Named for an open city in the western part of China, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur {see planet  (2336)} autonomous region. The political, economic, cultural, scientific and technological center of Xinjiang, Urumqi is located at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, with the Junggar Basin in the north. It is farther from a sea than any other city in the world. It is a “treasure bowl” rich in natural resources and with a wide cultural diversity. Strategically located on the ancient “Silk Road”, Urumqi now occupies an important place on the second Eurasian Land Bridge. (M 18448) _ _.