Ürümqi

Ürümqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwest China. Located in the northern foothills of the Tianshan mountains, the city lies along the Ürümqi River near the Junggar Basin. It has a semi-arid climate, characterized by cold, dry winters and hot summers, with relatively low annual precipitation.

Historically a key stop on the Silk Road, Ürümqi developed as a commercial and administrative center in the region. Today it is a multiethnic city with residents from Uyghur, Han Chinese, Hui and Kazakh communities, among others.

Ürümqi is Xinjiang's largest city and a major regional economic and transportation hub. Its economy includes petrochemicals, energy-related industries, manufacturing, and commerce. The city is served by Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport and by rail and road networks linking China with Central Asia as part of the Northern Silk Road corridor.

In addition to its economic role, Ürümqi hosts cultural institutions such as the Xinjiang Museum and several mosques, markets, and universities. The city has a significant Uyghur cultural heritage reflected in language, cuisine, and music. Notable events in recent history include the 2009 Ürümqi protests.