{"id":19604,"date":"2018-10-03T00:05:25","date_gmt":"2018-10-03T00:05:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/?p=19604"},"modified":"2018-11-30T07:40:22","modified_gmt":"2018-11-30T07:40:22","slug":"china-xinjiang-urumqi-international-grand-bazaar-top-10-things-to-buy-or-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/2018\/10\/china-xinjiang-urumqi-international-grand-bazaar-top-10-things-to-buy-or-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"China : Xinjiang Urumqi International Grand Bazaar – Top 10 things to buy or eat!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"China<\/a><\/p>\n

Urumqi – Capital of Xinjiang<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang and also one of the biggest city in this region. It is the major hub for ancient Silk Road during the Tang Dynasty.<\/p>\n

When our bus entered the city of Urumqi, that is when the traffic jam started. Moving from one place to another aren’t smooth as compared to outskirt of Urumqi.\u00a0 You also notice the parking can be a headache here.\u00a0 When our bus approached the International Grand Bazaar, we saw the parking space was already full of tourists’ buses. (Picture below).<\/p>\n

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Tight Security Is a Norm<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As usual security is tight and police officers can be seen in all corners. There are also security metal detectors when you enter the bazaar. Well, this is a norm in Xinjiang, security metal protector is installed everywhere; at the entrance of the restaurant, department store or even public toilet. I see local has no complaints on these security measures and get to it.<\/p>\n

\"China<\/a><\/p>\n

\"China<\/a><\/p>\n

Many Uyghur faces can be seen when you are near Grand Bazaar Urumqi. Uyghur consist of huge population here in Xinjiang. They have been called ‘people of the bazaar.’\u00a0\u00a0For centruries the Uyghurs were famous as traders and money changers during the ancient Silk Road period.<\/p>\n

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Uyghur lady making sure the place is clean by sweeping the floor in front of the Chinese propaganda.<\/p>\n

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International Grand Bazaar Urumqi<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the top attraction in Urumqi is the International Grand Bazaar. There are over 3000 booths in Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar selling all sorts of things such as scarfs, colorful clothing, potteries, jewellery, nuts, fruit, carpet, lotion & soaps and many more.\u00a0 Since there are so many things to choose from, I have narrowed down the top 10 things you should buy or eat here.<\/p>\n

\"China<\/a><\/p>\n

1. Grandfather & Grandmother of Raisin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

All type of dried raisin in different size and colors are sold here, My favorite would be the iconic ‘grandfather and grandmother’ of raisin.\u00a0 No tasting are allowed written in Chinese beside the price tag.\u00a0 Grandfather & grandmother raisin are being called because of the giant size of the raisin.\u00a0 They tasted very sweet and considered the top grade, hence is being crowned as “Grandfather & Grandmother” as these are the respected words used in China.<\/p>\n

\"China<\/a><\/p>\n

\"China<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Red Dates Sandwich Walnut – Xinjiang Specialty<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Have you ever tried dates & walnut being eaten together? This is one of the specialty in Xinjiang. It is healthy as it has no added sugar and red dates are good for enriching the blood while the walnuts are nutrient rich food for brain. What a smart way to eat two together.\u00a0 You will notice the walnut is being sandwich in between the red date, quite a unique presentation.<\/p>\n

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3. Big Walnuts in Shells<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Another thing you will find in all over here is the nuts and there are various type of nuts available. The walnut tasted very fresh as it is still in the shell.<\/p>\n

\"China<\/a><\/p>\n

There are different size of walnut and the bigger one cost more.\u00a0 I strongly suggest you to bring some walnuts in shell back home to Singapore as ours sold aren’t as fresh and usually without the shell.<\/p>\n

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4. Xinjiang Wolfberries<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Wolfberries is another top-selling item here.\u00a0\u00a0Chinese Wolfberries are believed to be good for vision.\u00a0 Eat everyday to combat those tired eyes from reading too much phone and electronics tablets.<\/p>\n

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5. Xinjiang Milk Tablets<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Xinjiang Milk tablets are candy loaded with calcium for children and pregnant mommy.<\/p>\n

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6. Hami Melon<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hami melon is originated from Hami, Xinjiang so it is not surprise that they can be found in Grand Bazaar here.<\/p>\n

\"China<\/a><\/p>\n

The fresh Hami melon is best to eat in Xinjiang and not to bring home in the flight.\u00a0 But there are also dried hami melon pack in nice packaging for you to bring back as souvenirs.\u00a0 I tried the dried hami melon and it tasted good and sweet, also easier to pack in the luggage.<\/p>\n

\"China<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Lavender Oil and Horse Oil Cream<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Xinjiang Ili which is 10 hours drive from Urumqi is famous for it lavender farm in summer (June onwards)so if you are essential oil lover, you can bring some back home some of these Lavender oil. Too bad I didn’t explore Ili this time, Ili is another must visit destination in Xinjiang.<\/p>\n

You can also find horse oil<\/strong> in Xinjiang, not just in Hokkaido Japan. Horse oil was used as a folk medicine in ancient time. If you have burns, insects bites, cuts or hair loss, just apply horse oil and it will absorbed by the skin and safe for people all ages, even for baby. The oil is derived from the fat of horses and the fatty acid of horse oil is very similar to human sebum, making the oil able to deeply penetrate the skin without feeling greasy.<\/p>\n

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8. Xinjiang Yugurt \/ \u9178\u5976<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You see yogurt drinks sold in most of the attractions, people here love yogurt.\u00a0 The appearance is white and tastes mellow and smooth and you should give it a go.\u00a0\u00a0Don’t be afraid of the ingredient as the local Uyghur used the cattle milk as fresh raw material.<\/p>\n

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9. Uyghur Naan Bread<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The naan bread here is different from our roti prata\u00a0\/ roti canai or Indian naan.\u00a0 Some of the naan can be very thick and hard to bite, you may have to dip it in the tea to make it soft before you eat it.\u00a0 Go for the thin version of naan as it suit foreigner taste more, slightly salty and topple with sesame.<\/p>\n

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10. Uyghur musical instruments<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Uyghur musical instruments are not something you can find back home. Few of the iconic instruments are :<\/p>\n