Ürümqi (China)

Apart from being the largest city in Western China, Urumqi holds the world record for being the city furthest from any sea. With the closest sea at 2,500km away, the city is also the most isolated metropolis on Earth.

Even if it doesn't have the same glorious past as other, ancient, Silk Road hubs, Urumqi is nonetheless at the exact center of Xinjiang. The town boasts numerous sites you can visit and a tour or hike through its surroundings is well worth the detour. Places you should see are the International Grand Bazaar, the Xinjiang Museum, Red Mountain Park, People's Park and, at the base of Mount Bogda, the stunning Heavenly Lake.