Turpan

吐鲁番

A desert oasis city in eastern Xinjiang known as the hottest place in China, home to ancient Buddhist sites and the nearby ruins of Jiaohe and Gaochang. The region offers spectacular desert landscapes, underground qanat irrigation systems, and excellent local grapes and wine.

Things to do

• Jiaohe Ruins — Explore the remarkably preserved ancient city carved into a loess plateau, featuring Buddhist temples, residential quarters, and streets from the Tang Dynasty.
• Gaochang Ruins — Visit the extensive ruins of a Silk Road kingdom capital with visible city walls, gates, and temple foundations spread across the desert landscape.
• Emin Minaret — Climb this 15th-century brick minaret featuring intricate geometric patterns, the tallest minaret in China, located in Turpan city.
• Karez Wells Demonstration — Tour the ancient underground qanat irrigation system that brings cool water from mountains through tunnels to sustain oasis agriculture.
• Astana Tombs — Discover the underground burial complex with painted murals, mummies, and artifacts from the Gaochang Kingdom dating to the 6th-8th centuries.
• Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves — Walk through carved Buddhist cave temples with surviving frescoes and sculptures overlooking the Mutou River canyon.
• Turpan Grape Valley — Stroll through terraced vineyards and drying houses during harvest season to see how the region produces its famous seedless grapes.

Food to try

• Yangrou Paomo — A hearty stew of tender lamb, bread pieces, and broth seasoned with cumin and chili, reflecting Uyghur pastoral traditions.
• Turpan Seedless Grapes — Sweet, tender grapes dried in traditional stone structures or eaten fresh, a local specialty that has been cultivated for centuries.
• Naan (Uighur Flatbread) — Thick, crispy bread baked in traditional tandoor ovens, often topped with sesame seeds or nigella seeds, served at every meal.
• Uyghur Pilaf (Polow) — Fragrant rice cooked with meat, carrots, onions, and spices in a heavy-bottomed pot, a staple dish throughout the region.
• Turpan Wine — Local wine produced from the region's famous grapes, available at small wineries and vineyards throughout the valley.
• Laghman — Hand-pulled noodles served in a savory meat and vegetable sauce, a beloved Uyghur comfort food common in local restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Extreme Heat Preparation — Turpan is China's hottest city with summer temperatures exceeding 40°C; visit in spring or autumn and carry abundant water and sun protection.
• Ramadan Sensitivity — The region has a large Muslim population; respect prayer times, avoid eating or drinking in public during Ramadan, and dress modestly around religious sites.
• Uyghur Hospitality — Accept offered tea and fruit graciously as refusing hospitality is considered impolite; meals are communal affairs meant for sharing.
• Photography Etiquette — Always ask permission before photographing local people, particularly women, and avoid photographing government buildings or military installations.