2024 Turpan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Xinjiang: Where Ancient Silk Road Meets Modern Mystique

Exploring Xinjiang is like stepping into a world where ancient traditions meet stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage! Here are some tips and insights to make the most of your journey: 1. Embrace the Local Flavors: Xinjiang is famous for its food, especially lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and fresh fruits like melons and grapes. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Uyghur cuisine—it’s bursting with flavor! 2. Pack for Diverse Weather: Xinjiang’s climate varies, with hot deserts, snowy mountains, and cool highlands. Layers are key for comfort across this diverse region. 3. Visit the Historic Sites: From the ancient city ruins of Jiaohe and Gaochang to the mesmerizing Emin Minaret, there’s so much history to explore. Each site has its own story, transporting you back to the days of the Silk Road. 4. Interact with Locals: Xinjiang is home to diverse ethnic groups, including Uyghur, Kazakh, and Hui communities. Many locals are incredibly welcoming and proud of their culture, so a simple greeting can lead to memorable conversations. 5. Capture the Landscape: From the red canyons of Tianshan Grand Canyon to the serene lakes of the Karakoram Highway, Xinjiang’s natural beauty is a photographer’s dream. Remember to respect any restricted areas but snap away at the breathtaking views. 6. Respect Cultural Sensitivities: Xinjiang has a unique cultural blend with strong Islamic traditions. Be mindful when visiting mosques and rural villages, dressing modestly and following local customs. 7. Plan for Remote Adventures: Xinjiang has vast, untouched landscapes, but with it comes limited connectivity. Prepare with offline maps, travel essentials, and don’t expect WiFi everywhere. 8. Try a Bazaar Adventure: The bazaars in Xinjiang, especially the Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, are bustling with life. You’ll find everything from handwoven carpets to spices and traditional Uyghur hats. It’s a shopper’s paradise! 9. Travel Slow: Xinjiang is massive, so try not to rush. Taking time to explore each area deeply is rewarding and lets you soak up the rich atmosphere of this unique region. 10. Go Off the Beaten Path: While famous spots like Turpan and Kashgar are must-sees, don’t be afraid to explore less-touristy towns and villages. You might stumble upon hidden gems! #XinjiangWonders ##100waysoftravel #SilkRoadStories #ExploreXinjiang #HiddenGemsChina #CulturalJourney #UyghurHeritage #TravelInspiration #WanderlustChina #OffTheBeatenPath #DiscoverTheSilkRoad #EpicChina #JourneyThroughXinjiang #UnseenAsia #TravelTips #china #voyagevibes

Flaming Mountains, Xinjiang: A Fiery Landscape

#closetonature The Flaming Mountains, a striking natural landmark near Turpan, are known for their intense red color and the illusion of flames under the scorching sun. This dramatic, otherworldly landscape has been immortalized in Chinese literature, notably in the classic novel Journey to the West. The unique rock formations and vivid hues make the mountains a photographer's dream, especially during sunrise and sunset. The nearby Bezeklik Caves and Grape Valley add cultural and natural beauty to the experience, making a trip to the Flaming Mountains an unforgettable journey into Xinjiang’s diverse landscapes. Travel Tips: Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid extreme heat and capture the best light for photography. What to Bring: Sunscreen, hat, and plenty of water—temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F) in summer. Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with trips to the Grape Valley and Bezeklik Caves for a complete experience of the region.

Xinjiang Northern Xinjiang 10-Day Grand Tour.

【Introduction】: ◆ The scenery of the Ili region is the most representative and popular in Xinjiang. From May, the grasslands of Ili begin to turn green, with vast seas of flowers and clouds that seem to come straight out of an anime. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe that such beautiful scenery exists in the world. 🛬【Itinerary】: Kanas Ili 10-Day Tour 1 - Urumqi - Burqin Attractions - Wulungu Lake - Colorful Beach Sunset Accommodation - Burqin Colorful Beach 2 - Burqin - Hemu Attractions - Haden Viewing Platform - Aid Bridge Accommodation - Hemu Hemu Scenic Area 3 - Hemu - Kanas Attractions - Kanas Lake - Guanyu Pavilion Accommodation - Kanas Kanas Burqin 4 - Kanas - Burqin Attractions - Kanas Three Bays - Burqin River Night Market Accommodation - Burqin 5 - Burqin - Kuitun Attractions - Devil City Accommodation - Kuitun World Devil City 6 - Kuitun - Yining Attractions - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge Accommodation - Yining Sayram Lake 7 - Yining - Nalati Attractions - Nalati Grassland Accommodation - Nalati Nalati Tourist Scenic Area 8 - Nalati - Bayinbulak Attractions - Bayinbulak Accommodation - Bayinbulak Bayinbulak Grassland 9 - Bayinbulak - Kuitun Attractions - Duku Highway - Tangbula Accommodation - Kuitun Duku Highway 10 - Kuitun - Urumqi Attractions - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Hundred Mile Danxia - S101 National Defense Highway Accommodation - Urumqi Anjihai Grand Canyon 🧡【Tips】: 💬 For more customized routes, feel free to leave a message or contact me👇🏻

