Live Your Best Lives
Located in Gaochang District, Turpan Prefecture, Xinjiang, the Turpan Museum is the second largest museum in Xinjiang. It houses a rich collection of artifacts rich in ethnic and exotic styles. The museum houses numerous artifacts from the heyday of the Silk Road. Among its most notable exhibits are the world's most complete giant rhinoceros skeleton fossil, mummies unearthed in Turpan, and documents unearthed in Turpan. Most notable are the 11 mummies on display in the Ancient Corpse Exhibition Hall, dating from the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period to the Qing Dynasty, testament to the Silk Road's former prosperity.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Giant rhinoceros skeleton fossil, ancient corpse exhibition hall, 3 hours
Free, but limited to 400 tickets per day, reservations are required
10:00-18:30 (Tuesday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st)
Closed on Mondays
Turpan is an ancient city on the Silk Road, and the Turpan Museum showcases the region's long history, including its role as a cultural and commercial crossroads. The museum features exhibits on the history, culture, and archaeology of the area, with a special focus on the Silk Road and the Uygur Kingdom.
The Turpan Museum is located in Turpan, Xinjiang, about 3 km from the city center. Visitors can reach the museum by taxi or public bus. Walking is also an option if you're staying nearby.
The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and exploring the outdoor exhibits.
The entrance fee for the Turpan Museum is approximately 40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. In some cases, online booking may be available through local platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually necessary. However, during peak travel seasons or public holidays, it is recommended to book a day or two in advance.
A typical visit takes around 1-2 hours to explore the main exhibits, though you may need more time if you want to dive deeper into the history and archaeology on display.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available on request. Audio guides are also available in Mandarin and occasionally in English.
The best photography spots are inside the museum's outdoor exhibits, where you can capture the recreated architecture and irrigation systems. The interior exhibits featuring ancient artifacts also offer unique photography opportunities.
Start with the Silk Road exhibit, then move on to the Uygur Kingdom section. Afterward, explore the outdoor exhibits to see the ancient irrigation systems and architecture models.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Turpan Museum. It is best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the exhibits.
The museum can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid large crowds, it is recommended to visit on weekdays, especially in the morning.
The museum has basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There is no food court, but water and snacks may be available for purchase. Souvenir shops are located near the entrance.
The museum is accessible to elderly visitors and children. However, some outdoor exhibits may require walking on uneven terrain. Disabled access may be limited in certain areas.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Credit cards may not be accepted, so it’s best to use mobile payment apps or carry cash.
There are no restaurants inside the museum, but several local eateries offering Xinjiang cuisine can be found nearby. Popular options include kebab stalls and noodle shops.
Vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options are available in nearby restaurants, especially those catering to local Uygur cuisine.
There are several hotels near the Turpan Museum, including mid-range options like Turpan Hotel and more budget-friendly guesthouses. These accommodations are within a short taxi ride from the museum.
There are souvenir shops near the museum where you can purchase traditional Uyghur handicrafts, such as handwoven carpets, silk scarves, and pottery.
After visiting the Turpan Museum, taxis or public buses are the best options for continuing your trip. Local buses can take you to other popular tourist sites in Turpan.
