Can you wholly immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of ethnic cultures in Urumqi in just 12 hours? Here's a suggested itinerary:

10:00 a.m.: A Breakfast Bonanza

Xinjiang locals typically start their day around 9:00 a.m., due to the later sunrise. Although China spans five time zones, the entire country uses Beijing time, or GMT+8. Geographically, Urumqi is two hours behind Beijing. Head to the Shengyuan Farmers' Market and tuck into some typical Uygur, Hui and Kazak breakfast foods. Enjoy a bite of samosas, the savory baked buns filled with lamb and onion from the Uygur culture, and youxiang, a fried pastry enjoyed by the Hui people. Pair these with salty milk tea made with brick tea and milk, a Kazak treat. This satisfying meal will likely cost you under $5.

11:30 a.m.: Explore History at the Museum

Visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum. Focus on the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220) brocade armband embroidered with the sentence, "Five stars rising in the east is an auspicious sign for the Central Plains." This artifact showcases the early interactions between the Central Plains, the heartland of ancient China, and the Western Regions. This impressive museum offers free admission.

1:30 p.m.: A Tatar and Uzbek Lunch

Discover Lingguanxiang, a seemingly unassuming and slightly older street that's brimming with life. At the Tatar pastry shop, sample katlama, a flaky and crispy bread with butter and jam. Pair it with Ozbek pilaf, a flavorful rice dish with lamb, carrots and raisins, and the distinctive horse meat sausage of the Kirgiz people.

3:00 p.m.: Artistic Treasures at the Grand Bazaar

The International Grand Bazaar is a treasure trove of ethnic art. Observe Uygur artisans crafting the traditional dutar—a two-stringed lute—and learn about the production process and intricate details of this instrument. Participate in a Kazak wool felt dyeing workshop to master dye mixing and dyeing techniques. Finally, catch a Mongolian morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) performance; daily showtimes are available.

6:00 p.m.: Stroll and Explore a Chinese-Style Mosque

Visit the Shaanxi Grand Mosque, located in Yonghe Zhengxiang alley. This is the largest Hui mosque in Urumqi. The mosque boasts a traditional Chinese palatial style, featuring upturned eaves, carved beams and painted pillars, all highlighting the grandeur of Chinese architecture. The prayer hall incorporates Islamic-style brick carvings, creating a seamless blend of two distinct cultures.

8:00 p.m.: A Multiethnic Dinner Show

Search Dazhong Dianping, China's equivalent of TripAdvisor, for restaurants offering song and dance performances. You may be overwhelmed by the choices! You might witness the Belem dance, a traditional performance of the Xibe people, characterized by the dancers' sharp moves and lively rhythms. Or perhaps you'll enjoy a Tajik eagle flute performance, with its clear and melodious notes. The eagle flute is a unique instrument crafted from the wing bone of an eagle. And, of course, don't miss out on the energetic Uygur dance. It's best to call ahead to confirm performance times and make a reservation, ideally near the stage.

12-Hour Achievement: Unlocked!

As moonlight streams into your room, your phone's album will be filled with sights and sounds reflecting at least 10 different ethnic groups. In Xinjiang, diversity isn't just a sum of its parts; it's more like baking wheat and sesame seeds in a tandoor oven to create naan, forging distinct groups into a single, inseparable cultural community.