Languages Spoken in Urumqi: A Comprehensive Guide

Urumqi is the capital city of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, located in northwest China. It is known for its diverse population, rich history, and bustling trade. With so many different ethnic groups residing in this city, it’s no surprise that multiple languages are spoken here. In this article, we will explore the various languages spoken in Urumqi and their importance to the region.

Uyghur Language

The Uyghur language is the most widely spoken language in Urumqi. The Uyghur people are a Turkic ethnic group who make up the majority of Xinjiang’s population. They have their own distinct language, which is similar to Turkish, with some Arabic and Persian influences. Uyghur is the official language of Xinjiang, and it is also recognized as a minority language in China.

Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, and it is also widely spoken in Urumqi. This is due to the fact that Urumqi is part of China and Mandarin is the language of government, education, and business throughout the country. Even though Uyghur is the dominant language in Urumqi, most Uyghurs are bilingual in Mandarin Chinese as well.

Kazakh Language

Kazakh is another language spoken in Urumqi, and it is primarily spoken by the Kazakhs, an ethnic group who live in the region. The Kazakh language belongs to the Turkic family of languages and is closely related to the Uyghur language. The Kazakh people in Urumqi are bilingual, speaking both Kazakh and Mandarin Chinese.

Kyrgyz Language

The Kyrgyz language is also spoken in Urumqi, specifically by the Kyrgyz people who live in the region. The language belongs to the Turkic family, just like Kazakh and Uyghur, and it is one of the official languages of Kyrgyzstan. As with Kazakh, most Kyrgyz people in Urumqi are bilingual in Mandarin Chinese.

Russian Language

Russian is not a widely spoken language in Urumqi, but it is still present in some circles. This is due to the fact that Xinjiang had been under Russian influence during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and some Russians had settled in the area.

English Language

Finally, English is also spoken and understood in Urumqi, mainly in the areas of tourism and business. Many hotels, restaurants, and shops have English-speaking employees to cater to foreign tourists, and it is also a common language among business professionals in the city.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Urumqi is a city with a diverse population that speaks multiple languages. The Uyghur language is the most widely spoken, but Mandarin Chinese, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Russian, and English are also used in different contexts. This variety of languages reflects the cultural and historical influences on the region, and it highlights the significant role that language plays in the identity of the people of Urumqi.

Insider’s Guide to Urumqi, China: Languages Spoken, Local Attractions, Dining, Culture, History, and Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Urumqi is the capital city of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China. As one of the main cities along the historic Silk Road, the region has long been a nexus of cultural exchange. The city is surrounded by the majestic Tian Shan mountains and is home to a diverse ethnic mix of people who speak a variety of languages. This guide is designed to help visitors explore Urumqi’s history, culture, and attractions, where Mandarin Chinese and Uyghur are the two main languages spoken.

Languages Spoken

Uyghur, Mandarin Chinese, and Kazakh are the three most commonly spoken languages in Urumqi. Uyghur is the native language of the Uyghur people, who make up the largest ethnic group in Xinjiang. Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China and is used for government and educational purposes. Kazakh is also widely spoken, particularly in the city’s rural areas and suburbs. Russian, Kyrgyz, and Uzbek are also spoken by small pockets of people.

Local Attractions

Urumqi has centuries of history and is home to a wide variety of cultural and natural attractions. The city’s main sites include:

• The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum: A must-visit institution that chronicles the region’s history and showcases its rich cultural heritage.
• Red Hill Park: A scenic park located on a small hill in the city center. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and explore the park’s gardens, pagodas, and walking trails.
• Bazaar Street: A bustling street lined with shops selling everything from traditional Uyghur crafts to quality silk products and jewelry. Make sure to try some local snacks along the way!
• Heavenly Lake: A crystal-clear lake nestled within the Tian Shan mountains, about a two-hour drive from the city. Visitors can relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery, or go hiking around the lake.
• International Grand Bazaar: A large indoor market where vendors sell everything from textiles to spices, Uyghur delicacies to handmade pottery.

Dining Spots

Urumqi has a rich food culture that blends the flavors of the Uyghur, Han, and Kazakh people. A few famous local delicacies include lamb kebabs, pilaf with carrots and lamb, and dapanji (big plate chicken). Some of the best places to eat in Urumqi include:

• Nanmen Market: A street food market where vendors sell a variety of local delicacies, including lamb kebabs and hand-pulled noodles.
• Qinci Yipin Pili: A local restaurant that specializes in Xinjiang-style spicy hotpot.
• Histria Food and Wine: A restaurant that serves Western-style food and wines in an elegant atmosphere.
• Xiboer Restaurant: A Uyghur restaurant that serves traditional dishes like pilaf, soups, and roasted lamb.

Cultural Experiences

Urumqi’s multicultural makeup provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience different cultures. Here are a few experiences that are worth checking out:

• Visit a Mosque: Urumqi has beautiful mosques with unique architectural styles, such as the Id Kah Mosque, which was built in the 15th century.
• Uyghur Dancing and Music Performance: The Uyghur people are known for their lively music and dance traditions. Catch a performance to experience their rich cultural heritage.
• Calligraphy Class: Learn to write Uyghur script or Chinese calligraphy, which are both beautiful written languages with a long history.

Local History

Urumqi has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. The region was once part of the Western Han Empire and was a key stopping point along the Silk Road. Visitors interested in the city’s history should visit:

• Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum: As mentioned earlier, this museum provides an in-depth look at the region’s history and culture.
• Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar: Located near the largest mosque in town, this bazaar was built to resemble ancient architectural styles and is a must-see for history buffs.
• The Tomb of Abakh Khoja: One of the major tourist attractions in the city, it is a complex of ornate Uyghur Islamic tombs.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For visitors wanting to explore lesser-known treasures in Urumqi, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

• Tianchi Lake Winter Sports Park: A brand new winter resort located just over an hour’s drive from the city, where visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
• Hutubi Underground Grand Canyon: This unique destination is located in the Hutubi County, about 175 km northeast of Urumqi. Visitors can explore the area’s labyrinth of caves, underground waterfalls, and natural rock formations.
• Nanshan Pastures: Located around 70 km southeast of the city, these pastures are an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can picnic, hike, or horseback ride through the grasslands.

Urumqi is a beautiful city steeped in history and culture, and visitors will have a memorable experience exploring its bustling markets, enjoying its local cuisines, learning about its traditions, and soaking up the sights and sounds of its rich cultural mix.