In June of 2024, I quietly made my way to Southern Xinjiang, where every corner seemed like its own exclusive landscape

😅 Hehe, while everyone else was scrambling to go to Northern Xinjiang, I sneaked off to the south instead. And the result? Oh, it was so peacefully quiet and absolutely delightful! 🖼️ June isn't the traditional tourist season for Southern Xinjiang? For me, that's the perfect time! With fewer crowds, there's more casual freedom, and every corner feels like it's framed in its own scenic painting. 🚗 Eight-day Adventure Log: 🛫 D1: First impressions of Kashgar, stepping into the threshold of exotic charm. 🚙 D2: From Kashgar to Lake Bostan, skimming the sapphire waters of Lake Karakul, then on to the thrilling twists of the ancient Dragon Road, and finally making a wish under the starry sky of Taxkorgan. 🏔️ D3: The stunning cold beauty of the Muztagh Glacier, the primitive exploration of the Red Canyon, and then back to the warm embrace of the old city of Kashgar. 🏜️ D4-D8: Traversing the red labyrinth of the Wensu Grand Canyon, the desert romance of the Loulan village, the starry fate of the Taklamakan Desert, and ending with laughter in the antique shops of Turpan and the Bafeng Valley hostel, bringing the journey to a perfect close. ✨ Must-see Scenery: 📸 Lake Bostan: On a sunny day, it's like God's palette, and even on cloudy days, it has its own hazy beauty. It's simply ethereal no matter how you photograph it. 🕰️ Old City of Kashgar: Strolling through the old city, every step treads on a thousand years of stories, as if you're a traveler through time. 🌌 Wensu Grand Canyon: Driving through feels like walking on Mars, the natural wonders are simply breathtaking! 🚙 Special Experience: 🌟🐟 Taklamakan Desert: Off-road vehicle surfing, a starlit fish barbecue, excitement and deliciousness coexist, even the desert can be so romantic! 🤔 Off-the-beaten-path Choices: 🚧 Dragon Road: Safety first, although the viewing platform reduces the thrill, safety is the top priority! 🏔️ Muztagh Glacier: Admiring the glacier from afar may be less shocking, but the serenity and reverence it inspires are also rare experiences. 🏞️ Red Canyon: Hiking and exploring without spending a penny, nature's gifts are always free. 📸 The Turpan Trio: Antique shop, Thousand Buddha Caves, and Mazha Village, these are the holy lands for photography, just check them off your list! 💖 Travel Musings: The meaning of travel lies in exploration and experience, not in perfection. Every encounter is the best arrangement. The trip to Southern Xinjiang was truly worthwhile! ☀️ Dryness and Sun Protection Tips: Xinjiang is so dry it's off the charts, remember the great law of moisturizing! Sun protection is essential, arm yourself from head to toe, eat more juicy fruits, and though greens are scarce, happiness is not!

Turpan | I only recommend these two destinations (including a one-day tour strategy)

