Turpan      Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region


Turpan means “the lowest place” in the Uygur language and “the fertile land” in Turki. Lying in the Turpan Basin, the elevation of most of the places in the area is below 500 meters. Tuipan is the city with the lowest elevation in China.

The city is the hottest place in China, it is reckoned that there are 152 summer days on average, and 28 really broiling days with the temperature above 40℃.The abundant sunshine gives the melons and grapes ideal conditions to grow. The fruit here is widely known for its high sugar content, especially the grapes. Turpan is praised as the “Hometown of Grapes” and the Grape Valley is a good place to enjoy the grapes of hundreds of varieties.

The geographical position of Turpan is rather important. Lying at the junction of the east and the west of China, it has been a key point on the Silk Road since ancient times and the transportation here is very convenient. So the city blending Western and Eastern religions and culture together perfectly, it has a great number of historical relics as well as unique landscapes.

Emin Minaret, Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs, Bizalkik Thousand Buddha Caves are ancient historical relics; Jiaohe Ancient City and the Gaochang Ancient City are witnesses to the long history of Turpan; Flaming Mountain and Aydingkol Lake show their unique landscapes.

Turpan has a number of minority groups, so there are many traditional snacks and drinks in the streets and lanes. Carpets, clothes, caps and knives are favorite too.