There is not much to see in Urumqi. Modernisation has stripped Urumqi of it ethnic difference and replaced it with a generic modern transport hub. But it is a place to fly into if you are visiting Kashgar, Turpan, Illy or any of the other wonerful towns in this part of the world. Having said that 1 or 2 nights in Urumqi will give you an opportunity to visit the wonderful Heavenly Lake. A piece of the European Alps surrounded by scorching desert. With green grass, glaciers, snow, birds, wild flowers and pine trees its hard to believe you have just left the desert. Taoist Temples and the occassional honking horn remind you that you are still in China. It is almost a full day trip, you may be able to catch a bus to Turpan or somewhere else that afternoon meaning 1 night would be enough.

 The famed Urumqi markets have gone and have been replaced by a large modern Tourist Emporium which really doesn't have any atmosphere at all. Some of the smaller back streets are okay but if you are going to Kashgar do not bother, Kashgar outshines the back streets 100%.