North of Xinjiang is Altay Where the wild mountain breeze blows South of Xinjiang is Kashgar Where the exotic human warmth settles And in Turpan to the east of Tianshan Mountains Lies an underestimated civilization and scenery Desert, Gobi, canyon, village... Here hides more unknown past and mystery If you are considering Turpan as your travel destination Then I definitely won't recommend you to visit the Flaming Mountains Instead, I recommend you to visit this millennium-old village—Mazha Village 🚄 Transportation tips: Depart from Urumqi in the morning, take a high-speed train or train, one hour by high-speed train, two hours by train, and you will arrive at the beautiful Turpan North Station! After exiting the station, carpooling services are readily available, with a day trip carpool costing about 100 yuan. Want more freedom? Charter a car for 300-400 yuan, or take a dedicated route bus. 🎫 Ticket: 30r/person 🚗 Parking: Free 📷 Recommended photo spots ✅ The Grand Mosque Considered a landmark here, not open to the public, but has an exotic feel ✅ Maimaiti's Yard A folk store with unique handicrafts, great for taking photos ✅ Hoca Mausoleum Also known as the Saint's Tomb, it is said to have a history of over 1300 years ✅ Parking lot You can capture the entire village landscape, a good spot for photography Mazha Village is suitable for a leisurely stroll It's a niche attraction in Turpan that I personally think is worth visiting 🚘1⃣️ Day tour route Urumqi——Turpan——Flaming Mountains——Mazha Village——Kumtag Desert——Shanshan——Urumqi 🎈Turpan city has attractions like the Karez Wells (Ticket: 40r/person), Mummy Museum (Ticket: Free), etc., which I personally find average 🎈Flaming Mountains (Ticket: 40r/person) are not recommended for buying tickets, just check-in and take photos outside, the Thousand Buddha Caves behind the mountains (Ticket: 40r/person) feel more worth it, with more photogenic scenery! 🎈Kumtag Desert (Ticket: 30r/person) is the only desert in the world connected to a city, personally I think it's quite good for taking photos, you can experience off-road vehicles (160r/person) which is quite thrilling 🎈Urumqi——Turpan——Shanshan all have direct high-speed trains, transportation is very convenient 🎈Turpan day trip carpool is about 100r/person, we chartered a car, about 300 per person, for your reference 🎈The temperature is quite high, remember to protect yourself from the sun Food Section 🥘 Suleiman Mixed Noodles —— Authentic Turpan flavor Suleiman Mixed Noodles opposite the museum, both pilaf and barbecue are very delicious, and the baked buns next door are also a must-try delicacy. 🥟 🍧 Yogurt Shaved Ice —— Coolness of summer On the streets of Turpan, you can see yogurt shaved ice carts everywhere, with a price of 5 yuan per cup which is very affordable. The real yogurt shaved ice has a pure taste and is an excellent summer refreshment. If you don't like it too sweet, you can ask the boss to put less honey and more yogurt, sweet and sour, for a better taste. 🥤 👗 Dressing advice: The climate in Turpan is variable, it is recommended to wear light and comfortable clothing, and it is strongly recommended to bring a hat and sunglasses, which can not only protect from the sun but also take beautiful photos!

This is all that’s left of the world’s largest, oldest and best preserved city made of earthen buildings.⠀ ⠀ The natural fortress was once the capital of the Jushi Kingdom, and sits atop a high plateau, between two deep and steep river valleys.⠀ ⠀ Made from Turpan’s desert stiltstone, you can walk along a path that mimics the old main street and duck into the shells of old temples and houses.⠀ ⠀ 📍Jiaohe Ruins, Turpan, Xinjiang, China #leaveyourmark

Being in the second deepest depression point, the temperature itself is referred as the Turpan depression here. Turpan is "the" hottest place in China and it derived it's name from the Turpan volcano which once flowed here a long ago. As we started to thinking about the Xinjiang expedition, the first place came to my mind is Turpan. Although back in home was also hot, even I couldn't bear this heat. Also in the history of China, this land has been ruled by many kingdoms and it has seen so many wars. For a while, I just questioned myself whether I'm in Mars or Earth; such is the effect of this landscape. Be prepared for a sweating tour guys #urbanexplorer #leaveyourmark #xinjiangtravel #urbanexplorer#leaveyourmark

Popularised by the classic Chinese novel, Journey to the West, the Flaming Mountains near Turpan - in Xinjiang province - are renowned for their fiery red appearance.⠀ ⠀ During the day, under the blazing sunlight, the mountains glow and seemingly burn, with hot air swirling into the air - implying the notion that they are, indeed, on fire. During the summer months, the Flaming Mountains become the hottest place in China, and not even a single blade of grass dares to grow.⠀ ⠀ 📍Flaming Mountains, Turpan, Xinjiang, China #leaveyourmark #urbanexplorer

#turpankariz underground systems is among the three ancient major irrigation project. It length exceeded 5,000 km and was also referred to as 'the underground Great Wall'. It is the life source of #turpan for farming, without them, there would be no Turpan culture and the karez dates back to 103B.C. Currently there are still over 400 systems #silkroad. #unforgetabletrip #happynewyear

In our #turpan trip, we are rushing and our driver recommended us to eat #samsa, in the Uyghur language, refers to a roast bun usually stuffed with minced lamb and sweet onions. #silkroad The Samsas are crispy on the outside while the meat inside stays tender and it was delicous #deliciousfood #happynewyear

The #grapevalley is located in Flaming Mountain #turpan and famous for the cultivation of the sweetest, tastiest grapes. Be enticed by the sight of bunches of green pearl-like grapes hanging from the vines in splendid profusion, unique building #architecture #SilkRoad #inspiration #unforgetabletrip #culture #inspiration #happynewyear

#huoyanshan or Flaming Mountains is high red sandstone hills across the center of the #tarim Basin #turpan. It was popular due to "Journey to the West" novel. Striking gulies and trenches caused by erosion of the red sandstone bedrock give the mountains a flaming appearance at certain times of the day #silkroad #mythicaltrip #happynewyear .

