Xinjiang has been called the ''land of song and dance'' for centuries. Visitors to the city of Urumqi will find a wide array of traditional and modern entertainment to delight them all over the city. The mix of ethnicities in the city lends a variety and depth to much of the traditional entertainment, which encompasses such sights as the Twelve Muquam (a large-scale performance typical of the Uygur people involving striking moves from male performers, and more gentle composed dances from the females) Kazak songs, (folk ballads evoking memories of grasslands accompanied by stringed Dongbulas). Most types of ethnic performances can be found at the Entertainment Square of the International Grand Bazaar in or the Ethnic Singing and Dancing Show where one can enjoy the performances whilst eating local cuisine in an impressive Banquet Hall.

Banqueting is extremely popular in Urumqi and is used as a focus for celebrating at weddings, harvest time and festivals. Large mixing-bowls of wine are served alongside huge platters of roasted meat & accompanied by song and dance. The Saierda (125 Jiefang Beilu) and Baersi (Jiefang Nanlu) banqueting halls are two of the most renowned.

Urumqi has its fair share of more contemporary entertainment too. From the restaurants and cafes, to the noisy bars & KTVs, there is a venue to suit every mood. Currently the most popular places are centered around Minzhu Lu, Jiefang Lu and Zhongshan Lu. Slow Rock bars are a particular favorite of the area, but bowling alleys and night-markets provide alternative entertainment if you prefer to keep away from music during your stay. Several night markets open up after dark, and sampling the gourmet food in Downtown Street, People' s Theater Nightmarket or the Beijing Lu Nightmarket is way to be introduced to traditional food of the area such as kebabs roasted over charcoal, stuffed buns and rice-filled sausages.

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