Shihezi sits on the northern foothills of the middle part of the Tian Shan, about 136 kilometres from Ürümqi, in a stretch of semi-arid country where the mountains behind the city rise to 16,000 feet. On a clear evening you can stand in Peoples square and watch that skyline turn from grey to violet while the lights come on around you.
The city suits travellers moving through northern Xinjiang who want a calm, orderly stop between bigger destinations, and anyone curious about the farms, canals and reservoirs that keep this part of the region green. It also suits students and academics, since Shihezi University draws a large student population.
This guide covers the places worth your time in the city, with a one-day plan that strings them together.
Top things to do in Shihezi
1. Peoples square at night
Peoples square is named as a sight in the city, and it is at its best after dark, when the lights come on and the mountains behind the city stand out against the evening sky. The peaks rise to 16,000 feet, so the view gives you a real sense of where you are in the Tian Shan foothills.
Come in the evening rather than the middle of the day. Bring a layer: Shihezi has a continental semi-arid climate with large temperature differences between summer and winter, and monthly averages range from −15.3 °C in January to 25.3 °C in July.
2. Mushroom lake
Mushroom lake is one of the named sights in the city and pairs naturally with an evening at Peoples square. It is a straightforward place to spend time rather than a site you need to rush through.
Combine the two in one outing: see the lake, then head to Peoples square for the night view of the mountains.
3. Shihezi University
Shihezi University is the second-largest university in Xinjiang, and visiting the campus is one of the more rewarding things you can do here. If you want to talk to local people, look for English students to talk to.
The university is a good daytime stop. Pair it with the medical college, which the source pairs with it as a place to visit alongside.
4. The medical college
The medical college is worth a look alongside the university, and the same advice applies: this is a place to wander and, if you are inclined, to strike up a conversation with students.
Visit both in the same trip out, since the source recommends them together.
5. The reservoir and canal system
An extensive system of reservoirs and irrigation canals has been built around Shihezi, including the Jiahezi Reservoir, supporting the irrigated agriculture that surrounds the city. The Manas River forms the administrative border between Shihezi City and its eastern neighbour, Manas County.
This is a landscape to notice as you move in and out of the city rather than a single stop. If you are travelling on from Shihezi, the water and farmland you pass are part of the same system.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Shihezi University, then walk over to the medical college. Look for English students to talk to if you want a conversation with local people.
Afternoon: Head out to Mushroom lake and give it the middle of the day.
Evening: Finish at Peoples square at night, where the mountains behind the city rise to 16,000 feet and the square is at its liveliest.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see Peoples square?
At night. The square is named as a night-time sight, and the mountains behind the city are the reason to be there after dark.
Can I practise English with local people in Shihezi?
Yes. Visit the university and the medical college and look for English students to talk to.
What kind of climate should I pack for?
Shihezi has a continental semi-arid climate with large temperature differences between summer and winter. Monthly averages range from −15.3 °C in January to 25.3 °C in July, and precipitation is very low year-round.
Work out which of these fits your route through northern Xinjiang, then start planning your days around the square, the lake and the campus.