IN the Tianshan District, Urumqi, China, you’ll find the largest bazaar in the world.
This is the international grand bazaar, one of the most famous landmarks in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Inaugurated in 2003, it now serves as a hub for tourists looking to shop and sightsee.
The grand bazaar covers an area of nearly 100,000 square meters and houses 3,000 shops.
Upon entering the Grand Bazaar, you’ll see a towering structure that reaches almost 100 meters in height.
This prominent attraction in the grand bazaar is called the Silk Road Sightseeing Tower—where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Urumqi City.
Just a bit of trivia, folks. The word ‘bazaar’ means ‘market’ in Uyghur.
This is where you’ll find a variety of clothes, food, handicrafts, as well as other items in these bazaars.
This is the home of various products and unique businesses offered by locals.
One of the popular foods that tourists flock to here is known as “Nang” or Uyghur Bread.
“Nang” is a type of baked bread, a significant and distinctive food of the Uyghur people.
It’s made from flour, sesame, onions, eggs, milk, salt, sugar, and various seasonings.
The freshly baked Nang is crisp and delicious.
Aside from shopping, you can also witness dazzling performances in a dedicated area.
And for tourists looking to buy souvenirs, here’s what you need to know.
‘‘Since Xinjiang is home to wonderful fruits, I would recommend you to buy some dried fruits from this market,’’ according to Alfira Arkin, Tour Guide.
Among the items sold here are musical instruments, jewelry, various carpet designs, ethnic costumes, medicinal herbs, and many more.
It is estimated that over 100,000 people visit the Grand Bazaar daily.
