Ürümqi is a smoggy, sprawling metropolis in the far western reaches of China, a region known as Xinjiang. The city is the largest in the region and the administrative center of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Ürümqi is a fascinating mix of cultures, with a large population of Uyghur Muslims, as well as a healthy contingent of Han Chinese. The city is home to a number of fascinating historical and cultural sites, including the Xinjiang Regional Museum, the Grand Bazaar, and the Id Kah Mosque. There are also a number of excellent restaurants in the city, serving up a variety of delicious local specialties. Ürümqi is an important transportation hub, and is a great place to start exploring the amazing and varied region of Xinjiang.