Originally, the ancient Cheshi people established the Later Cheshi Kingdom. In 1763 (the 28th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign), the Qing government renamed Urumqi "Dihua". On February 1, 1954, the original name Urumqi was restored. In July, Urumqi County was separated from the jurisdiction of the Urumqi District Commissioner's Office and placed under the jurisdiction of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture. In December 1959, Urumqi County was separated from Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and placed under the jurisdiction of Urumqi City.
Urumqi City is a major central city in western China, an international comprehensive transportation hub, and a center for exchanges with Central and West Asia, as well as an international trade and logistics center, as approved by the State Council. It focuses on industries such as oil and gas production and processing, coal, coal-fired power, coal chemicals, green mining, grain and oil, cotton and textiles, green and organic fruits and vegetables, high-quality livestock products, new energy and new materials, and cultural tourism. It is a core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt, known as the "Heart of Asia" and a key town on the Silk Road. It boasts national key cultural relics protection units such as the Ulabo Ancient City, and national 5A-level tourist attractions like the Tianshan Grand Canyon and the 4A-level Shuimogou Scenic Area. It has been recognized as a "China Excellent Tourism City" and one of "China's Top Ten Ice and Snow Tourism Cities."