Life> Travel

Turpan, “the western aspect of China”

By Daniele87 (chinatraveldepot.com)
Updated: 2011-06-23 15:47

The city is situated on the north-central Uygur of Xinjiang, northwest China. It is located almost 112 miles southeast of the city Urumqi (3 hours by train), on the northern border of the deep depression between the Bogda Mountains. It is very difficult to get to this remote place; the best suggestion is to book a tour through China Tours.

The city of Turpan differs from other Chinese cities for its desert landscape due to the dry climate where temperatures that can easily reach the 40-45 degree C. Moreover the city is the second lowest level under the sea (154 meters) increasing the level of dryness and drought of the area. For this reason locals have developed the “karez”, an irrigation method made of well linked undergrounds channels that leads the water along the place. The destination is home of the hottest place in China such The Flaming Mountain, also famous for the classic Chinese Mythological novel, Journey to the West. The location with its dry climate is perfect to cultivate grapes in order to produce principally raising and wine. Tourists who would like to accommodate in Turpan, can book at the Tuha Petroleum Hotel, a five stars hotel with all the facilities including internet connection, for accommodations also check China hotels.

Travelling to Turpan, holidaymakers shouldn’t miss the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Briefly the 57 caves remaining (out of the 83 original caves) standing on a precipice just beside the Flaming mountain make the landscape absolutely unique. The Caves contain 1,200 meter murals date back the 13th century helping visitors to understand the past glory of the Buddha, indeed the caves were center of Buddhist Gaochang. Another important historical background sits 15 miles away from Turpan visiting the Jiaohe Ancient city. The latter was built during the western dynasty, but still today is possible to revive that part of history thanks Jiaohe’s ruins, one of the town of the past existing Silk Road. Within the city of Turpan is also possible to visit the Highest minaret in China which has been dedicated to the Emin Khoja one of the Turpan general in 1777.

However tourists being located in the middle of an arid area such Turpan, can be surprised by the green landscape offered by the Grape valley that it can be found at the western foot of the flaming Mountains. The grape valley represents an Oasis in the middle of the Turpan Depression (locally called “the oven”). The grape cultivation in this area it is made possible by a more humid climate covering an area of more than 200 acres. The cultivation of grape has become a tradition among the area that has been handed down for more than 2,000 years. The area also encourages the cultivations of other fruits such as, apricots, peaches, watermelons, apple and pears. However the grape valley is not only about cultivations, but it has become a must-see attraction as tourists are welcomed by traditional dressed locals (Uygurs) and able to purchase wine and fresh fruits just picked from fields. For further information it is recommended to visit the China Travel webpage.