Turpan is located in the middle of Xinjiang and close to Hami to the east, Bayingolin to the west and south, and Urumqi to the north. It is an olive-shaped intermountain basin in the east of the Tianshan Mountains, surrounded by mountains on all sides. The Aydingkol Lake in the south Turpan, 155 meters (509 feet) below sea level, is the second-lowest depression in the world.

Turpan has been the center of a fertile oasis in Xinjiang for centuries. It was not only an important commercial and cultural center on the Great Silk Road but also a strategic post on the ancient caravan route’s northern branch, with a large number of historical remains as well as unique landscapes. It was said to be nicknamed the Shining Pearl of the Silk Road. At that time, the places where the Silk Road passed were Gaochang City (located 46 km southeast of Turpan) and Jiaohe Town (10 km west of Turpan).

The city owes its prosperity to the ancient Karez, an irrigation system of the Uyghurs. Every year, the melted water from the slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, flowing down the Turpan valley, is stored through a system of underground irrigation canals with a total length of about 5 kilometers, preventing it from evaporation at high temperatures. It should be noted that the Turpan oasis irrigation system ranges among such feats of Chinese engineering art as the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canal.

Turpan has a dry continental climate. The annual average temperature is 14℃ (57.2℉). It is reckoned that there are 152 summer days on average, and 28 broiling days with a temperature above 40℃ (104℉), so it is also famous for being the hottest city in China. Therefore, Turpan is called “the Fire Land” by the locals, not only because it is the hottest city in China and one of the driest places in the world, with only 35 mm of rain on average per year. In summer, due to the high temperature during the day, so many excursions to the city’s landmarks and the surrounding area should begin at dawn.

Although the high temperature can be oppressive people can also get some benefits from it. The abundant sunshine gives the fruits ideal conditions to grow: figs, pomegranates, as well as peaches, and melons. The fruit here is widely known for its high sugar content, especially the grapes, and the Grape Valley is a good place to enjoy the grapes of hundreds of varieties. Not without reason, Turpan is called the “Grape Capital” of China.

Apart from that, the locals are quite fond of sand therapy which has a history of hundreds of years. People lie or sit under sheds, burying their bodies in hot sand about 50℃ (122℉) to 60℃ (140℉). It is said to be a good way to treat rheumatism and skin ailments. There is a Sand Therapy Center in the northwest of the city which is popular among visitors.

The locals are friendly and hospitable. Despite its climate, Turpan is one of the most densely populated cities in Xinjiang. It is home to about 250,000 people. The major part of the population (70%) is the Uyghurs, followed by the Hans (22%) and the Huis (7%). Many of the families are involved in wine production or activity associated with the grape business. The city’s daily life differs much from that of the other cities in Xinjiang. Because of the heat, the city has some kind of siesta in the afternoon, and towards the evening it has the active life started.

Since Turpan is mainly a Muslim city, there are a lot of mosques, both medieval and modern ones. It is prohibited to come in shorts to the mosques, and women should cover their heads.

Turpan is an important city along the ancient Silk Road and the transportation here is very convenient. Today, it is considered one of the hubs between Xinjiang and eastern China. Turpan Jiaohe Airport has flights to more than a dozen domestic cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Changsha, and Urumqi. In addition, Turpan also has its railway station, Turpan North Railway Station, and the high-speed railway from Lanzhou to Urumqi will stop in Turpan. Turpan Airport is only 500 meters away from Turpan North Station, and there is a shuttle bus for quick transfer. Also, taxis and intercity buses serve the people. Except for these usual vehicles, there is a special ‘donkey taxi’ here. It is a kind of flatbed drawn by a donkey. Visitors can sit and ride on the vehicle to get a broad overview from a leisurely look around the city.

When traveling to Turpan, the following sites are must-sees: