Turpan Travel Guide

Turpan is located in the central and eastern part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Situated in the intermontane basin of the eastern Tianshan Mountains and the central part of the Turpan Basin, it has an average altitude of 32.8 meters. Turpan has a typical continental warm-temperate desert climate, featuring abundant sunshine, rich heat, extreme dryness, scarce rainfall, and frequent strong winds; hence, it is known as the "Fire Continent" and the "Wind Repository".

Best Time to Visit Turpan

The climate in Turpan is relatively mild from April to June and September to October, making it ideal for outdoor activities, but you need to be careful of sandstorms. Although temperatures are higher from July to August, this is the time to experience Turpan's unique "Fire Continent" charm, and it is also the grape-ripening season when you can taste fresh grapes. However, you need to take sun protection measures.

What to See

1. Flaming Mountains: As one of the hottest places in China, the landforms here are unique and there are abundant cultural relics. The prototype of Flaming Mountains in "Journey to the West" is here, which is worth a visit.

Grape Valley

2. Grape Valley: This is a natural scenic area mainly planted with grapes. Visitors can taste fresh grapes here and experience the strong ethnic customs.

3. Kumtag Desert: This is one of the few deserts in the world that are in close contact with cities. Visitors can experience desert off-roading, camel riding and other projects here to feel the majesty and magnificence of the desert.

4. Jiaohe Ruins: This ancient city, which dates back to the 2nd century BC, shows the vicissitudes of thousands of years of history. Its unique earthy yellow architecture and ideal spots for photography attract a large number of tourists.

Recommended attractions:

How to Get There

Currently, Turpan has only one airport, Turpan Jiaohe Airport (TLQ). Domestic flights within Xinjiang from Turpan Airport can reach cities such as Kashgar, Karamay, Tacheng and Yining. Domestic trunk flights can directly reach major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Xi'an.

How far is Turpan from Major Cities

Infographic-Transportation Time from Major Cities to Turpan

How far is Turpan from Other Xinjiang Cities

Gourmet Food Recommendations

Latiaozi (mixed noodles) is famous for its chewy noodles and rich ingredients. Among them, Toksun mixed noodles are known as the "Champion of Xinjiang mixed noodles". Its noodles are chewy, the mutton is fresh, fragrant and tender, and the taste is unique, which is deeply loved by people.

Roasted Lamb is a specialty dish in Xinjiang. It uses high-quality sheep and is specially roasted. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the aroma is fragrant.

Baked Bun has a crispy skin and fresh, savory fillings. It is a common snacks in the streets and alleys of Turpan.

Penpen Meat can also be called boiled mutton and carrots. It is generally made by cutting lamb meat about 8 months old into pieces, and slowly stewing lamb meat with carrots, onions, wolfberries and other ingredients over low heat. When eating, it can be eaten with naan, and the meat is tender and the soup is fresh and delicious.

Souvenir and Shopping

Raisins

Adras Silk: Adras silk is a special silk of Xinjiang with unique patterns. Uyghur women often use this silk to make clothes. It has rich and varied colors, mainly divided into four types: yellow, red, green and black, and can be made into scarves, clothing, etc.

Raisins: Turpan is one of the main grape production bases in China. The raisins here are naturally dried, retaining the original flavor of grapes, with bright colors and a moderate sweet and sour taste. They are also healthy products that can be eaten directly or used as cooking ingredients.

Toksun Red Dates: Toksun red dates are produced in Toksun County, Turpan, Xinjiang. Due to unique climate and sandy soil conditions such as large day-night temperature differences and sufficient sunlight, they feature plump fruits, high sugar content, and rich nutrition. They are local specialty agricultural products with a long history.

• Urumqi Travel Guide
• Xinjiang Tours
• Turpan Travel Guide
• Hami Travel Guide