[2025 Turpan Attraction] Travel Guide for Flaming Mountain Scenic Spot (Updated Jul)

#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 .

Stepping onto the land of Turpan, I embarked on a wondrous journey filled with surprises and awe. The Flaming Mountains, a spectacular sight, marked the beginning of this adventure. Under the scorching summer sun, the entire mountain range seemed ablaze, its red sandstone glowing intensely. Waves of heat rolled in, evoking the arduous journey of the Tang Monk and his disciples in the classic novel *Journey to the West*. The unique and breathtaking Yardang landforms, like a natural painting, showcased the magnificence and grandeur of nature. Entering Grape Valley felt like stepping into a cool, green paradise. Intertwined grapevines formed a canopy, with bunches of plump grapes hanging down, purple like agate, green like jade. Plucking one at random, the sweet juice burst on my tongue, filled with the joy of harvest. Here, I also experienced the folk customs of the Uyghur people, enjoying lively dances, savoring delicious naan bread and hand-pulled rice, and immersing myself in the unique charm of their culture. Jiaohe Ruins and Gaochang Ruins are steeped in history. Standing among the ruins of Jiaohe, I felt the weight of over two thousand years. This city, dug downwards from the ground, boasts a well-organized layout, with remnants of government offices, residences, and temples scattered throughout. Despite weathering and erosion, it still exudes the prosperity and bustle of its past. The grand Gaochang Ruins, with its city walls, Buddhist temples, and Khan's castle, bear witness to the glory of the ancient kingdom. Strolling through the ruins, I could almost hear the echo of ancient camel bells. The Karez Wells embody the wisdom of the ancients. In this arid land, the Karez system, comprising vertical shafts, underground channels, open channels, and reservoirs, ingeniously diverts snowmelt from the Tianshan Mountains into the oasis, nourishing all life in Turpan. Walking along the Karez, I imagined the hardships faced by those who built it, and felt a deep respect for their ingenuity. Turpan's cuisine is not to be missed. The aroma of grilled meat on skewers filled the air, as tender lamb sizzled over charcoal. The Nang Pit Meat, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, was a delight. And then there's the sweet grape and rice pilaf, the spicy and sour cold noodles, each bite a unique taste of Xinjiang. Travel Guide: • Transportation: Chartering a car or self-driving is recommended for convenient and flexible travel between attractions. • Itinerary: For a comprehensive experience, plan a 3-5 day in-depth tour. If time is limited, a 1-2 day highlights tour can still capture Turpan's essence. • Food Recommendations: In addition to the dishes mentioned above, try the Guanzi Lamb, steamed stuffed buns, and yogurt dumplings. • Precautions: Turpan's summers are hot, so take precautions against heatstroke. Bring sunscreen, hats, and other sun protection. Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Check the opening hours and ticket information for each attraction in advance to avoid delays.

