Things to do in Turpan

There were so many people visiting during the National Day holiday. 90% of the grapes had already been harvested; the remaining 10% were quite unique. However, the sightseeing bus service was extremely chaotic, with pedestrians everywhere and no order whatsoever.

Its core visual impact lies in its crimson mountains, which from a distance truly resemble a fiery dragon lying across the Gobi Desert. Especially at dusk, when the setting sun casts its rays, the fiery red of the mountains is completely ignited, creating stunning photographs. The awe-inspiring nature of this landscape is unique, and it is difficult for other parts of Xinjiang to replicate this extreme desolate beauty where "not a blade of grass grows."

The last stop on my trip to Turpan was a desert sunset tour. I ended up taking shuttle buses number one and two, which were quite a long journey. Instead, I ended up just driving around the desert, seeing all sorts of cars stuck in the sand and experiencing traffic jams. It was a bit of a shame that there was a fireworks display on National Day, so I had to make it to my next stop.

Visited on 04/09/2026. Review: Very nice and informative! You will have the opportunity to understand this historic achievement and other interesting facts through statues and tool representations. Transportation: you can take the bus (5 RMB) and then get off at a bus station within close proximity to the attraction. After, you will need to walk there.

Jiaohe Ancient Village, a must-visit in Turpan, offers a glimpse into a thousand years of folk customs. The rustic earthen houses exude rich ethnic charm. Explore the Bayi residences and ancient sang dwellings for an immersive experience of unique Xinjiang traditional culture.

On the way to Tuyugou, I was captivated by the natural scenery of the canyon. Tuyugou is a village nestled within the canyon, with architecture that strongly reflects local characteristics. Strolling through the village is very relaxing and pleasant. The Tuyugou Grottoes were carved during the Gaochang period, and climbing them requires some physical exertion.

Like the tour of Jiaohe Ancient City, this one was also guided by Guli. She called in the morning to confirm the time and arrived four hours early to wait for us – incredibly reliable! Guli has over ten years of experience, her pacing is just right, and it's suitable for families with elderly members.

A long time ago when I visited Turpan, there was only one attraction related to the Karez irrigation system. Now, three have been developed: the Karez Well Park, the Karez Well Folk Culture Park, and the Karez Well Source. My chartered driver recommended this one; it's quite deep, but there's an elevator down. It's worth a look for basic information.

How to put it? Only people who are very interested in history can understand it. Those who know nothing about this history will only see ruins. You need cultural background and historical knowledge to understand the cultural value behind it.

A very picturesque site to be visited during the trip to this region. Try to find all secret spots around the mosque for the best pictures ever :)