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     Urumqi is situated at the northern sector of the Tianshan Mountains. As the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the city is home to 13 nationalities, which include Urgur, Han, Hui, Kazak, Manchu, Mongol, Xibe, and Russian. With its cultural diversity and magnificent mountains, Urumqi has a great deal to offer the visitor.

      Tianchi or Heavenly Lake is nestled in the midst of the Tianshan Mountains below the glacier of Bogda Peak. The Lake sits at an elevation of 1,900 meters. Chinese legend states that the Queen Mother of the Western Paradise met Emperor Mu Wang, who held a banquet in her honor at this lovely lake. In the year, 1783AD, the Minister of the Qing Dynasty and Governor of Urumqi, Ming Liang, scaled Bogda Peak, and saw the beautiful lake. He was so impressed with its beauty that he chose the name, "Heavenly Lake."

      The Museum of Xinjiang Urgur Autonomous Region has the finest exhibitions of the cultural artifacts of the diverse ethnic groups of the region. The Xinjiang Historical and Cultural Exhibit features the historical development of Xinjiang from primitive society to 1840. The Xinjiang Nationality and Folklore Exhibition displays the customs and lifestyle of 12 ethnic groups of the region.

The Xinjiang Ancient Corpse Exhibition displays the remarkably preserved woman, who is 3,800 years old, and which was unearthed in Loulan. Also on display, are the mummies of a female corpse from Hami, which is 3,200 years old and a male , which is 3,000 years old. 

      One of the most fascinating aspects of life among the ethnic peoples of Xinjiang is that of the Kazak Yurt. The yurt is made of red willow wood (frame) and woven achnatherum (stiff straw), which is lodged together with ropes made of sheep wool or cowhide. The yurts are not only efficiently arranged for living purposes, but are extremely colorful in the woven fabrics, which are used to adorn the interior walls, ceiling, and ground cover. The colors, design, and masterful handicraft of the Kazak people are something, which is very worth the while to see.

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