🌡️ Things to know before you go ❤️ - Best season: April-May (apricot blossoms), September-October (grape harvest), avoid the extremely high temperatures (45℃+) in July-August. - Dressing Guide: - Summer: sun protection clothing + wide-brimmed hat + sunglasses (the ground temperature is enough to fry an egg). - Spring and Autumn: Light coat + anti-wind and sand scarf. - Cultural Tips: Respect Uyghur customs and do not make noise in the mosque. ✨ --- 🚗 Transportation options - Big traffic: - ✈️ Plane: Urumqi→Turpan (1 hour), or train (1.5 hours). - 🚗 Self-driving: Take G30 Lianhuo Expressway from Urumqi (about 3 hours). - Local transportation: charter car (about 400-600 yuan/day) or taxi. The scenic spots are scattered and public transportation is inconvenient. --- 📜 3 days 2 nights Highlights Route ✌🏻️ Day 1: Huoyan Mountain + Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves + Grape Valley - 09:00 Huoyan Mountain (check in at the surface thermometer, ride a camel and take photos). - 💡 Summer vacation tips: Go early in the morning or in the evening, and go to the "Flame Mountain Grand Canyon" at noon instead. - 12:00 Lunch: Kuoshimakala baked buns (crispy skin and fragrant meat). - 14:00 Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (Buddhist murals from the Tang Dynasty, remnants of Western Region art). - 17:00 Grape Valley (Afanti’s former residence + Folk Village, picking seedless white grapes). - 20:00 Check in to Grape Valley B&B or return to the city. Day 2: Jiaohe Ancient City + Karez + Tuyugou - 09:00 Jiaohe Ancient City (the world's largest earthen site, looks like a battleship from aerial photography). - 12:00 Lunch: Sulaiman noodles (fried noodles with kava drink). - 14:00 Karez Paradise (underground Great Wall, experience the 20℃ cool underground canal). - 17:00 Tuyugou Mazar Village (2,600-year-old yellow clay ancient village, a holy place for photography). - 20:00 Return to the city to visit the "night market" (recommended: roasted whole lamb, yogurt rice dumplings). Day 3: Gaochang Ancient City + Ayding Lake (optional) - 09:00 Gaochang Ancient City (where Xuanzang preached, more spacious than Jiaohe). - 12:00 Lunch: Alikaimu pilaf (the lamb leg pilaf is super delicious). - 14:00 Optional: - Aiding Lake (the lowest point on land in China, -154 meters). - Or Turpan Museum (Mummy Exhibition Hall + Giant Rhinoceros Fossil). --- 🍇 Must-eat food list | Food | Recommended Shops | Highlights | |----------------|---------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Grapes/Cantaloupe | Grape Valley Farmhouse | Pick and eat right after, so sweet! | | Baked buns | Kuoshimakala | Crispy skin + mutton fat and fragrant juice | | Big plate chicken | Fuai Night Market | Served with belt noodles to soak up the broth | | Yogurt Zongzi | Street cart | Cool, sweet and sour to relieve the heat | --- 🏨 Accommodation recommendations - In Grape Valley: "Anarguli B&B" (starry sky room under the grape trellis). - Comfortable in the city: "Turpan Huozhou Hotel" (powerful air conditioning and convenient transportation). - Special experience: "Tuyugou Village B&B" (earthen bed room + Uyghur home visit). --- ⚠️ Pitfall avoidance guide 1. Heatstroke prevention: Try to visit indoor attractions (such as museums and karez) from 10:00 to 18:00. 2. Shopping: It is cheaper to buy raisins in Shanshan County and avoid the vendors in the scenic area. 3. Tickets: It is more cost-effective to buy a "combination ticket" (including 5 attractions such as Jiaohe and Karez). 4. Taking photos: The light in Maza Village is soft in the afternoon, and there are few people in Huoyan Mountain in the morning. --- 📸 The filming location you can’t miss - A bird's-eye view of the "Big Buddha Temple Ruins" in Jiaohe Ancient City. - Tuyugou "Mosque + Earth Building Complex". - Grape Valley "Century-old Vine Tunnel". --- ✨ Final Tips: Turpan is a "sweet miracle born from an extreme environment" - be in awe of nature during the day and feast on delicious food at night. Remember to bring enough 512G memory cards! ☪️☪️

