Featured Hotels Near Shangtun Mosque (Southeast Gate)

Recommended stays include Urumqi International Conference Center Hotel, just 1.5 km away, offering a blend of Uyghur architectural heritage and modern amenities. Its guest rooms feature intricate ethnic motifs and provide halal dining options, enhancing cultural immersion.

Another excellent choice is Xinjiang International Hotel, located within walking distance (10 minutes) of the mosque. The hotel’s courtyard design and Islamic artistic elements reflect authentic regional aesthetics, ideal for travelers interested in Islamic architecture. Both properties offer guided tours to nearby historical neighborhoods, allowing visitors to explore the rich Central Asian cultural landscape.

The most convenient option is taking Line 1 of the Urumqi Metro to "Hongshan Park Station," then exiting via B2 and walking 800 meters—about 10 minutes. This route avoids city traffic congestion.

Alternatively, bus routes 307 or 509 stop directly at "Shangtun Great Mosque Station," with a travel time of around 20 minutes. For added convenience, ride-hailing services (e.g., DiDi) are widely available; trips take about 10 minutes and can drop passengers right at the temporary parking zone near the southeast gate, ideal for those with luggage or mobility challenges.

Visitors can join daily prayer walkthroughs organized by the mosque, offering firsthand insight into Muslim worship rituals, complete with a complimentary Arabic prayer phrase booklet.

Weekend craft fairs showcase intangible cultural heritage such as embroidery, wood carving, and carpet weaving, with some pieces available for on-site purchase. Nearby, Xinjiang ethnic restaurants serve authentic dishes like grilled buns, hand-pulled rice, and mare’s milk wine, accompanied by live dutar instrumental performances, creating an immersive cultural atmosphere. Some activities require advance HopeGoo—recommended through official tourism platforms or hotel concierges.

Just 300 meters away, Hongshan Park is perfect for families, featuring a children’s playground, artificial lake, and shaded walking paths, along with pavilions and benches for rest.

Weekends often bring ethnic music performances and interactive folk games for kids and parents to enjoy together. Additionally, the Urumqi City Museum (a 15-minute walk) includes a dedicated interactive children’s gallery exploring Silk Road history and Xinjiang’s multicultural heritage, blending education with fun.

Both venues offer free admission and wheelchair-accessible facilities, making them ideal for multi-generational visits.

Try Lao Wang’s Hand-Grabbed Lamb Restaurant, just 50 meters west of the mosque, renowned for its freshly slaughtered lambs and secret spice blend. Their signature dish, original-style hand-grabbed lamb, features rich broth and tender meat—always a must-order.

Another top pick is Abudureheman’s Naan Oven, a century-old establishment serving freshly baked Xinjiang flatbreads and samān pastries daily at dawn. Crispy outside, soft inside, they pair perfectly with yogurt or jam. Both restaurants are Halal-certified, maintain clean premises, and offer family private rooms, ideal for group meals or festive gatherings.

Absolutely! The southeast gate faces a row of towering minarets, framed against clear skies and the urban skyline—perfect for composition shots with natural light.

Visit before 8 AM for fewer crowds and soft morning light, ideal for capturing misty silhouettes and the first rays of sunlight hitting the towers.

Weekends often feature Uyghur costume parades and traditional dance performances, where photographers can apply for special permits to document intricate ethnic attire details and dynamic movement. Note: Respect religious practices—avoid shooting during prayer times and follow on-site guidelines.