As a classic recollection of the Journey to the West, the Flame Mountain naturally has the elements of Journey to the West. The door logo is a sculpture with a shape like a flame. The sun is standing on the tip of the tongue, and the banana fan is still on the shoulder. From the door, visitors are quickly substituted into the Journey to the West. There is also a sculpture on the pillars along the way, with the shape of the palm of the Buddha's hand. There is a image of Sun Wukong in each palm. This is actually not difficult to understand. Borrowing the opening of the Journey to the West, Sun Wukong can't escape the story of the palm of his hand. Its so wonderful, its very special! The ticket for Flame Mountain is 40 yuan per person. After the ticket is purchased in turn, the oncoming is a promenade. This gallery is also very memorable and distinctive. First of all, the ceiling is shaped like a blue sky, and it feels very attentive. However, the most classic is that there are dozens of stone carvings on either side of the gallery. These paintings are the stories of each chapter in the Journey to the West. Although not every chapter has been shown, basically the most classic ones are left on the wall. From Wuzhishan to rescue Wukong, to return to the ninety-nine, a corridor is a Journey to the West. Many people will slow down here and slowly recall the stories that accompany us to grow up. From the lobby, it is a sunken mini-square with a logo of the Flame Mountain View. This is a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the earth's surface. It is made of a gold hoop. There is also a sculpture of Sun Wukong next to it, looking at the stick, as if it is "bigger, bigger." Very representative. Listening to the staff, the hottest time of the year, the surface temperature in the Turpan area can reach 80-90 degrees, and the sand is buried in the egg for half an hour. Because the terrain is a basin, and the annual precipitation is very small, the weather is hot, the name of the flame mountain is born. Going to the ground, there are 3 sculptures that are familiar to tourists. They are the figure of the four figures of Emperor Tang and the masters of the Flame Mountain, the statue of the demon king and the statue of the iron fan. These are places where tourists are keen to take photos, and they are very popular! Finally, I will share some dry goods for you. Because I just arrived at the Flame Mountain, I heard the peers say that the Flame Mountain can't fly the drone. It was hit down last year, and we are also shocked. But in the end, by asking the locals and actual combat, I would like to summarize the following. The Flame Mountain Scenic Area is definitely not flying. If it is flying, it must be stopped. If it is, it will be violently defeated. But the flame mountain can fly! ! The mountain behind the Flame Mountain and a mountain next to it form a canyon where you can take off successfully. But please be careful not to fly over the hill to the scenic spot. If the violation is broken, it should be deserved. Taking off in the back mountain, you can also enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Flame Mountain, and there are canyons to accompany, the scenery is more charming. So here we are dedicated to the most exclusive flame mountain aerial photography tips, we must pay attention!

Lanzhou-Dunhuang-Urumqi-Hami Trip

🚗🚗🚗Travel Route: Day 1: Vienna International Hotel (Wuwei Tianjing Shanghai City) → Dunhuang Jindian Family Apartment → Banxia B&B (Turpan Karez Paradise) → Ruby Elegant Hotel (Meimei MM2 Shopping Center Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum) → Kanas Bangjit RV Camp → Koktokay Shanshuijian B&B → Hami New Century Hotel → Jiayuguan Dynasty Hotel → Yunmeilv She Hotel Day 2: Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Day 3: Mogao Caves Day 4: Grape Valley → Bayanbulak Scenic Area Day 5: Bayanbulak Swan Lake Scenic Area Day 6: Nalati Tourist Scenic Area → Duku Highway Day 7: Kanas Scenic Area Day 8: Kanas Scenic Area Day 9: Koktokay Scenic Area Day 10: Tianshan Tianchi Lake Day 11: Jiayuguan Pass

Flaming Mountain Adventure: Explore the Fantasy World of Journey to the West.

