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Turpan is a magical place. It is a fusion of ancient and modern civilizations, an intersection where Eastern and Western cultures and religions are intricately intertwined and integrated, and the region with the richest Silk Road relics in China.
"The richest open-air archaeological museum in the world"—this is how the Swede Gunnar Jarlin described Turpan. And Klinkett wrote in "Cultures on the Ancient Silk Road": "There is hardly any other oasis as culturally rich and varied as Turpan."
It lies at the intersection of an east-west thoroughfare and a north-south thoroughfare. Culturally, Turpan is like a sponge, absorbing spiritual content and literary forms from all directions... This oasis is truly international, where people from all corners of the world become one family."
June and July are Turpan's hottest months, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. August also sees the Turpan Grape Festival, featuring a variety of activities such as grape tastings, Dawaizi performances, Muqam folk song and dance festivities, and large-scale song and dance evenings. Visitors can fully experience the classic Uyghur customs of this grape-rich country. September brings cooler weather, and Hami melons, grapes, and watermelons are ripe.
Flaming Mountain
Famous for the story of the three borrowings of the palm-leaf fan in "Journey to the West," the mountain range, meaning "Red Mountain" in Uyghur, was once called "Volcano" due to its intense heat. The mountain range runs east-west and is barren. In summer, the ground steams under the sun, resembling a soaring fiery dragon, a truly spectacular sight. The scenic area features numerous statues of characters from the novel.
Grape Valley
Around August every year is the grape harvest season, and you can eat a variety of grapes, including mare's milk, rose red, Kashgar, Bifugan, black grapes, etc. There is a tourist reception station, and the grape trellises form a corridor, which is within reach and you can pick and eat them.
Karez Folk Park
The most prominent building within the scenic area is the Karez Museum, which is visible upon entering the main gate. It's also the best place to gain a comprehensive understanding of Karez culture. Karez is a unique water-collecting system in Xinjiang. By digging underground channels, it naturally collects groundwater while preventing excessive evaporation. Its remarkable scale and widespread presence across Xinjiang have earned it the reputation of being China's third-largest ancient engineering project, after the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. The museum showcases the workings and excavation process of the Karez, making it a worthwhile visit to experience the ancient wisdom of the Uyghur people.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Turpan, historically a key city on the Silk Road, is famous for its ancient cities, desert oases, and unique irrigation system. It holds cultural significance as a center of Uyghur heritage and a hub of Silk Road history.
Advance booking is recommended during peak tourist season (summer and national holidays), ideally 1–2 weeks in advance.
2–4 days to cover major attractions including Jiaohe, Gaochang, Flaming Mountains, and local markets.
Guided tours are available, mostly in Chinese; some sites offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides are limited but may be available for major attractions.
Night visits are rare; some cultural performances may be available in summer or during festivals.
Least crowded days are weekdays in spring or autumn. Summer and holidays can be busy, especially at main tourist sites.
Most attractions provide toilets, small eateries, drinking water, rest areas, and souvenir shops at entrances.
Some sites are suitable for elderly and children. Uneven terrain at ruins may be challenging for disabled visitors.
Cash is accepted; mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat) are widely available in tourist areas and local shops.
Halal food is widely available; vegetarian options exist but are limited to vegetables, bread, and fruits.
