توربان

1. Flaming Mountains

Famous for its extremely high temperatures and unique red sandstone landscape, the Flaming Mountains are an iconic natural attraction in Turpan, made famous by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Stretching for 100 kilometers, the mountains are composed of red sandstone and shale, which glow bright red under the scorching sun, resembling a sea of flames—hence the name. The highest temperature here can reach over 47 degrees Celsius, and the surface temperature can even exceed 80 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hottest places in China. There are many cultural and historical sites around the mountains, including the ruins of ancient cities and Buddhist grottoes, reflecting Turpan’s important position on the Silk Road. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view, visit the Journey to the West themed park, and learn about the local legends and history.

2. Grape Valley

A green oasis in the arid Turpan Basin, Grape Valley is a world-famous grape-growing area with a history of over 2,000 years. Surrounded by high mountains, the valley is irrigated by mountain springs, creating a mild and humid microclimate ideal for growing grapes. There are over 100 varieties of grapes here, including seedless white grapes, red grapes, and black grapes, which are known for their sweetness and high quality. The valley is covered with grape trellises, and in summer and autumn, the grapes hang in clusters, creating a beautiful and abundant scene. Visitors can walk along the stone paths, taste fresh grapes, visit the grape wineries, and experience the traditional Uyghur grape-picking activities. There are also Uyghur villages in the valley, where visitors can enjoy folk music and dance performances and taste authentic Uyghur cuisine, immersing themselves in the unique grape culture of Turpan.

3. Jiaohe Ruins

One of the largest and best-preserved earthen city ruins in the world, Jiaohe Ruins has a history of over 2,300 years and was once an important city on the Silk Road. Built on a narrow island in the middle of a river, the city is surrounded by cliffs, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. It was the capital of the ancient Cheshi Kingdom and later served as a key military and commercial hub during the Han, Tang, and other dynasties. The ruins cover an area of 300,000 square meters, with well-preserved streets, houses, temples, and markets, all carved out of the loess. The unique earthen architecture and urban layout reflect the advanced urban planning and construction techniques of the ancient peoples in the Western Regions. Visitors can wander through the ruins, imagine the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road, and admire the unique earthen architectural art, which has withstood the test of time and natural erosion.

4. Gaochang Ruins

Once a bustling Silk Road metropolis, Gaochang Ruins is a vast earthen city ruin with a history spanning over 1,400 years. It was founded during the Han Dynasty and reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty, serving as an important political, economic, and cultural center in the Western Regions. The city covers an area of 2.2 million square meters, with a well-planned layout including an outer city, an inner city, and a palace city. The ruins include city walls, gates, streets, markets, temples, and tombs, showcasing the diverse architectural styles influenced by Chinese, Central Asian, and Buddhist cultures. The famous Buddhist monk Xuanzang once stayed here and gave lectures during his journey to India. Visitors can explore the ruins, visit the Buddhist grottoes with well-preserved murals, and learn about the city’s rise and fall along with the changes of the Silk Road, gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural exchanges in ancient times.

5. Karez Irrigation System

A marvel of ancient water conservancy engineering, the Karez Irrigation System is a network of underground canals that has sustained the oasis agriculture in Turpan for over 2,000 years. It consists of three main parts: vertical wells, underground canals, and above-ground drainage ditches. By digging vertical wells to connect underground water sources and building canals to transport water to the fields, the system effectively reduces water evaporation in the arid desert climate. The total length of the Karez canals in Turpan exceeds 5,000 kilometers, making it one of the largest irrigation systems in the world, on a par with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Visitors can visit the Karez Museum to learn about the history and construction techniques of the system, and walk along the underground canals to see the flowing water, marveling at the wisdom and perseverance of the ancient Turpan people who turned the desert into a fertile oasis.

6. Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Nestled on the cliffs of the Flaming Mountains, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves are an important Buddhist art site with a history dating back to the 5th century. There are over 80 caves in total, with more than 40 preserved murals covering an area of over 1,200 square meters. The murals depict Buddhist stories, portraits of rulers, and scenes of daily life and cultural exchanges, showcasing a unique blend of Chinese, Indian, Persian, and Central Asian artistic styles. They are valuable historical documents recording the spread of Buddhism and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. Unfortunately, many murals were looted by foreign explorers in the early 20th century, leaving only fragments in some caves. Visitors can admire the remaining murals, learn about the Buddhist art and cultural history of the Western Regions, and reflect on the importance of cultural heritage protection.

7. Emin Minaret

An exquisite Islamic architectural masterpiece, Emin Minaret is located in Turpan and was built in the 18th century during the Qing Dynasty. It is 44 meters high, with a cylindrical body decorated with intricate geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy, and a conical top. The minaret is part of the Emin Mosque complex, and its unique architectural style combines Uyghur, Persian, and Han architectural elements, reflecting the cultural integration in Xinjiang. Visitors can climb up the spiral staircase inside the minaret for a panoramic view of Turpan City and the surrounding desert and oases. The nearby Emin Mosque is a grand Islamic building with a spacious courtyard and exquisite decorations, where visitors can learn about Islamic culture and the religious life of the local Uyghur people.