Turpan - famous for the Flaming Mountains
Last Update: 17th October 2020
Located in the middle of Xinjiang, Turpan is home to Uighur, Han, Hui, Kazakh, Russian, Man, Zhuang and Miao Nationalities. It is situated in the Central Turpan Basin with the Flaming Mountains stretching from east to west. Turpan has played an important role in the history of the Silk Road in ancient times.
Turpan Fast Facts
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What to expect at Turpan
With a huge area and a long history, Turpan offers a variety of attractions. If you are interested in nature, it is recommended that you explore Flaming Mountains, Aiding Lake - the lowest point in China, and Shashan Park. If you would like to know more about the grape, the Grape Valley will be a perfect place where you will find 13 types of grapes, such as Manaizi Grape, red grape, Kashgar Grape, Rijiagan, etc.
If you are a lover for Chinese history and culture, it is advised that you explore Ancient City of Jiaohe originally built between the 3rd and 4th Century (a place ideal for photographing in the morning and during the sunset as well), Karez System where you will get acquainted with the water system in Xinjiang, Ancient City of Gaochang – the capital of Gaochang Kingdom and so on.
Turpan Museum offers a great chance to know more about the role Turpan has played on the Silk Road in ancient times. There, you will find contracts, accounting books, official documents and private letters which help study the history of the Sui (581 -618) and Tang (618 -907) Dynasties.
You could also know some on the Buddhism and Islam at Tuyuq and admire the sculptures and frescoes on Buddhism at Bezeklik Caves. If you are interested to experience more about the local life, you can wander at Turpan Night Market.
If you are a lover for Chinese history and culture, it is advised that you explore Ancient City of Jiaohe originally built between the 3rd and 4th Century (a place ideal for photographing in the morning and during the sunset as well), Karez System where you will get acquainted with the water system in Xinjiang, Ancient City of Gaochang – the capital of Gaochang Kingdom and so on.
Turpan Museum offers a great chance to know more about the role Turpan has played on the Silk Road in ancient times. There, you will find contracts, accounting books, official documents and private letters which help study the history of the Sui (581 -618) and Tang (618 -907) Dynasties.
You could also know some on the Buddhism and Islam at Tuyuq and admire the sculptures and frescoes on Buddhism at Bezeklik Caves. If you are interested to experience more about the local life, you can wander at Turpan Night Market.
Best time to visit Turpan
As it is the hottest in August in Turpan and very cold from November to March, it is suggested that you visit Turpan in other months.
How to get to Turpan
There are several airplanes to Dunhuang from the main cities around China, such as Guangzhou, Xi’an, Lanzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an. There are many trains to Turpan from Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Xining, Zhangye, Lanzhou etc. Please get to Turpan by air or by train based on your schedule.
Additional Turpan Travel Advice
- It is the hottest in August in Turpan and very cold from November to March.
- In Turpan, only a few hotels are qualified to host foreign tourists. Please consult the hotel you are interested to book beforehand.
- Please check out the weather forecast in advance.
- Please wear the sunscreen cream and sun glasses even in winter.
- It is not suggested to walk around in Turpan in the evening for your safety.
- Please do not wear shorts or short skirts in Turpan.
- Please take enough warm clothes with you as the temperature difference in Turpan is big.
Interested in visiting Turpan on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Turpan, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.