Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar Sightseeing Tower Tickets: Avoid Crowds & Save

I’ve brought dozens of groups here. And every time, the same chaos: tourists stuck at the ticket booth, foreign cards declined, and that 40-minute wait under the Urumqi sun. Let me save you that headache.

Here is the raw truth about Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar sightseeing tower tickets—prices, booking hacks, and the exact times when the observation deck is empty.

Why Buy Tickets Early?

Walk-up queues at the tower often hit 30–60 minutes during peak season (May–October). And guess what? The ticket office accepts only Chinese mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay). Cash works occasionally, but international credit cards? Forget it. I watched a French couple struggle for 20 minutes before I helped them.

Buying online beforehand is not just convenient—it’s mandatory if you don’t want to waste an hour. The official WeChat mini-program is the only reliable channel. More on that below.

Ticket Prices & Types

Here is the price breakdown as of my last visit (prices rarely change, but always double-check):

Note: The prices are in Chinese Yuan (CNY). ~7 CNY = 1 USD.

There is no “VIP” or fast-track ticket. Everyone gets the same elevator ride. But timing—as I’ll explain—is your real VIP pass.

How to Buy Online (WeChat Mini-Program)

This is where 90% of my clients get stuck. The official booking system is only in Chinese. Here’s the exact process (I’ve done it many times):

1. Open WeChat – If you don’t have it, download and register. It’s essential for China travel anyway.
2. Search for “新疆国际大巴扎观光塔” in the mini-program search bar (or scan the QR code at the ticket office).
3. Select date and time slot – There are two slots: morning (10:00–14:00) and afternoon (14:00–19:00). Pick afternoon for sunset.
4. Enter visitor details – Passport number and full name exactly as on your passport.
5. Pay – Use WeChat Pay (linked to an international card or Chinese bank account). If you can’t link your card, ask your hotel reception to pay for you and give them cash.
6. Show QR code at the tower entrance – No need to print.

Best Time to Visit & Avoid Crowds

Here’s the golden tip that most online guides miss: Go at 4:30 PM on a weekday.

Why? The afternoon slot starts at 14:00, but tour buses arrive around 2–3 PM. By 4:30, the groups are leaving, and you get the deck almost to yourself. Plus, the light from 5:00 PM to sunset (around 8 PM in summer) is stunning for photography—the bazaar roofs glow golden, and the Tianshan mountains appear on the horizon.

Avoid weekends and Chinese public holidays (especially National Day week). The queue can stretch to 90 minutes then.

Getting There: Metro, Taxi & Walk

The tower is inside the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar complex in Urumqi’s Tianshan District.

• Metro: Line 1, Erdaogiao station (二道桥), Exit B. Walk 5 minutes northeast. You’ll see the iconic tower.
• Taxi/DiDi: 20–30 CNY from city center. Tell driver “Guo Ji Da Ba Zha” (国际大巴扎). Show the Chinese characters on your phone.
• Bus: Routes 10, 16, 21, 63, 104, 310, 911, 923, get off at “Erdaogiao” stop.

The tower entrance is on the east side of the bazaar square. Look for the ticket booth next to the elevator lobby.

My Experience & Pro Tips

I’ve taken the elevator up at least 15 times. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Binoculars not needed – The view is already wide and clear.
• The elevator is small – It fits about 8 people. If there’s a line, take the stairs (10 floors) if you’re fit—nobody uses them, and you’ll beat the queue.
• No bathroom upstairs – Use the facilities on ground floor before going up.
• Wind can be strong – The outdoor deck is open. Hold onto your hat and phone!
• Souvenir shop at the top – Predictable stuff. Skip it.

Frequently Asked Questions