Guest — sign in to save your enquiries.
My account
Huoyan Tulufan, the scorching heat of the Flaming Mountains and the coolness of Grape Valley, plus the thousand-year vicissitudes of the Jiaohe Ancient City.
Turpan, known as the 'Oasis of Fire and Grapes', is a historic Silk Road city in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Situated in the Turpan Depression, the lowest point in China at 154 meters below sea level, it has been a vital stopover for traders and travelers for over two millennia. The city's name means 'the lowest place' in Uyghur, reflecting its unique geography. Turpan's rich history includes the ancient Jiaohe and Gaochang kingdoms, and it was a key center of Buddhism, as evidenced by the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Today, it is a living museum of Silk Road culture, where ancient ruins, vibrant Uyghur traditions, and extreme landscapes converge.
Turpan is administratively divided into Gaochang District and the counties of Shanshan and Toksun. The urban core, Gaochang District, is where most travelers base themselves, offering hotels, bazaars, and the main transport hub. To the east lies Shanshan County, home to the Kumtag Desert and the ancient city of Loulan's lesser-known sister, the Shanshan ruins. Toksun County to the west is more rural, with lesser-visited sites. The Turpan Basin itself is a depression surrounded by mountains, with the Flaming Mountains to the north and the vast desert to the south. The Grape Valley, a lush green ribbon, cuts through the arid landscape, providing a stark contrast.
Visitors to Turpan can expect a journey through time and extremes. The climate is harsh, with scorching summers and cold winters, but the oasis agriculture thrives, producing the world's sweetest grapes and melons. Travelers can explore the ruins of Jiaohe and Gaochang, marvel at the Buddhist art in the Bezeklik Caves, and experience the unique Uyghur culture in local bazaars and vineyards. The city's layout is compact, with most attractions within a short drive. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, Turpan offers an unforgettable experience that combines natural wonders with human heritage.
Turpan covers an area of approximately 70,000 square kilometers and has a population of about 650,000. It is administratively divided into one district (Gaochang) and two counties (Shanshan and Toksun). The city is home to the Jiaohe Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor, and is the lowest point in China.
Flaming Mountains · Grape Valley · Jiaohe Ancient City · Karez Wells
View details →
Jiaohe Ancient City · Gaochang Ancient City · Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves · Turpan Museum
View details →
Grape Valley · Night Market · Uyghur Cuisine · Market Food Hunt
View details →
Flaming Mountains · Kumtag Desert · Grape Valley · Hiking & Photography
View details →
Grape Valley · Karez · Flaming Mountains · Family Experiences
View details →| Fleet | Airport pickup & drop-off | Chauffeur by the day | Intercity transfers |
|---|---|---|---|
 Economy | from $84Book → | from $280Book → | from $170Book → |
 Comfort | from $134Book → | from $448Book → | from $272Book → |
 Luxury | from $202Book → | from $672Book → | from $408Book → |
 Special vehicles | For groups of 7+, please contact our trip designer for a quote | ||
prices may vary by date & route
Turpan is a city in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, located in the Turpan Depression, the lowest point in China. It is famous for its extreme heat, sweet grapes, and ancient Silk Road ruins. The city has a rich history as a major stop on the northern Silk Road, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period. It was a center of Buddhism and later Islam, and its cultural heritage is a blend of various influences.
The city's landscape is dominated by the Flaming Mountains to the north, which glow red in the summer sun, and the vast Kumtag Desert to the south. The Grape Valley provides a lush oasis, while the Ayding Lake is the lowest point in China. Turpan's climate is continental desert, with hot summers and cold winters, but the ingenious karez irrigation system has made agriculture possible for centuries.
Turpan is accessible by air, rail, and road. Turpan Jiaohe Airport (TLQ) has flights from major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Urumqi. The Turpan North Railway Station is a stop on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High-Speed Railway, with trains from Urumqi (about 1 hour) and Beijing (about 10 hours). Long-distance buses connect Turpan to other cities in Xinjiang.
Within Turpan, public buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are available. The city is compact, and many attractions are within walking distance in the city center. For sites like the Flaming Mountains and Bezeklik Caves, it's best to hire a car or join a tour. Bicycles are also a great way to explore the oasis and nearby vineyards.
Turpan's cuisine is a delightful blend of Uyghur and Chinese flavors, with a focus on fresh local produce, especially grapes and melons. The city is famous for its sweet fruits, which are enjoyed fresh or dried. Uyghur dishes like lamb kebabs, pilaf, and hand-pulled noodles are staples, often accompanied by naan bread. The local markets and bazaars are great places to sample these delicacies.
Shopping in Turpan is a sensory experience, with bustling bazaars offering everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts. The city is renowned for its grapes and raisins, which make excellent souvenirs. Uyghur handicrafts such as carpets, silk, and copperware are also popular. The Turpan Bazaar is the main shopping area, where you can haggle for goods and soak in the local atmosphere.
Turpan's nightlife is relatively subdued compared to major Chinese cities, but there are still options for evening entertainment. The Turpan Night Market is lively, with food stalls, music, and dancing. Some hotels have bars and lounges. For a unique experience, visit a local vineyard for an evening of wine tasting and Uyghur music under the stars.
The best time to visit Turpan is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and comfortable for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, while winter is cold but offers fewer crowds. The grape harvest in late summer and early autumn is a special time to visit, with festivals and fresh fruit.
| Period | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Mar–May | 6-22°C | Spring is pleasant with blooming flowers and mild temperatures, ideal for sightseeing. |
| Jun–Aug | 25-40°C | Summer is extremely hot; carry plenty of water and avoid midday sun. |
| Sep–Nov | 10-28°C | Autumn is cool and comfortable, with grape harvest and colorful landscapes. |
| Dec–Feb | -10-5°C | Winter is cold but dry, with fewer tourists and clear skies. |
Every private guide is licensed and vetted. Choose a tier that fits your trip — rates are per guide, per day, in USD.
A dependable all-rounder for an easy, well-planned day.
An experienced specialist with deeper local insight.
A senior expert — and, on request, medical-travel accompaniment.
Hand-picked, licensed guides based right here. Tap book to start a conversation and lock in your dates.
Most travellers spend 3 days in Tulufan, though many stay longer once they arrive. If you want to combine Tulufan with other cities — pandas, mountains, food streets — our consultants design one private itinerary at your own pace.
Yes. MyGuideTrip arranges vetted, licensed local guides in Tulufan and across China. Your guide speaks fluent English, stays with you for the entire trip, and handles tickets, transport and restaurant picks. Meet them on the Guides page.
Tulufan is best known for Gaze at the Flaming Mountains from afar and feel the scorching landscape from «Journey to the West». The recommended itineraries below cover these highlights with smart timing to beat the crowds.
Send us your dates, group size and interests — a dedicated consultant replies within 24 hours with a tailor-made Tulufan itinerary covering guide, driver, hotels and tickets. Start with a free consultation below.
Tell us a little about your trip and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
We'll reply within 24 hours.
