Grape Valley


The Grape Valley is situated in a canyon, west side of Flaming Mountain and 15 km northeast of the seat
of Turpan County.

The valley runs 8 kilometers long, spans 0.6-2.0 kilometers wide. While the west side of the valley hangs
sheer cliffs inside the valley is a forest of intertwined grape vines. Waters from springs flow into channels
irrigating 210-odd hectare grape garden. Cottages and adobe houses are elaborately arranged on the
slopes.

On either side of the valley are thick trees and mulberry trees, apricot trees, peach trees, pear trees,
poplar trees, willow trees, elm trees and locust trees are arranged in order, making the valley into a "garden of one hundred flowers" in spring and
an "orchard of one hundred kinds of fruits" in summer. In the valley there is a reception center where dense grapevines interweave with each other
and winding paths lead to secluded places with clusters of grapes within easy reach.

When Zhang Qian, a soldier who is recognized for helping the Han Dynasty pacify the tribes in the west, visited this region over 2,000 years ago,
he found that people here were already very experienced grape growers. Records show that after Zhang returned from the West and introduced
the grape to China’s inland provinces, the Emperor Caopi highly praised the delicious grape along with the wine’s fragrance and taste. Zhang
later returned as an envoy to the region for several years afterward.  

Here a modern grape wine plant has been established producing various kinds of grape wine and grape cans. White grape wine produced here
boasts a nice taste and is popular with both Chinese and foreign guests.

It's a pleasure to wander through the viny yards, shaded by fruit-laden trellises and surrounded by stark desert. After a few hours out and about in
this unique landscape, you can sample the local wine at a local winery, whether the rich and dark port-like red or the lighter more fruity white.

Deep inside the valley a grape park was built, where there are waterside villas. After experiencing
the fierce heat of Flaming Mountains, taking a rest here and tasting some grapes will give a nice
kind of feeling.