The beauty of Turpan is meant to be savored slowly

· Fire and Ice: Feel the scorching 60°C heat on the surface of Flaming Mountains, then turn around to step into the cool shade of Grape Valley, experiencing a true "fire and ice" contrast.
· Journey Through Millennia: Standing on the ruins of Jiaohe Ancient City, you can almost hear the echoes of camel bells along the Silk Road. This is the best-preserved earthen architecture complex in the world.
· Desert Under the Starry Sky: Gaze at the stars in the Kumtag Desert and experience the magnificent "long river, setting sun, and full moon." The sunsets and starry skies here will absolutely amaze you.
🏜️ Day 1: Exploring Flaming Mountains and Ancient Cities
· Morning: Head straight to the Flaming Mountains Scenic Area to feel the heat waves rising from the red sandstone under the sun. It’s recommended to arrive in the cooler morning hours, wear comfortable hiking shoes, walk at the foot of the mountain, touch the scorching sandstones, and personally experience the fiery vitality of the "Land of Fire."
· Afternoon: Visit Gaochang Ancient City, a prosperous Tang Dynasty city in the Western Regions. Now only earthen walls remain, but you can still glimpse its former glory. Standing on the high platform and looking into the distance, you can almost hear the jingling camel bells of the Silk Road in the wind and sand.
· Evening: Don’t miss the sunset at Kumtag Desert, a rare sight where city and desert are separated by just one street. You can choose to ride a camel across the sea of sand or enjoy sand sliding. When the dunes turn orange-red, and only light and silence remain between heaven and earth, it’s the perfect moment for photos.
🍇 Day 2: Oasis and Wonders of Civilization
· Morning: Step into Grape Valley, a cool secret spot beneath the Flaming Mountains. Grape vines intertwine to form a green canopy, with streams flowing through. Stroll under the grape arbors and look up to see emerald-like fruit. In midsummer, the air is filled with a honey-like sweetness.
· Afternoon: Visit the Karez Irrigation System Park to learn how this ancient water engineering marvel, as famous as the Great Wall, channels snowmelt from the Tianshan Mountains into the desert, nourishing Turpan’s vast oasis. Then head to the Turpan Museum, where the mummy exhibition hall and giant rhinoceros fossils are well worth seeing.
· Evening: Go to the Grape Night Market or Fu’ai Night Market to taste local delicacies. The night markets are fragrant with aromas, offering lamb skewers, stuffed tripe, pilaf, yellow noodles, baked buns, and more. They also regularly host special performances, so you can enjoy food while watching singing and dancing shows.
🏞️ Day 3: Canyons and Unique Experiences
· Morning: Visit Jiaohe Ancient City, the best-preserved earthen architecture complex in the world. Walking through the streets, government offices, and Buddhist temple ruins feels like stepping into a three-dimensional historical maze. The morning light gilds the ruins, creating a particularly desolate and mysterious atmosphere.
· Afternoon: Explore Mazha Village in Tuyugou, a thousand-year-old village at the foot of the Flaming Mountains, with yellow clay houses built along the hills, dotted with mulberry trees and streams. Then visit Huoyun Valley to admire the Danxia landforms, where the red cliffs stretch like burning clouds.
· Evening: If time permits, join the immersive night tour performance at Jiaohe Ancient City. Amid lighting, historical poetry, and light-and-shadow shows, experience a unique charm of the ancient city.
The beauty of Turpan is the fiery intensity of the Flaming Mountains balanced by the coolness of Grape Valley, the ancient grandeur of Jiaohe Ancient City intertwined with the vibrant life of the local markets.

Post by ABM. Jess 2128 | Oct 4, 2025