🔥Flaming Mountain is located in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in China, known for its unique landform and high temperature. Here is a travel guide to Flaming Mountain Scenic Area: 🚘Transportation 👉From Turpan City: About 60 km away. You can take a train, bus, or tourist coach to get there. 👉Self-driving: Make sure your car has enough fuel, as there are few gas stations along the way. 🎫Tickets and Opening Hours⏰ 💰Ticket Price: CNY 90. ⏰Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. ✔️Tip: Buy tickets in advance to save time. ✅Tour Route ✔️Flaming Mountain Grand Canyon: Admire the unique red sandstone landform. ✔️The site of the story of Sun Wukong fighting the White Bone Demon: Visit the Thousand Buddha Caves west of Baigu Cave to learn about the Buddhist history and culture of Flaming Mountain. ✔️Taste local fruits: Grapes, Hami melons, etc. ✔️Flaming Mountain Geological Park Museum: Learn about the formation and geological features of Flaming Mountain. ⚠️Tips 👉Sun protection and hydration: Flaming Mountain is hot, especially in summer. Please take sun protection and hydration measures. 👉Respect local customs: Follow the rules of the scenic area and respect local ethnic customs. 👉Bring cash: For buying local specialties and emergencies. ✅Nearby Attractions 👉Turpan: Visit other attractions. 👉Grape Valley: Experience grape planting culture. 👉Gaochang Ancient City: Explore historical sites. 🔥We hope this guide will help you better explore Flaming Mountain Scenic Area. Have a nice trip!

Flaming Mountains Scenic Area travel route!

I just came back from Turpan last week, and I would like to share my travel route and tips. I chose a one-day tour for CNY 96, including transportation but excluding scenic area tickets. You can choose the attractions you want to visit. Itinerary/Attractions: 1) Flaming Mountains Scenic Area - Back Mountain of Flaming Mountains (Ticket: CNY 30) The filming location of Journey to the West. You can see the banana leaf fan thermometer outside the front mountain scenic area. I didn't buy a ticket to visit the scenic area. I just took some photos at the exit of the back mountain scenic area. I think the background on both sides of the road is more photogenic. 2) Tuyugou Mazha Village (Ticket: CNY 30) A mysterious and exotic Uyghur village with a history of thousands of years. The village is not big, so you can take a walk in the ancient alleys. 3) Lunch The driver recommended a local restaurant with affordable prices and good taste. The special cold noodles with yellow sauce are CNY 3 per plate, sour and delicious, and the lamb skewers are CNY 4 each. 4) Tuyugou Grand Canyon (Free to pass by the highway) 5) Kumtag Desert (Ticket: CNY 30, half price for Hunan residents) It is recommended to bring a pair of shoe covers. They are CNY 10 per pair at the entrance and CNY 15 in the scenic area. The desert in the scenic area is average. If you drive by yourself, you can go to a desert with fewer people and no tickets. It is recommended to bring a coat in the evening when the temperature drops.

10-day itinerary for Urumqi and other destinations.

Silver-haired travelers, enjoy a 10-day leisurely trip to Urumqi and other destinations, including Nalati Grassland, Bayinbulak Sunset, and Duku Highway. A well-planned itinerary not to be missed! -------------------- 🚗 Itinerary: DAY1-DAY2: Arrive in Urumqi, transfer to hotel. After breakfast the next day, head to S21 Desert Highway, pass by Ulungur Lake, visit Colorful Beach, and check in to a hotel in Burqin. DAY3-DAY4: Depart from Burqin, head to Kanas Scenic Area and check in. The next day, visit Shenxian Bay, Wolong Bay, and Moon Bay, then head to Hemu and check in. DAY5-DAY6: Get up early to watch the sunrise in Hemu, then head to Urho and check in. The next day, head to Karamay, visit Urho World Ghost City, and finally head to Shuanghe/Bole and check in. DAY7-DAY8: After breakfast, head to Sayram Lake, pass by Guozigou Bridge, and visit Lavender Garden (seasonal). Then head to Nalati/Xinyuan and check in. The next day, visit Nalati Grassland and Bayinbulak (depending on the condition of Duku Highway). DAY9: After breakfast, visit Duku Highway or Dushanzi Grand Canyon, then return to Urumqi and check in. DAY10: After breakfast in Urumqi, transfer to the airport according to your flight time, and end your pleasant journey! 🛫 -------------------- Some tips: 🥁 Specialty prices: Dried fruits such as walnuts and red dates are very affordable, perfect to take home~ ❄️ November climate: Urumqi starts to get cold, remember to wear more clothes to keep warm, don't catch a cold! 📸 Photo spots: Yuanjiao Building and Hongshan Park are definitely great places to take photos! 🎉 Customs: Experience Xinjiang song and dance, and enjoy the unique cultural atmosphere to make your trip more meaningful! -------------------- If you like Urumqi, don't forget to follow me for more exciting travel guides! 🌄✨

A highly recommended nighttime attraction in Turpan.