Turpan is a must-see on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road👏. It used to be a super important place for cultural, religious, and commercial exchanges between the East and West🥳, witnessing countless caravans coming and going, a truly prosperous scene👍! Turpan is a feast for the eyes, with its vast expanse of golden hues😜. Here you'll find expansive deserts🌵, the scorching Flaming Mountains🔥, and ancient villages🏡. It's a tourist destination that's definitely worth checking out🎉! 🎈Our one-day chartered tour route: From your hotel near Turpan North Railway Station➡️directly to the Flaming Mountains➡️then to the Thousand Buddha Caves (Wanfo Palace) at the back of the mountain➡️next, to Tuyugou Mazar Village➡️finally, to the Kumtag Desert➡️and then back to your hotel. A perfectly planned itinerary😜! · 👀Here are some must-see attractions: · 🌟Flaming Mountains: A legendary stop on the pilgrimage in Journey to the West😜, and also the hottest place in China🌋! Here you can see the unique red landforms, and there are many Journey to the West-themed sculptures in the square. It's truly unique😎. 🌟Thousand Buddha Caves (Wanfo Palace): This has been a sacred Buddhist site since ancient times🙏, and was once the location of the royal temple of the ancient Qocho Uyghur Kingdom. The palace is home to many caves, each adorned with exquisite murals and sculptures, vividly depicting the origin, development, and spread of Buddhism. It's fascinating🤩. · 🌟Tuyugou Mazar Village: The oldest existing Uyghur village in Xinjiang, with a history of over 2,600 years, it's known as the "China's First Earthen Village"😃. Here, you can rent traditional Central Asian clothing👗and take photos around the village. Your pictures will definitely light up your social media📷! · 🌟Kumtag Desert: One of the few deserts in the world located so close to a city🏜. Here you can enjoy views of the oasis and the city, and experience activities like sand sliding and off-road driving🏄‍♀️. · 👉Turpan's fruits are famously delicious, with Hami melons🍈everywhere, just CNY 5 for a whole one❗ It's so convenient to charter a car with a friend, with complete freedom to explore at your own pace. What a treat😜! ·

Urumqi travel guide is here! Spend two days exploring this beautiful city, discovering unique scenery and delicious food. Save this guide now! . 🚩 Itinerary Overview: Day 1: Karez Paradise - Jiaohe Ancient City - Jiaohe Ancient Village - Sugong Pagoda - Turpan Flaming Mountains Scenic Area - Grape Valley Travel through history, from the ancient Karez to the ruins of Jiaohe Ancient City, then uncover the stories of Jiaohe Ancient Village and Sugong Pagoda, and finally experience the grandeur of Turpan Flaming Mountains and the sweetness of Grape Valley. Day 2: Turpan Museum - Kumtag Desert Gain a deeper understanding of Turpan's history and culture, with secrets from thousands of years ago hidden in the museum. Then, set foot on the Kumtag Desert and feel the vastness and mystery of the desert. . Must-Visit Attractions: 🌟 Grape Valley 🌟🌟 Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Northeast of the intersection of Jingxin Expressway and Z474, Gaochang District, Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Opening Hours: 09:30-19:30 Duration: 3 hours A paradise on earth, known as the kingdom of grapes, with lush greenery and the fragrance of fruits everywhere, making it hard to leave. 🌟 Kumtag Desert 🌟🌟 Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: No. 999, Gongyuan Road, Shanshan County, Turpan Opening Hours: Nov 1, 2024 - Apr 30, 2025, 09:30-19:00 Duration: 2-3 hours The park is bustling with people, and you can get up close to the grandeur and mystery of the moving sand dunes. 🌟 Jiaohe Ancient City 🌟🌟 Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 6 km west of Yal Township, Gaochang District, Turpan Opening Hours: 09:30-19:00 Duration: 3 hours This place witnessed the prosperity of the ancient capital, with every piece of yellow ruins telling the story of history's accumulation and vicissitudes. 🌟 Karez Paradise 🌟🌟 Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Yal Village, Yal Town, Gaochang District, Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Opening Hours: 10:00-18:30 Duration: 1 day In the Gobi oasis, the miracle of ancient water conservancy projects awaits your exploration, with the unique scenery of vertical wells and underground canals on full display. 🌟 Turpan Museum 🌟🌟 Recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: No. 1268, Munaer Road, Gaochang District, Turpan Opening Hours: Tue-Sun, 10:00-18:30; Closed on Mondays Duration: 2-3 hours The museum houses over 5,000 cultural relics, each a testament to history, showcasing Turpan's rich cultural heritage. . Travel Essentials: 👗 Clothing: Bring a down jacket and thick coat, as Urumqi is very cold in January, and staying warm is a top priority. Also, wearing comfortable shoes is important, as you'll be walking a lot. 🎒 Backpack: Prepare a lightweight backpack to carry your water bottle, snacks, and personal documents and small items. 📷 Photography Equipment: A camera is a must when visiting Urumqi! The scenery here is so beautiful, you can't miss capturing it. Don't forget to bring spare batteries and memory cards. 💳 Documents and Finances: Bring your ID card, cash, and bank cards. Safety is paramount when traveling, and financial security is also important. 💊 Common Medications: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, and other common medications for emergencies. Health is a top priority in unfamiliar places. 🎩 Sun Protection and Skincare: The sun in Urumqi is strong, so sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential. Protect your skin to have more fun. . Explore the beauty of Urumqi! Don't hesitate, pack your bags, and start your Urumqi journey now!

