Turpan Water System - ancient water system in Xinjiang
Last Update: 17th October 2020
Also known as Karez Well, Turpan Water System has played an important role in the development of the local agriculture and the local life for long. It is mainly distributed in the two regions of Turpan and Hami. It is to lead the undercurrents in the stratum along the dug culvert into the ground, and then lead the water into the farmland or barrage through the open channel. A Karez Well is generally about 3-10 km long.
Also known as Karez Well, Turpan Water System has played an important role in the development of the local agriculture and the local life for long. It is mainly distributed in the two regions of Turpan and Hami. It is to lead the undercurrents in the stratum along the dug culvert into the ground, and then lead the water into the farmland or barrage through the open channel. A Karez Well is generally about 3-10 km long.
Turpan Water System Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Tulufan Guangai Xitong (吐鲁番灌溉系统)
- Area: 198 hectares
- Things to do there: Photography, Archaeology, Chinese History
- Who visits: Photographers, Adventure Enthusiasts, Archaeologists
- Time required: 2 – 3 hours
What to expect at the Turpan Water System
Turpan Water System is mainly composed of four parts: shaft, underground channels, ground channels and barrages. In the Bogda Mountains in the northern Turpan Basin and the Kalawu Mountain in the western Turpan Basin, a large amount of snow and rain flow down into the valley in spring and summer, and then flow into the Gobi Desert. By taking advantage of the slope of the mountain, locals created the Karez Well. Karez Well does not cause a large amount of water to evaporate due to scorching heat and fierce winds that the water flow is stable and unchangeable.
Located at Zhuangzi Village, Chatekale Township, Turpan, the oldest Karez was built in 1520. It is 3.5 kilometers long. Nowadays, Wudaolin Karez and Wuxingxiang Karez at the outskirts in Turpan are open to the public.
If interested, you could also explore Turpan Karez Folklore Park (吐鲁番坎儿井民俗园) 3 kilometers from the heart of Turpan. At the park, you could visit Karez Well, and Museum for Karez Well where you will know more about the water system. In addition, you will enjoy the authentic local cuisine and admire the local folklore at the park, such as the process of drying grapes and baking the naan bread.
Located at Zhuangzi Village, Chatekale Township, Turpan, the oldest Karez was built in 1520. It is 3.5 kilometers long. Nowadays, Wudaolin Karez and Wuxingxiang Karez at the outskirts in Turpan are open to the public.
If interested, you could also explore Turpan Karez Folklore Park (吐鲁番坎儿井民俗园) 3 kilometers from the heart of Turpan. At the park, you could visit Karez Well, and Museum for Karez Well where you will know more about the water system. In addition, you will enjoy the authentic local cuisine and admire the local folklore at the park, such as the process of drying grapes and baking the naan bread.
Best time to visit Turpan Water System
If you are planning to visit Turpan Karez Folklore Park for photography purposes, the best time to visit is during the sunset.
The best months to visit are from April to July and from September to October.
How to get to Turpan Water System
There are a few buses passing by Turpan Karez Folklore Park. Therefore, there are a few options.
- Rent a vehicle to the park. This is the quickest and most direct option.
- Take Bus 1, 101 and Bus 102 to the park.
Additional Turpan Water System Travel Advice
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 20:00 (April 21 – October 20); 10:00 – 18:30 (October 21 – April 20)
- As at 17th October 2020, the entrance pricing to the Turpan Karez Folklore Park 40 CNY per person.
- If you are interested to visit other attractions, such as Flaming Mountains, Ancient City of Jiaohe and the like, you could also get the combo tickets.
- The combo ticket for Ancient City of Gaochang, Ancient City of Jiaohe, Bezeklik Caves, Astana Tombs, Duke Office, Emin Minaret and Turpan Karez Folklore Park is 325 CNY per person.
- The combo ticket for Grape Valley, Ancient City of Gaochang, Flaming Mountains, Emin Minaret, Duke Office and Turpan Karez Folklore Park is 275 CNY per person.
- The combo ticket for Grape Valley, Ancient City of Gaochang, Emin Minaret, Duke Office and Turpan Karez Folklore Park is 235 CNY per person.
- The combo ticket for Grape Valley, Ancient City of Gaochang, Tuyuq Valley and Turpan Karez Folklore Park is 240 CNY per person.
- As at 22nd June 2019, the combo ticket for Grape Valley, Ancient City of Gaochang, Flaming Mountains, Desert Botanical Garden and Turpan Karez Folklore Park is 250 CNY per person.
- As at 22nd June 2019, the combo ticket for Grape Valley, Ancient City of Gaochang, Flaming Mountains, Astana Tombs and Turpan Karez Folklore Park is 250 CNY per person.
- As at 22nd June 2019, the combo ticket for Grape Valley, Ancient City of Gaochang, Flaming Mountains, Tuyuq Valley, Ancient City of Jiaohe and Turpan Karez Folklore Park is 310 CNY per person.
- The combo ticket is valid in 48 hours (If you buy the ticket at 10:00am on Wednesday 20th December 2018, the ticket is valid by 10:00am on Friday 22th December 2018).
- Children under 1.2m tall (1.2m tall not included) are free of charge.
- For the latest pricing information, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
- Please take enough food with drinking water with you.
- Please wear the sunscreen cream, sunglasses and the like to stop the strong sunlight shining your body directly in the dry weather.
Interested in visiting the Turpan Water System on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Turpan Water System, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.