Turpan China

Another stop of the Silk Road tours is Turpan. Turpan, is located on the east of Xinjiang, is called “The Oasis of the Desert”. Three months in a year, the temperature here exceeds 40 degree Celsius. It is the hottest spot in China during summer.

Bezekelik Buddha Caves

Bezekelik Buddha Caves are found on the cliffs of the Mutuogou Valley in the Flaming Mountain, 50km east of Turpan.

Ancient City of Gaochang

Ancient city of Gaochang is 40km southeast of the city of Turpan. It was once the political, economic and cultural center of northwest China and a key point on the Ancient Silk Road. The famous Tang dynasty Buddhist monk Xuanzang stayed in Gaochang for a month on his way to India to fetch Buddhist scriptures.

The Karez

The Karez is an underground irrigation system that was constructed over 2000 years ago and is considered one of the greatest engineering achievements of ancient China along with the Great Wall and Grand Canal.

Emin Minarete

Emin Minarete or Sugong Pagoda, 3km east of central Turpan is an architectural attraction. Construction of this religious tower and mosque complex began in 1777 at the request of the then ruler of Turpan Emin Khoja.

Flaming Mountain

Flaming Mountain rises to a height of 500 meters in the central north of the Turpan Basin. It is 100km in width under the scorching sun. It’s red sandstone slope looks hot and fiery like burning fire hence its name. It is one of the world hottest mountain area. Summer temperature could reach as high as 50 celcius!

Grape Valley

Grape Valley located on the western face of the Flaming mountain. Despite the sweltering summer heat that hits Turpan, this 8km long valley remains cool and humid.