Before coming to Turpan, I had no idea this place existed. I only knew about the Flaming Mountains and the Grape Valley. But after arriving in Turpan, I saw Jiaohe Night being recommended everywhere while looking up travel guides. Seeing all the rave reviews online, I decided to check it out. To see the Jiaohe Night performance, you can only enter the scenic area after 8:30 pm. Seats are first come, first served. Since the performance doesn't start until 10 pm, you can explore the Jiaohe Ancient City before then. Coming at this time, the advantages of visiting at night are obvious. Although the lighting is a bit dim, the ruins of Jiaohe Ancient City have a unique charm under the setting sun. The temperature is also more comfortable at this time. As the hottest place in China, it's not very realistic to stay outdoors in Turpan for a long time during the day without any shade. The Jiaohe Night performance mainly features music played with Xinjiang instruments. Although I'm not very familiar with music, I could still feel the past prosperity and current desolation of this place during the performance. It's a great experience. 🏠 Jiaohe Ancient City 📍 Gaochang District, Turpan

Turpan Karez Folk Park | A water conservancy miracle from a thousand years ago.

|A water conservancy miracle from a thousand years ago. 🌱 Karez, one of the three ancient water conservancy projects in China, not only solved the irrigation problem in arid areas, but also turned the desert into an oasis, becoming a model of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Purely man-made. Melted snow from the Tianshan Mountains is channeled to Turpan to irrigate the vineyards. The melted snow is clear and warm! It's warm down in the well! The water here is drinkable. It's better than spring water! No wonder the local fruit is so delicious! Melted snow from the Tianshan Mountains is used for irrigation! It takes three generations to dig a well! The locals have great respect for the well diggers! You can enter any shop for free and be treated as a VIP! Because the wells are purely man-made, the hands and feet of the diggers are severely worn. They deserve respect! Turpan is full of vineyards! There is a karez irrigation system. The water and soil here are excellent. 🔍 Karez Source: The water source and origin of the karez (take the elevator to 50 meters underground) and experience the thousand-year dialogue between water and stone. 🏞️ Karez Folk Park: A tourist attraction that integrates sightseeing, shopping, and vacationing. There are not only physical displays of the karez, but also a folk street, a folk hotel, vineyards, and other rich tourism resources. 📚 Karez Museum: You can learn about the history, structure, and principles of the karez through vivid displays. There are also a large number of pictures, models, and physical displays to help you gain a deeper understanding of this ancient and magical water conservancy project. 🎟️ CNY 40/person, add CNY 100 for a professional guide, and learn about history and wisdom! 🚌 Public transport or self-driving is very convenient!

Xinjiang Travel Part 8: Drive the Most Beautiful Highway in Xinjiang—Tuhe Expressway.

Turpan, Xinjiang Korla, Bayingolin Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Kuqa, Aksu Prefecture Kashgar City, Kashgar Prefecture We drove from Urumqi to Turpan on the Lianhuo Expressway. The next day, we set off from Turpan, passing through Korla, Kuqa, and Aksu, and arrived in Kashgar on the afternoon of the fifth day. The journey from Turpan to Kashgar is nearly 1,400 km, and we drove on the Tuhe Expressway, known as the most beautiful highway in Xinjiang. The Tuhe Expressway is the only expressway connecting northern and southern Xinjiang. It is 1,931 km long and connects Turpan and Hotan. It is numbered G3012 in the Chinese expressway network. It runs south from Turpan, crosses the Tianshan Mountains, and runs along the southern slope of the Tianshan Mountains, passing through Korla, Kuqa, and Aksu to Kashgar. Along the way, we saw mysterious canyons, vast deserts, desolate Gobi, oasis treasures, simple ethnic customs, and ancient historical sites. We set off from Turpan and began to climb in altitude. Soon, we reached the first scenic spot on the Tuhe Expressway, which is also the most dangerous section. This section is called Gangu, a gorge across the Tianshan Mountains and the throat of the Tuhe Expressway. It is 102 km from Toksun County to Korla, of which 70 km is the Gangu section. As the name suggests, Gangu has no water, grass, or vegetation, and its bare landscape is intimidating. But we also saw amazing and shocking sights. The desolate and magnificent primitive landforms, the vertical mountains formed by fault extrusion covered by moving sand dunes, and the unique terrain make this section of the expressway difficult to build and dangerous. The speed limit is 60 km/h, so be sure to drive safely. After crossing the Tianshan Mountains, we entered southern Xinjiang, and the scenery of the Yanqi Basin was in full view. The Tianshan Mountains have abundant water resources, and the oases are dotted at the foot of the mountains. After passing through Korla, the view to the west opened up. To the north, we saw the endless Tianshan Mountains, Danxia landforms, deserts, and occasional snow-capped mountains. This scenery accompanied us for hundreds of kilometers until we reached Kashgar.

