Things to do in Xinjiang Uygur, China: The Best Historic Walking Areas

Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD

At most of the attractions that we visited in Urumqi, we were often the only visitors. That will not be the case at Red Hill as it is busy all year round. It is easily accessible by bus 1,17 or 52. We walked from Peoples Park, north gate, which took approximately 15 minutes. It is free to enter the park, although there is the usual security check. The pond with boat rides is the first thing seen on entry, and there are quite a few children's activities and f&b options. A monument to the Chinese resistance movement is also in this area. You have an option here of taking an electric car ride (I think that it was RMB5) or walking to the top of the hill. We chose to walk, and found it quite pleasant though the steps to the Temple were steep. To the right of the steps is a children's area. The three sets of steps are quite well shaded with mist blowers and a fountain at the top which overflows and allows water to run down the steps to the left and right. If you have children this will be fun walking in the water. At the top of the steps is the ticket office, where you pay for entry to the Temple. The ticket cost was RMB20. The Temple is a beautiful structure, said to be built during the Tang Dynasty, and worth the steep climb. The lower level had displays from the dinosaur age, whilst the middle and upper levels had models of Urumqi city development. We found the models an interesting way to learn about the new city. The view from the top of the Temple was good and we enjoyed our visit. The steps are narrow and difficult to descend, so caution is required. Behind the temple is a garden with minature trees. After exiting the temple at the rear doors, a right will lead you to the area that the electric cars drop off passengers, the path to the left leads to the Red Tower and Lin Zexu statue. We were interested in the Lin Zexu statue, as we had visited Wusong in Shanghai the previous year where one of the main battles took place in 1842. Lin Zexu was instrumental in destroying 1.2m kg of opium products that were sent to China by the British. His actions caused the first opium war which resulted in a treaty which ceded Hong Kong to the British. Lin Zexu is seen as a national hero for his actions and today the 26th June is named the int'l day against drug use and trafficking in his honour. The Red Tower is also known as Zhen Long Ta. It is one of a pair of Pagodas, the other standing 1km away on Yamalike Hill (Yao Mo Shan). They are known together as the Zhenlong Pagodas. It is very difficult to get a photo here as everyone seems to congregate near to the pagoda. It was the exact opposite situation the previous day when we visited Yao Mo Shan as we were the only persons taking a photo. The walk back down should be done with caution, as the path is quite slippery and we saw a person get hurt on the descent.