Turpan Travel Guide

Turpan is located between 4215' - 4335' north latitude and 8829' - 8954' east longitude; lies in the Turpan Basin at the southern foot of the Tianshan Range in the eastern part of Xinjang. The occupation of this city is 69,700 sq km,  it is a key point on the ancient silk road. The neighboring areas is Gansu province, Qinghai province, and Tibet Autonomous Region.

There are Mt. Bogda, Mt. Karawuquntag, Mt. Jueluotag and Mt. Kumtag surrounded Turpan city in four directions respectively. The major nationalities in this city is Han, Hui and Uygur.

It was called "Gushi" in ancient time and gained its current name "Turpan" in the Ming Dynasty. It means " fertile land". Despite of its general hash weather condition, Turpan is internationally known for its grapes, multi-colored watermelons, cantaloupes, apricots and of course, raisins. Just as its name implied, Turpan is a place of affluence.

Turpan has very unique landscape. Eons of wind erosion, frost and rainwater have sculpted the place's soft clay into marvelous shapes. The famed Flaming Mountain, gorgeous Tuyugou Canyon, Aikxun Yadan Spectacle are good examples of those natural wonders.       

Turpan once served as a trade and Buddhist center on the ancient Chinese Silk Road. The Jiaohe Ruins, Gaochang Ruins, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Sugong Ta/Emin Minarets, Astana Tombs bear witness to the city's flourishing past.

Turpan is an extravaganza of Xinjiang's diverse culture. Different arts, custom, tradition meet here and are well presented.