#ChinaTravel #Turpan #FlamingMountainBackMountain The back mountain of the Flaming Mountain is characterized by a barren yet gorgeous valley terrain that has a different charm from the front. The scenery of red cracked land and smooth cliffs looks like a work of art created by nature. Even in the barren environment, the intense colors and unique terrain stand out, and the valley that turns red at sunset is breathtakingly beautiful. It provides an impressive experience for explorers as they can feel the majesty of nature up close. It is convenient to travel by car, but be sure to prepare water and dustproof equipment when visiting. The back mountain is an amazing place that shows another side of the Flaming Mountain, so be sure to stop by... It is on the way to Cheonbuldong, so if you rent a car and travel, be sure to ask them to stop by.

Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi 5-Day Tour: Enjoy the beautiful scenery without getting lost! This super detailed guide will help you explore the beauty of Tianchi with ease. Save it now! . Route Suggestions: DAY 1: 🛬 Arrive in Urumqi, enjoy free shared airport transfer, and enjoy free time. Summary: Arrive in Urumqi on the first day, enjoy free time, and get used to the environment. DAY 2: 🏞️ Tianshan Tianchi -> Bogda Peak -> Dinghai Shenzhen Summary: Visit the beautiful scenery of Tianshan Tianchi, admire the magnificent Bogda Peak, and explore the magic of Dinghai Shenzhen. DAY 3: 🌲 Keketohai Scenic Area Summary: Spend the whole day in Keketohai and enjoy the wonders of nature. DAY 4: 🐎 Nanshan Pasture -> Wulastai Grassland -> Urumqi Tianshan Grand Canyon -> Turpan Flaming Mountain Scenic Area Summary: Experience the charm of Nanshan Pasture, stroll through Wulastai Grassland, explore Tianshan Grand Canyon, and feel the heat of Flaming Mountain. DAY 5: 🏠 Urumqi - Home Sweet Home Summary: End the pleasant journey and return home with fond memories. . Travel Essentials: 🎒 Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi Packing List 👚 Clothing: Urumqi is cold in December, so remember to bring a down jacket, thick sweater, and thermal underwear. Choose non-slip and warm shoes so you won't slip on the snow. 🎫 Documents: ID card, student ID (discount available), cash, and bank card. Don't forget to bring them, as you'll need them to buy tickets and book accommodation. 📸 Accessories: Charge your phone and camera, and bring a power bank. You'll want to take lots of photos of the beautiful scenery of Tianshan. Also, bring moisturizer and lip balm to protect your skin from the dry weather. Hat, scarf, and gloves will keep you warm and stylish. Let's go! . Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi: Enjoy the beautiful scenery and don't forget to leave your footprints and memories! ✨