New Dap Hostel (in Grape Town) Recommendation

✨Hotel Highlights Lovely outdoor seating areas, and a cat and a dog! Perfect location. ♨️Amenities A beautifully decorated cafe is available as part of the hostel, as well as laundry and anything that you need. The staff spoke English and were so helpful! 🛁Room Environment Dormitory style room is spacious and airy. A big window looks out on to the backyard. There is a large bathroom inside the room. Also, wifi available in the room. 💗Guest Experience I had a lovely experience at this hostel. It brought all the design and cultural elements of Turpan in to the space. It was welcoming and bright. Seeing a cafe was a nice comfort and not to mention the lovely golden retriever who was so friendly and greeted me everytime I left or came back. There are many restaurants nearby and it's located within walking distance to Grape Valley. If I come to Turpan again, I will definitely stay here again ✨️🥰 #turpan #china #silkroad

Tuyuk Village, Turpan - where East meets West

I went to the local bus station to see if there were any buses in the direction of this area, as the taxi wad quite expensive. I ended up getting a shared private car-type transport which was overseen by the bus station. To my surprise, it was only 30 RMB! The driver made a special detour to drop me off at Tuyuk Village and then gave me his number to call him when I was done - what great service! On the drive there, we had a fabulous scenic view of the Flaming Mountains, which are mentioned in Journey to the West. A mystical and breathtaking landscape! Finally, arriving in Tuyuk Village area, I was blown away by the earthen architecture and housing right under the canyons there. It was surreal. It evoked feelings of Morocco, Sahara, Turkey and other desert dwelling cultures. The small village itself was down in the canyon and breathtaking to see from a high vantage point. The view of the Mosque against the rock and the mud buildings was gorgeous! . . . ✨️How to go: Taxi, private car or local bus from Turpan bus station (you have to ask the bus driver if they will drop you off at this location) ✨️Travel time: 1 hour ✨️Price: 30 RMB (off season) ✨️Time needed at site: 1-2 hours #turpan #china #silkroad

Long time in China as a first timer. Now exploring wonderful Turpan with its great neighbourhoods and beautiful sites. Was lucky to see the Emin Minaret today which stands tall over the Muslim village here. Even from outside the park you can see the great shapes and drawings on the minaret. Looking forward to explore more of the traditional villages around here! #100WaysOfTravel

Jiaohe Ancient City, a miraculous place that has stood for thousands of years. Stepping onto this ancient land, it's as if you can hear the echoes of history. The ruins tell tales of the past.

✨Jiaohe Ancient City, a miraculous place that has stood for thousands of years. Stepping onto this ancient land, it's as if you can hear the echoes of history. The ruins tell tales of the past, and the traces of time inspire awe. Stroll around and feel the charm of ancient civilization, with every stone bearing a story. The architecture here is unique and the layout is exquisite. Despite the vicissitudes of time, it still allows people to imagine the prosperity of the past. The sun shines on the ancient city walls, creating beautiful light and shadow, and every shot is a blockbuster. 💕 Visiting Jiaohe Ancient City is a dialogue with history and a baptism of the soul.

2 Full Day Itinerary in Turpan 🇨🇳

#traveldiaries When your a first timer in Xinjiang and Urumqi is your first stop then I can also recommend you to tie Turpan into your itinerary. It is so different from Urumqi where you will see green mountain. In Turpan, you will see a vast desert and massive sand mountains or rock mountains . Such a massive contrast which you will enjoy. Day 0- Arrival in Turpan, so we just chilled and we just wandered around where our hotel was. We went to the downtown bazaar, Antique and Turpan and ate local food. Nothing much that requires a lot of energy and time. Day 1- we rented a car and a driver to go to 5 places. 1. Flaming mountains- this is one of the top tourist spot if you search about what to see in Turpan 2. Bezeklik 1000 Buddha Caves- you will see caves of paintings and murals of Buddha here.. they are severely damaged which is quite sad. 3. Xinjiang Soil Art Museum- Wow, this stop was really our favorite and we spent so much time here. 4. Tuyuk Village- nestled in the middle of the desert , you will find a Uyghur village where apparently Islam started in China. 5. Gaochang Ruins- this is the biggest preserved ancient city ruins in Xinjiang. Remember, every tourist spot mentioned above has entrance fees. Fees range from 40-45 per person but there are scenic areas in which you may spend more for shuttle cars or for extra activities. Day 2- Rented a car again with a driver. These are our stops. 1. Emin Minerat (Sugong Tower) -the tower here is the oldest Islamic tower in Xinjiang. A really quiet places. There are tombs surrounding the mosques and the tower as well in different shapes. 2. Ancient tombs of Atsana- this is quite a sad place really. You will see a lot of holes in the ground which makes you realize that they are still digging up more mummies here. Some of the mummies that were dug up are displayed in Turpan Museum. 3. Karez Wells- this is such a fascinating visit. It will show you how determined the people to thrive by making a water underground channel just to live in this deserted and dry place. It is one of the 3 massive water projects in China. 4. Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins- wow! 🤩 coming to this place gave me goosebumps more than our visit in Gaochang Ruins. Jiaohe is the best preserved ancient city ruins in the world and seeing it in person is just surreal. 5. Houyun Valley- this place makes me feel like I went to Mars. The car and the driver rate is from around 250-500 depending on how many sites you want to visit in a day. Enjoy! #historicallandmarks #china #chinatrip #chinatravel #trip #tripblazers #xinjiang

