Welcome to the hottest city in China. Turpan's history stretches back more than 6,000 years, and it has been a bastion of culture for all that time.  The unofficial symbol of Turpan is the144-foot-tall Emin Minaret.  The nearby ruins of Gaochang and Jiaohe are excellent for exploring, with structures that have been remarkably preserved by the hot, arid desert.  When you're ready to cool off, visit best grapes have grown for over a thousand years.

Turpan is a mostly Uyghur city of about 300,000 that is quickly being developed as a “model” city in China. It is a Xinjiang travel highlight because the culture is still mostly Uyghur, there are several historical sites and places of unusual natural scenery close by it, and travel to it is relatively easy because it is close to Urumqi and along a rail line and highway.

Situated on the Silk Road, Turpan is a bridge between East and West. The city is home to over 200 historical ruins. It is also one of the two largest centers of Uighur culture, which has its own unique cuisine, music, folk dances, religious customs and architecture. Turpan is known for its stunning desert landscape — major attractions include Grape Valley, the Flaming Mountains and the Kumtag Desert. Local produce includes grapes and melons.

The Flaming Mountains

Turpan is one of the few cities in Xinjiang that can boast a population that is majority Uyghur, a big draw for many tourist. Their cultural influence is apparent in the food, night life and architecture of Turpan. Even their historical footprint can be seen in the incredible construction of the Uyghur Karez Well system, an engineering feat that is single-handedly responsible for keeping Turpan watered and alive. Sugong Minaret and Flaming Mountains are also famous around the world.

As a city inhabited by minority groups, you can find Uygur snacks in the streets and lanes. Kebabs, Zhua Fan (Rice Eaten with Hands), Nang, Roast Lamb will make your mouth water. There are also many traditional drinks there, including milk tea, black tea, grape wine and mare's milk. The traditional handcrafts are exquisite and are worth collecting. Carpets, clothes, caps and knives are favorites, with distinctive folk characteristics.

Turpan Travel Tips

• Xinjiang province is an area with high ambient ultraviolet radiation; all you need is a hat and some sunscreen.

• Due to Xinjiang province is dry and hot, you need to prepare enough water and lotions to hydrate your body and skin.

• Mazar Village is not open to non-religious; in order to avoid unnecessary conflict, please don't close to it. Don't take pictures without permission.

• Because of Xinjiang's unique geographical location, large temperature difference between day and night, please prepare some overcoats to keep warm. 
  

Turpan Fruits

Despite of its extremes of temperature, Turpan is known for its grapes, watermelons of several colors, cantaloupes, apricots and raisins. Turpan produces about 80 percent of the raisins produced in China! 

Tuyoq Valley

About 85 percent of the grapes are green grapes that are air-dried. The hot and dry weather makes them sweet. There is as yet little use of pesticides, so you may find them unusually delicious. 

All this fruit can be eaten fresh. You can buy it from the Uighur farmers directly from their carts or stalls. They are known for fair and low prices and for sometimes giving fruit away. The fruit is also made into fruit juices and wines. The wines often taste unusually good though wine connoisseurs may think that the wines are primitive

Turpan Attractions

Toyuq Valley: As one of the famous destinations along the Silk Road.Tuyoq Valley is situated at Turpan City. This is a 12 km long primitive Uygur agricultural valley about 70 km from Turpan, with vineyards and fields in the northern and southern valleys and a narrow ravine that connects them.

The Flaming Mountains: The Flaming Mountain as one of the essential tour destinations along the silk road, where you can learn the history of Gaochang State, but also hear the myth of Journey to the west.

Bezeklik Grottoes: As one of a must-visit grottoes in Turpan,The Bezeklik Grottoes Thousand Buddha Caves, is a comlpex of Buddist cave grottoes dating from 5th to 14th century between the cities of Turpan and Shanshan at the north-east of the Taklamakan Desert. 

Jiaohe Ruins: As one of the ancient old cities in Xinjiang.Jiaohe Ancient City Runins is located at Yarnaz valley. It runs northwest to southeast, 1760 meters long and 300 meters across at the widest part.

Karez Well: As one of must-visit place in Turpan. The ancient Karez Irrigation System, which is still used today, is a unique irrigation system in Turpan. It takes advantage of the slopes, draws the underground water to flow by itself to irrigate farmland.

Sugong Minaret: As one of the famous destinations in Turpan.Sugong Minaret tower was built in the 41st year of the long reign of Qianlong Emperor during the Qing Dynasty. 

The Most Useful Travel Info in Turpan

A Taste of Turpan: Turpan is also the hometown of grapes and melons.And the local people developed a unique irrigation. View More...

Turpan Shopping Information: There are more than 600 categories of grapes in Turpan. you can also find locally made knives. View More...

Best Time to Visit Turpan: July, August, and September is the best time and best tourist season to visit Turpan. View More...

Transportation Info in Turpan: The transportation in Turpan City is very convenient.There are many options for travelers  View More...

Turpan Tours

5 Days Turpan to Urumqi Tour: Sugong Minaret, Karez Well, Jiaohe Ruins, Flaming Mountains, Heavenly Lake.

6 Days Kashgar and Turpan Tour: Id Kah Mosque, Old Town, Karakul Lake, Sunday Bazaar, Gaochang Ruins.

Turpan Day Tour: Tuyoq Village, Flaming Mountains, Bezeklik Buddha Caves, Jiaohe Ruins.