Turpan is a world-famous tourist city located in the central part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is an olive-shaped mountain basin running east-west in the eastern part of Tianshan Mountains. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides and has a typical continental warm temperate desert climate. It is rich in heat but extremely dry, with scarce rainfall and frequent strong winds. These factors work together to make Turpan the place with the highest summer temperature in my country. The extreme high temperatures in Turpan not only affect the lives of local residents, but also attract many tourists to experience the unique climate of the "Fire Continent". Despite the extreme climate, Turpan's specialties such as grapes and Hami melons are also famous for their unique growing environment. We arrived in Turpan on June 9th and first came to the Huoyan Mountain Scenic Area. The first feeling after getting off the car was the heat wave. The heat was unbearable. After visiting the main attractions, I was sweating profusely and my clothes were soaked. So I quickly got on the car and headed straight for Karez and Grape Valley. As the saying goes, the land and water nurture the people. Karez is an underground water conservancy project created by the working people in arid areas during the long historical development. The groundwater drawn from the karez turns the desert into an oasis, which was called "well channel" in ancient times. The main working principle of the karez is that people use the natural slope of the mountain to bring the large amount of rainwater, glacier and snowmelt that seeps into the ground in spring and summer to the surface for irrigation, so as to meet the production and living water needs in the desert area. The Turpan Grape Valley Scenic Area is located 11 kilometers northeast of Turpan City in Xinjiang. It is about 8 kilometers long from north to south and about 2 kilometers wide from east to west. It is a canyon under the Flaming Mountain and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The Grape Valley is long, narrow and gentle. On the west bank of the valley, there are cliffs that are steep and look like a barrier. The Grape Valley is surrounded by dense poplar forests, dotted with flowers, plants and fruit trees, and farmhouses are neatly arranged on the gentle slopes on both sides of the ditch. High-quality grapes are produced in abundance here. Visitors can either stroll under the grape trellises and look up to admire the pearl-like grapes, or sit under the trellises to taste fresh grapes. It's a pity that the trip was not timed right and the grapes were not yet ripe, so we were unable to taste the delicious grapes from Grape Valley.

Turpan is famous for the Flaming Mountains, which are well-known from the story of Journey to the West. The temperature of the Flaming Mountains is very high, with the highest recorded surface temperature reaching over 80 degrees. A huge Golden Cudgel thermometer stands in the scenic area, where people take photos and leave memories. The red mountains and red soil are also a beautiful landscape. One of China's four major water conservancy projects, the Karez Well, has indeed taught me a lot of knowledge. It makes me sigh, you live and learn! The Chinese civilization has a history of five thousand years, and the most intelligent people are the Chinese! Are the grapes in Turpan ripe? Not yet, they are still green. Regardless of being a Bayi master or a Bayi lady, everyone happily tasted the raisins. In the evening, take a stroll in the old night market in Hotan. Remember, it opens at 8:00 PM and it's very lively! Here you can taste delicacies from various places, and there are so many Xinjiang specialties, especially the lamb skewers! Eating in Xinjiang, Yakexi

🌈Scenic spot features: The heat and dryness of Huoyan Mountain 🥵is due to its unique geographical environment. Huoyan Mountain is located in a branch of Tianshan Mountain and was formed during the Himalayan orogeny 50 to 60 million years ago. Countless fold belts and natural wind erosion and rain have formed the undulating mountains and crisscrossing gullies of the Huoyan Mountain, making this place dry all year round with plenty of sunshine, becoming the extremely hot Huoyan Mountain. The unique geographical environment makes Huoyan Mountain synonymous with drought and heat. The mysterious place of 🔥Huoyan Mountain🔥: the unique natural geographical conditions create a hot and dry wonder 🪨🪨 Huoyan Mountain, one of the branches of Tianshan Mountain, has a unique geological history that has created the undulating mountains and gullies of Kiziltag. The main peak of Huoyan Mountain here, Qinglongzui, is 831.7 meters above sea level. The highest temperature in summer can reach 47.8°C, and the highest surface temperature can reach ☄️☄️82.3°C. The three sets of red strata of Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleogene and Neogene form the unique landscape of Huoyan Mountain. The red alluvial fan skirt in front of the foothills forms a sharp contrast with the arid environment at the front edge of the fan skirt. Huoyan Mountain is one of the hottest places in China. Its hot and dry unique natural geographical conditions make it an important stop on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road. Such a Flaming Mountain is fascinating and full of mystery, waiting for you to explore! 🎟️Ticket information: Adult ticket price: 38 yuan Senior citizen ticket 🧓➕student ticket 🧑‍🎓both 20 yuan A group purchase of five people costs a total of 45 yuan. The above are all discounted. 🕐️Scenic area opening hours: 9:00-19:30 (January 1st-December 31st) 💗Other tips: 1️⃣Dear babies, please be sure to protect yourself from the sun 2️⃣ Don’t go at noon because it’s too hot 3️⃣Don’t eat too much hot food because of greed