Fiery Canyon in Turpan 🇨🇳

#traveldiaries I highly recommend to just wander around this canyon. It isn’t as famous as the other scenic spots in Turpan but I believe that it won’t take along time before this will get discovered by the masses. What a find and what an adventure. We came here by a rented car with a driver and he knows where in the canyon is great and safe for exploring . We explored more deep into the canyon for about 30 minutes and we figured we had to go back where the car is waiting for us so we could see more and explore more of this hidden gem. Ticket entrance: 40 rmb #trip #tripblazers #chinatrip #china #xinjiang #scenicspotguide

Ancient Tomb Visit in Turpan 🇨🇳

#traveldiaries After seeing all the mummies at the Turpan Museum, it is just very interesting to see where they were dug up. It is such a massive cemetery and they are not yet done with their project here. We only saw 3 tombs that were open to the public and some were still just a hole in the ground which is an indication that they are still in the process of digging up more. My visit there was interesting but at the same time, I felt so bad and sad. Ticket price: 40 rmb Length of visit: 30 minutes max. #xinjiang #chinatravel #chinatrip #trip #tripblazers #historicallandmarks Entrance fee:

A Glimpse of the Past in Turpan 🇨🇳

#traveldiaries This is the second largest museum in Turpan which displays a lot of different relics and artifacts from the past. A lot of things were dug up and unearthed that date back to Hand dynasty. One of the gut wrenching but at the same time interesting to see and learn are the corpses of some notable people with their things. There are apparently 5,000 artifacts that are in this museum. Free to enter. #wanderlust #landmark #museum #china #chinatrip #chinatravel #xinjiang

The Biggest Ancient City Ruins in Xinjiang 🇨🇳

#traveldiaries In the middle of the Gobi Desert lies the ancient city if Gaochang. This ancient city has been abandoned for about 1000 years ago but people nowadays can inky watch the remnants of how the city used to look like. It is really massive and I don’t recommend it walking around there , just go with a shuttle bus to take you to different interesting spot inside the city ruins. Tips: 1. Cover up and apply sun cream as there is no shade here at all. You’m surely get sunburnt if you’re not covered up. 2. Do not wander beyond the concrete roads as they are not sure if some areas are hallow underground so just stay on the concrete roads. 3. Bring water- so hot here and there are bo shops around so be sure to pack your self a bottle of water. Ticket price: 40 Length of Visit: 1 hour (since it is a guided trip with the shuttle bus and you’re together with the other tourists so you kind of just follow the majority. If most tourists are done in one area then it is time to head to the next stop. Enjoy 😊 #tripblazers #trip #tripmoments #china #chinatrip #xinjiang #historicallandmarks

Precious Artwork in the Middle of the Desert 🇨🇳

#traveldiaries This is Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves and it is one of the top tourist spot in Turpan. What can I say? Honestly, it is quite sad to see how severely damaged these precious painting and murals of different Buddhas. Though the paintings are mostly damaged you could still see and imagine how grand and beautiful they used to be. The location is beautiful nestled in the middle of the desert and a river. I have found a deeper appreciation to all three archeologists who have found this place and their efforts to still preserve what is left after everything was looted . Not all the caves are open just to set your expectations straight. Apparently, this cave represents the start of Buddhism in China. If you are in Turpan and if you have an extra time, I can recommend to visit this place. Length of visit: 30 minutes- 1 hour is enough Ticket price: 40 rmb. How to get there: we just rented a car and a driver for the entire day to visit different tourist spots in Turpan. The price depends in how long and how far are you going that day. Enjoy 😊 #historicallandmarks #scenicspotguide #china #chinatrip #chinatravel #xinjiang