distant attractions, such as Nanshan Pasture or the Grand Canyon of Tianshan, consider the travel time from the city center.

3 Transportation: Urumqi is a sprawling city, and some of the attractions described are located on its outskirts or beyond. It's worth considering various transportation options, from public transportation to cabs to rental cars. For example, Shuimogou Park is only a 10-minute drive from the city center, making it easily accessible. However, for further trips, like to the Grand Canyon of Tianshan, you may need to arrange transportation in advance.

4 Admission tickets and packages: Some attractions, like Shuimogou Park, offer free admission, making them attractive options for travelers on a budget. On the other hand, places like the Grand Canyon of Tianshan offer various ticket packages that may include additional attractions. For example, a package was mentioned for 198 yuan, which included entrance tickets and access to four additional attractions. It's worth checking out the available options and choosing the one that best suits your needs and interests.

5 Respect the local culture and environment: Urumqi and the Xinjiang region are home to many different ethnic groups, each with their own culture and traditions. When visiting, it is a good idea to show respect for local customs and culture. In parks and natural areas, respect the environment by keeping things clean and not disturbing the natural ecosystem.

6 Physical preparation: Some of the places described, especially those in mountainous areas, may require good physical fitness. Before embarking on more demanding routes, it is advisable to realistically assess your capabilities and prepare accordingly.

7 Food and drink: In city parks, such as People's Park and Shuimogou Park, you can find places to eat or drink tea. However, in more remote locations like Nanshan Pasture, it's a good idea to bring your own supplies of water and snacks.

8 Photography: Urumqi and its surroundings offer many picturesque sights that beg to be captured in photographs. It's a good idea to bring a camera or smartphone with a good camera to capture the beauty of the region. However, be sure to respect the privacy of others and any restrictions on photography in certain areas.

All in all, Urumqi and its surroundings offer an incredible variety of attractions, from bustling city parks to majestic mountain scenery. Proper preparation and planning will allow us to fully enjoy all these attractions while respecting the local culture and environment. Whether we choose to relax in People's Park, stroll along the river in Shuimogou Park, enjoy the panorama from Nanshan Pasture or explore the Grand Canyon of Tianshan, Urumqi is sure to provide us with unforgettable experiences and memories.