❤Recommended Reason: The Flaming Mountains Grand Scenic Area in Turpan is composed of three sets of red strata from the Jurassic, Cretaceous, Tertiary, and Quaternary periods, with the colors dominated by orange-red and brown-red sandstone and mudstone. It is referred to as the 'Mountain of Fiery Flames' in the 'Classic of Mountains and Seas' and called 'Kezil Tak' in Uighur, meaning 'Red Mountain'. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, it was also known as 'Chishishan'. In the hot summer, the exposed surface layer can reach temperatures of up to 75°C under the baking sun. Those who have watched 'Running Man' might remember, as one of the episodes was set in the Flaming Mountains, which is a larger and relatively earlier developed grand scenic spot. 📍Detailed Address: Turpan, Gaochang District, Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, on National Highway 312 🚗Travel Strategy: Self-driving 🕙Opening Hours: 9:30-19:30 💰Ticket Price: 40 yuan 🌟Highlights: The thermometer of the Monkey King's golden cudgel ⏳Tour Route: The overall area is quite large, with many facilities and sculptural figures. After entering through the entrance, you pass through a large square to enter the exhibition hall; the exhibition hall is very beautiful and grand, allowing for leisurely appreciation. In the middle of the exhibition hall is an open-air small square, with a golden cudgel standing in the center, where tourists are checking in and taking photos! Outside the exhibition hall, there are various scenes and character sculptures from 'Journey to the West' 🐵 📌Little Tips: There are currently two scenic areas for the Flaming Mountains, adjacent to each other, each charging separate admission fees. The two viewing spots are roughly similar, so if you're short on time, visiting one is enough! The golden cudgel thermometer is located in the newly developed scenic area outside, while the grand scenic area is a bit further back!

●Turpan city, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China; ●One of the "Four Great Classics" of China: Also featured in "Journey to the West"; ●The most famous tourist spot in Turpan city; ●A main road that once led to the Northern Silk Road; ●Driving is required, so sightseeing in the morning is recommended; The Flaming Mountains of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China are one of the most famous tourist spots in the area. The main peak, "Qinglongzui", is 831.7 meters above sea level. This is the hottest place in China, and although there is no fire, the highest summer temperature recorded is 47.8°C. The highest surface temperature recorded is also 82.3°C. It really looks like the fire is burning. The origin of the Flaming Mountains is written in "Journey to the West", one of the "Four Great Classics", as follows: Sun Wukong went to the heavens in search of the elixir of immortality, but the fragments of the Eight-sealed Furnace in which he was trapped fell from the heavens to the earth, resulting in the Flaming Mountains. Regarding transportation, you will need to drive to the tourist spots. If you don't have a driver's license, we recommend a bus tour. Also, the temperature here is already around 35 degrees even at around 7am, so we recommend sightseeing in the morning. It's a good idea to stay hydrated.

Getting There - 2 hour drive from Urumqi Attractions - oldest village, ruins of ancient town Hotels - don’t stay overnight Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

Flaming Mountain, Turpan, Searching for Princess Iron Fan, The Journey of Sun Wukong. turpan flame mountain

XinjiangFlame Mountain | Lonely planet picking the moon "The moon is deformed, no more shots, it must be flat" "Oh." The second set of photos taken on birthday / Hh/ 10 o'clock in the evening, hitting the texture gully of the Flame Mountain, every minute is wonderfully changed. Many times we are choosing and preferring. Abandoned the Kumutage Desert, the summer of the 40-degree Flame Mountain, fulfilled the lonely planet I wanted. Address: On the road from the Flame Mountain Scenic Area to the Mazha Village in Tuyugou, there is a deserted land on the left hand side. There is no one in sight, the background is the Flame Mountain. Do not enter the scenic spot crowd, enjoy a quiet lonely planet