Turpan, known for its grapes, is found in central Xinjiang on the ancient Silk Road. It’s an old town with plenty of history and lies amid one of the lowest places on earth.
Due to its low altitude at the Turpan Depression, Turpan gets extremely hot and is not the place to be in the height of the summer. Many of the locals have dug wells and channels on their land as a cooling measure.
There are several historical sights to check out in Turpan, such as the 1777 Emin Minaret. Elsewhere is the nearby ruined village of Gaochang, which hails from the 1st century. Jiaohe is another ruined Silk Road town, while the Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves are the main draw and lie beneath Flaming Mountain, 45kms from town.
Getting There & Away
Turpan is only accessible by bus from Urumqi, a 3-hour journey. The nearest airport is in Urumqi, Diwopu International Airport. It receives flights from Shanghai (5 hours) and Beijing (4 hours) and is 20kms northwest of town.
Things to Do
Turpan Attractions
- Emin Minaret
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An odd mosque lying next to the river in turpan; it hails from the 1700s and has beauty in its sparseness.
Side trips from Turpan
- Bizalkik Thousand Buddha Caves
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Actually just 57 caves that contain numerous murals amid a stunning canyon.
- Flaming Mountain
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Featuring gullies and ravines and a fiery red look, this boiling mountain is the hottest place in china and is sublime at sundown.
Events
- Turpan Grape Festival
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Takes place every august with stage performances and sports events over several days.