Turpan is one of the important city along Silk Road, located in Xinjiang. It is quite a unique city which is located in the Turpan Basin at the depth of 154 m below sea level, surrounded by deserts and mountains. Turpan is also the hottest city in China and also the driest places in the world. These are the top 6 attractions to see in Turpan.
1. Journey to the West – Flaming Mountains 西游记火焰山
There is a world largest thermometer which is also Monkey King’s weapon – Ruyi Jingu Bang at the museum in Flaming Mountain. Check this out as it is still a working thermometer. If you come in summer, the heat can go up to 80’c. Please be prepared.
2. Emin Minaret
The Emin Minaret is a blending Uyghur architecture and history with Islamic traditions. The tower is made of wood, mud and brick and also the tallest minaret in Xinjiang. Plenty of photo opportunities from all angles.
3. Turpan Grape Valley 吐鲁番葡萄沟
Grape Valley is located on the west side of Flaming Mountain. So you can come here after visiting Flaming Mountain. You can taste the grapes during the harvest season in August, pick the right time to visit.
4. Experience Uyghur Culture & Raisin Tasting at Uyghur village in Turpan
Uyghurs are one of the minority group in China out of the 56 groups. However there are very big population of Uyghur in Xinjiang. You will be dazzled by the bright colours of their traditional dresses and decoration of the Uyghur home.
5. Karez Irrigation System
You get to see how smart the ancient people invented the irrigation system back 2000 years ago and turning parts of this hot desert into lush greenery.
6. Jiaohe Ruins
Jiaohe Ruins is one of the important archaeological site in Yarnaz Valley, 10 km west of Turpan in Xinjiang China. The ruins are located along the Silk Road and best preserved ancient city in the world, a Unesco World Heritage Site. If you are in Xinjiang, this would be the number ONE must visit place! You can do Karez Well and Jiaohe as both are located nearby at the west of Turpan.
Where I stay : Turpan Hotel Review : Maxirap le Grand Large Hotel & Food Review
Maxirap le Grand Large Hotel is located outskirt of Turpan City. There is no interesting shops to visit if you want to walk around at night as the hotel is only surrounded by big vineyards. The facilities of the hotel is moderate and not luxury, be mentally prepared. The Uyghur dinner at the hotel was delicious and interesting especially the moment the whole roasted lamb was pushed into our room by the Uyghur ladies. Click the link above to check out the food review too.
Final tips :
Flaming Mountain and Jiaohe Ruins are super hot if you explore in the summer. You may want to do these places early in the morning to avoid the heat.
20 comments
Everything looks so beautiful! I would love to spend some days there. Thanks for the tips and the beautiful pics!
Jiaohe Ruins looks amazing! I think that would be my #1 spot to stop!
Xinjiang is gorgeous. I will had it to my bucket list, really enjoyed your pictures.
I Need to get to this area, that’s for sure. I love all your photos. That hotel looks incredible.
It looks like a great place to explore. I would have loved to tasted the grapes at the vineyard.
Wow I’ve never heard much about Turpan but it looks stunning. I would love to travel there.
This trip looks divine! It’s definitely on my bucket list now!
Wow what a dream! I want to visit! I will make sure to not do so in the winter because of your tip!
Wow this looks like an amazing place. Thanks for sharing some cool things to see!
Oh wow, I am so intrigued by the thermometer. I love to travel and explore the “world’s best” or “world’s biggest” etc. It’s such a great lesson that we can learn so much from getting outside of our own little city.
Dear itscarlidarlin,
The worlds biggest thermometer is actually the weapon used for the monkey king in the classic Chinese novel of “Journey to the West”. 🙂
The place looks so great. Such great captures I must say that and your description is lovely.
What’s the closest airport? Looks like the weather was hot? Looks like a very interesting place.
Dear Devyani,
The closest airport is Turpan Jiaohe Airport, serving domestic flight. The airport is named after the famous ruin called Jiaohe Ruin. We took high speed train from Gansu Liuyuan to Turpan station. You can also take flight to Urumqi Diwopu Airport and take a bus to Turpan, about 3 hours ride.
I love learning about new places that I’ve never heard of! Looks like a great one.
Seems like a hot place to visit here. You have a great list here, this will be a good source for travelers!
Dear Norbis,
Turpan is the hottest place in China and in summer, the temperature can go up to 80’c. That’s pretty scary and the local will sleep at the rooftop instead of inside their house during summer. They have their bed at the rooftop but I didnt get to experience that. I am sure its going to be a fun experience to sleep outdoor.
Thank you so much for writing this post. This is such a great resource for anyone visiting. I love reading blog post about top places to visit. Great Post!
I love exploring ruins in foreign countries. I am so excited to see what China has to offer when travelling there next month.
Wow so many great sits to visit in Turpan. I’d love to check out Flaming Mountain and Jiaohe Ruins…they sound incredible!