Turpan

China

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Sunrise

5:23 AM

Sunset

6:45 PM

About

Turpan, located in the Xinjiang region of China, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Known for its unique Uyghur culture, ancient ruins, and stunning natural landscapes, Turpan offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the rich history of the Silk Road. From the famous Flaming Mountains to the ancient city of Jiaohe, Turpan is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic and unforgettable experience.

30 Best Places to Visit

1. Jiaohe Ancient City

An intact ancient city with a history of over 2,000 years, showcasing the cultural heritage of the former Western Regions.
2. Grape Valley

A beautiful scenic area with over 13,000 acres of grape vines, showcasing the area's thriving viticulture.
3. Karez Irrigation System

An ingenious underground water system that has been providing water to the city for over 2,000 years.
4. Emin Minaret

A towering Islamic architecture masterpiece standing at 44 meters high, showcasing a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic styles.
5. Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

A stunning network of caves with more than 77,000 square meters of beautiful murals.
6. Flame Mountain

A geological marvel with a distinctive red color and a landscape that resembles flames, an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts.
7. Astana Tombs

An ancient burial site that holds over 1,000 tombs, offers a unique glimpse into the area's ancient past.
8. Turpan Museum

An excellent museum showcasing the history and culture of the city, including exhibits on the Silk Road and the unique Karez irrigation system.
9. Gaochang Ancient City

Another ancient city that dates back to the 1st century BC, offering visitors a glimpse into Turpan's ancient past.
10. Tuyuk Valley

A beautiful valley with a backdrop of towering sand dunes, offers an arid landscape that is a delight to explore.
11. Flaming Mountains, Gaochang Ruins and Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves Day Tour

A guided tour that takes visitors on a journey through the most famous landmarks of Turpan.
12. Sun Island

A charming island with a beautiful garden and lake is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the stunning scenery.
13. Sugong Pagoda

A unique pagoda in the city center, showcasing the history of Islam in China.
14. Ancient City of Jiaohe and Karez Irrigation System Day Tour

A guided tour that takes visitors through the ancient city of Jiaohe and showcases the ingenuity of the Karez irrigation system.
15. Sanjiadian Scenic Area

A natural scenic area with stunning views of the mountains, making it an ideal hiking destination.
16. Dabancheng Wind Power Site

One of the largest wind power stations in China, showcasing the country's commitment to renewable energy.
17. Tuyugou Valley

A beautiful valley with fresh springs and an oasis at its center, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
18. Jiaohe Ruins and Karez System Private Tour

A private tour that takes visitors through the ancient city of Jiaohe and showcases the unique Karez irrigation system.
19. Turpan Grottoes

Intriguing Buddhist grottoes with stunning murals showcasing the cultural blend of different ethnicities in ancient China.
20. Gaochang Ruins

A sprawling complex of ruins that offer a glimpse into the life and culture of the ancient kingdoms that once thrived in Turpan.
21. Grape Harvest Tour

A unique opportunity for visitors to pick and taste sweet grapes fresh from the vineyards.
22. The Tuyugou Karez Museum

A fascinating museum dedicated to the ingenious Karez irrigation system.
23. Turpan Day Tour

An all-inclusive day tour that showcases all of the city's major attractions including the Karez Irrigation system, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, and Gaochang Ruins.
24. Turpan Night Market

A lively market with a vast array of local street foods and souvenirs that offers a unique glimpse into the city's life and culture.
25. The Silk Road Museum of Turpan

An excellent museum showcasing the region's history of the 'Silk Road' under different cultural backgrounds.
26. Turpan Desert Botanical Garden

A beautiful garden that showcases over 1.5 million desert plants, including rare and endangered species.
27. Turpan East Railway Station

A unique station carved out of a mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
28. Turpan Grand Mosque

A beautiful mosque that showcases the unique cultural blend of Islamic architecture with Chinese influences.
29. Yadan Geopark

A unique landscape of red sandstones in geological formations, shaped by the wind and rain over thousands of years.
30. Turpan Erotic Palace Ruins

An ancient palace that showcases the vivid depictions of sexual acts carved on the walls, offering a glimpse into the ancient city's ancient life and culture.