Things to do in Turpan

The Grape Valley in Turpan was truly worth the trip! Vast, dense grapevines provided ample shade, with bunches of plump grapes hanging from the vines, a verdant sight that offered a welcome respite from the sweltering heat of Turpan. Visitors could tour the unique drying houses to learn about the raisin-drying process and sample sweet fresh grapes and various dried fruits. The area boasts rich Uyghur folk customs, with folk displays and song and dance performances; the locals are incredibly hospitable. The scenic roads were smooth and easy to walk on, making for a comfortable and worthwhile experience. Finally seeing the Grape Valley I'd only read about in textbooks was a real treat! Full of Western Region charm, it's definitely worth a visit. A trip to Turpan isn't complete without experiencing the unique charm of this fruit-growing region.

The geological features of the Flaming Mountains are very rare. It was truly amazing to see such red rocks for the first time. It wasn't hot at the end of October, which felt quite nice.

The last stop on my trip to Turpan was a desert sunset tour. I ended up taking shuttle buses number one and two, which were quite a long journey. Instead, I ended up just driving around the desert, seeing all sorts of cars stuck in the sand and experiencing traffic jams. It was a bit of a shame that there was a fireworks display on National Day, so I had to make it to my next stop.

The karez system, with its rich cultural significance, is not only an irrigation system but also an integral part of Xinjiang's culture and history. It embodies the indomitable spirit of the local people in arid environments and is closely linked to their production and lifestyle. Today, the karez system is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage and is considered an important component of Xinjiang culture.

Jiaohe Ancient Village, a must-visit in Turpan, offers a glimpse into a thousand years of folk customs. The rustic earthen houses exude rich ethnic charm. Explore the Bayi residences and ancient sang dwellings for an immersive experience of unique Xinjiang traditional culture.

Es un pueblo bonito para visitar, pero la parte que se visita no es donde vive la gente. Por lo contrario se puede entrar a algunas de las casas restauradas

Like the tour of Jiaohe Ancient City, this one was also guided by Guli. She called in the morning to confirm the time and arrived four hours early to wait for us – incredibly reliable! Guli has over ten years of experience, her pacing is just right, and it's suitable for families with elderly members.

A long time ago when I visited Turpan, there was only one attraction related to the Karez irrigation system. Now, three have been developed: the Karez Well Park, the Karez Well Folk Culture Park, and the Karez Well Source. My chartered driver recommended this one; it's quite deep, but there's an elevator down. It's worth a look for basic information.

How to put it? Only people who are very interested in history can understand it. Those who know nothing about this history will only see ruins. You need cultural background and historical knowledge to understand the cultural value behind it.

A very picturesque site to be visited during the trip to this region. Try to find all secret spots around the mosque for the best pictures ever :)