Shihezi

Shihezi is a young city that developed on the Gobi Desert, with an orderly urban layout and outstanding greenery. Here you can learn about the history of military reclamation, enjoy desert-oasis scenery, and try local foods with Xinjiang character.

• Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Military Reclamation Museum: This is the only museum in China themed around military reclamation and border defense. It houses many valuable cultural relics and is a good place to gain a systematic understanding of the Corps’ development. The museum is closed on Mondays, and visitors must bring their original ID card.

• Jiangjun Mountain Liajiang Ecological Park: The park is free to enter. From the mountaintop, you can overlook the whole of Shihezi, see Danxia landforms and seas of flowers, and enjoy a good spot for sightseeing from above and taking photos.

• Kensiwate Reservoir: The reservoir lies among the mountains, with broad waters and impressive scenery. It is suitable for self-driving trips, taking photos along the way, or camping, and it also offers good views for aerial photography.

• Château Changyu Baron Balboa: This winery is built in the style of a French château and has a 6,000-square-meter underground circular wine cellar. Visitors can tour the winemaking process and taste wines, making it a good choice for a relaxed leisure itinerary.

• Military Reclamation Culture and Leisure Square: The square features a statue of General Wang Zhen and a sculpture of the First Plow of Military Reclamation, offering a way to learn about Shihezi’s urban history and military reclamation culture.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1 (Military Reclamation Culture and Night-Market Atmosphere): After arriving in Shihezi in the afternoon, first visit the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Military Reclamation Museum. Note that last entry is at 17:30. After the visit, walk to Military Reclamation Culture Square to see the related sculptures. For dinner, you can choose local specialty laghman-style mixed noodles, then head to the night market on Xingfu Road Pedestrian Street for food and a stroll.
• Day 2 (Natural Scenery and Local Food): In the morning, go to the Yimin Morning Market in Residential Area 24 to experience local daily life, then visit Jiangjun Mountain Liajiang Ecological Park for a city overlook. In the afternoon, you can try the specialty liangpi cold noodles on Liangpi Street, or instead go to Kensiwate Reservoir to enjoy the lakeside scenery before returning in the evening.

Must-Try Local Foods

Shihezi’s food combines flavors from several ethnic groups. Noodles, beef, and lamb dishes hold an important place on local dining tables.

Transport and Accommodation Guide

• Transport:
  • High-speed rail: Take a bullet train from Urumqi to Shihezi Station. The trip takes about 1.5 hours and costs around 30 yuan, making it a convenient option.
  • Flights: You can fly to Shihezi Huayuan Airport, or first fly to Urumqi and then transfer to a bus or taxi to Shihezi.
  • Self-driving: Places around Shihezi such as Kensiwate Reservoir and the S101 Hundred-Mile Danxia Highway are suitable for rental-car road trips, with varied scenery along the way.
• Accommodation: You can stay near People’s Square or Xingfu Road Pedestrian Street in the city center, or around Wanda Plaza. These areas have convenient transport and a concentration of dining and leisure facilities. There are many types of local hotels, from relatively affordable chain hotels to upscale hotels. During peak season, booking in advance is recommended.

Practical Tips

• ID documents: When visiting public places such as the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Military Reclamation Museum, you must bring your original ID card.
• Opening hours: The Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Military Reclamation Museum is closed on Mondays and usually stops admitting visitors at 17:30, so leave enough time in your itinerary.
• Sun protection and hydration: Xinjiang has strong UV rays and a dry climate. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and moisturizing skincare products, and to drink water regularly.
• Day-night temperature difference: Even in summer, mornings and evenings may be cool. If visiting in autumn, from September to October, bring a windproof jacket.
• Respect local customs: Shihezi is a multi-ethnic city, so respect local customs and religious beliefs during your trip.