Best Places to Visit in Turpan ：Jiaohe Ancient City,Grape Valleys & Desert Wonders

Located in the central part of Xinjiang, Turpan is an ancient city with a long and rich history. As a key stop along the ancient Silk Road, Turpan is famous for its unique attractions such as the Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley, Jiaohe Ancient City, and the Karez irrigation system. These destinations offer visitors a blend of cultural depth and natural beauty.

This guide provides a detailed overview of Turpan’s top attractions, local experiences, transportation options, and ticket information to help you plan an unforgettable journey.

Top Attractions in Turpan

1. Flaming Mountains

   Located in the eastern part of the Turpan Basin, the Flaming Mountains are one of Xinjiang’s most iconic natural landscapes. The red-hued hills appear to be on fire under the blazing sun, with summer surface temperatures reaching up to 70°C (158°F), making it one of the hottest places on Earth.

Flaming Mountain

• Highlights: The glowing red mountain ridges under intense sunlight create a dramatic and awe-inspiring view.
• Activities: Hike along the base of the mountains or visit the cultural tourism park to learn about local legends and history.
• Admission: Around CNY40
• Hours: Open all day, but visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid extreme heat.

2. Grape Valley (Putao Gou)

   A lush green oasis and the most famous grape-producing region in Turpan. With abundant water and fertile soil, it’s known as the “Sweet Land” of Turpan.

   

   Grape Valley

   

   Xinjiang grapes

• Highlights: Vineyards full of hanging grape clusters and traditional Uyghur farm scenes.
• Activities: Best visited during harvest season (August–October) for grape picking and wine-making experiences.
• Admission: Free entry; some grape-picking activities may charge a small fee.
• Best Time: Autumn is ideal.

3. Jiaohe Ancient City

   A remarkably well-preserved ancient city with over 2,000 years of history, located about 10 km southeast of Turpan. It was once the political and economic center of ancient Turpan.

   

   Jiaohe Ancient City

• Highlights: City walls, gates, and residential ruins that showcase Silk Road urban life.
• Activities: Explore the ruins and capture stunning desert cityscapes.
• Admission: Around CNY40
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

4. Karez Water System

   An ingenious ancient irrigation system that channels underground water through hand-dug tunnels to support farming and life in the arid region.

   

   Turpan Karez

• Highlights: Unique underground channels that demonstrate ancient wisdom in water conservation.
• Activities: Visit Karez museums and ruins to see how the system works.
• Admission: Some sites are free; museum tickets cost about CNY20
• Hours: Typically 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

5. Turpan Museum

   A comprehensive museum showcasing the cultural heritage of the Turpan region, including Silk Road artifacts, ethnic art, and natural exhibits.

   

   Turpan Museum

• Highlights: Ancient relics, mummies, and detailed exhibitions about Silk Road civilization.
• Activities: Gain insight into Turpan’s diverse history and culture.
• Admission: Around CNY30
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays

Unique Activities in Turpan

1. Turpan Grape Harvest Festival
   Held from August to October in Grape Valley, this festival allows visitors to pick grapes, watch traditional performances, and taste local delicacies.
2. Uyghur Folk Culture Experiences
   Enjoy traditional Uyghur music and dance, try your hand at local crafts, and savor authentic cuisine in and around the Grape Valley.
3. Flaming Mountains Night Show
   During summer, the scenic area hosts evening light shows and cultural performances, offering a spectacular desert-night experience.

Transportation Guide

1. By Air
   Turpan has its own airport—Turpan Jiaohe Airport—with flights to cities like Urumqi and Beijing. Many travelers first fly to Urumqi and then take a connecting flight or train to Turpan.
2. By Train
   Turpan Railway Station connects directly to Urumqi and Hami. A convenient and budget-friendly option.
3. By Road
   Turpan is linked to Urumqi via expressway, with a travel time of about 2 hours. Long-distance buses and private cars are available.
4. Local Transport
   Attractions are spread out—renting a car or joining a local tour is recommended for efficiency and convenience.

Travel Tips

1. Best Travel Season: Spring and autumn offer mild weather and ideal outdoor conditions. Summers are extremely hot—bring sun protection and stay hydrated.
2. Sun Protection: High UV exposure requires sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
3. Local Cuisine: Try grilled lamb skewers, Dapanji (spicy chicken), pilaf, and freshly baked naan.
4. Accommodations: A wide range of options from luxury hotels to budget inns are available in the city.
5. Safety Note: The Flaming Mountains can be dangerously hot at midday—avoid prolonged exposure.

Turpan: A Journey Through Time and Landscape

Turpan is a land of contrasts—fiery mountains and lush vineyards, ancient ruins and vibrant bazaars. Whether you’re walking the ruins of Jiaohe, savoring sweet grapes under a trellis, or marveling at desert engineering, Turpan delivers a travel experience rich in flavor and history.

Plan ahead, travel smart, and embrace the wonder of this ancient Silk Road gem. Turpan awaits with sun, stories, and the spirit of the desert.