Turpan has a typical continental warm temperate desert climate, with extreme summer temperatures exceeding 47°C. Thus, April-May and September-October are the best seasons to visit. During these months, the temperature is mild (around 15-25°C), allowing you to avoid the sweltering heat while catching either the spring apricot blossoms or the autumn grape harvest. For those seeking an extreme experience, summer lets you feel the unique heat of the "Fire State," but strong sun protection and heatstroke prevention measures are essential.
Transportation Guide
External Transportation: You can arrive at Turpan Jiaohe Airport by plane, or take a high-speed train (about 1.5 hours) or long-distance bus (about 3 hours) from Urumqi.
Internal Transportation: City attractions are accessible by bus or taxi; for suburban attractions (such as Flaming Mountain and Jiaohe Ancient City), self-driving, chartering a car, or joining a local one-day tour group is recommended.
Must-Visit Attractions
Grape Valley: A national 5A-level scenic area, the valley is shaded by green trees with crisscrossing grape vines. In summer, you can experience grape picking, visit the "Hometown of Grapes" Museum, and enjoy Uyghur song and dance performances.
Flaming Mountain: The prototype of the classic scene in Journey to the West, with red mountains like burning flames. The "Dinghai Shenzhen" giant thermometer in the scenic area displays real-time surface temperature, and you can ride camels across the Gobi to experience the desert charm.
Karez Folk Custom Park: Visit this ancient water conservancy wonder underground to learn how snowmelt from the Tianshan Mountains is channeled through underground canals to irrigate farmland. The park also displays traditional Uyghur houses and customs.
Jiaohe Ancient City: A World Heritage Site, built in the 2nd century BC, it was an important post on the Silk Road. The remaining walls and ruins reveal the former city layout, and the light at sunset is stunning, making it ideal for photography.
Gaochang Ancient City: Known as the "Twin Gems of the Western Regions" along with Jiaohe Ancient City, it is larger in scale. Once the political and economic center of the Western Regions, the existing city gates and pagoda ruins carry a strong sense of history.
Cool Retreats to Escape the Heat
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves: More peaceful than popular attractions, these caves are located in a valley on the northern foot of Flaming Mountain. The inner walls are painted with exquisite Buddhist murals, blending Han and Western Regions styles. Locals often come here in the evening to avoid the scorching sun, walk along the mountain trails, and admire the serene scene of the setting sun reflecting on the caves.
Farmyards deep in Grape Valley: Beyond the core scenic area, villages hide many locals' private vineyards. In summer, under the arbors built with grape vines, cool breezes blow. Locals bring family and friends, order freshly picked grapes, a pot of homemade wine, paired with roasted buns and yogurt, and sit in the yard for an afternoon, enjoying a slow life.
Nanhu Wetland: A natural wetland not far from the urban area, it is a rare "water world" in Turpan. Reed marshes are home to various waterfowl. In the evening, locals like to walk, fish, or take their children to play in the shallows here, experiencing a cool and humid atmosphere completely different from the desert.
Gatherings for Authentic Cuisine
Snack Street near the Old Town Bazaar: Unlike restaurants in tourist areas, this is a daily dining spot for locals. Recommended dishes include "Borsak" (fried dough balls served with salty milk tea), "Qurutob" (mutton dumplings with rich and fresh soup), and freshly grilled "Nang Pit Meat"—local mutton roasted in a nang pit, with a crispy outer layer and tender, non-dry meat.
Handmade Ice Cream at Village Markets: On market days in every town, you can see Uyghur uncles pushing carts selling handmade ice cream. Made with local milk and eggs, no artificial flavors, it has a thick and cold texture, sprinkled with a little pistachio crumbs—locals' favorite summer dessert.
"Cold Noodle Stalls" near Home: Small stalls can be seen everywhere on the streets of the city. Cold noodles are made from local peas, and the seasoning is secretly prepared by the shop owner. It is sour with a hint of spiciness, and then topped with a spoonful of homemade garlic water. When locals get tired of shopping, they will have a bowl, which is cool and satisfying.
Places to Experience Local Life
Square next to Turpan Library: In the evening, many locals gather here, including dancers of the Maixilaifu dance, singers of the Tandutar dance, and elderly people flying kites with their children. Tourists can join in and dance to the music, experiencing the enthusiasm and joy of the locals.
Grape Drying Houses in Rural Areas: Turpan's grapes can produce delicious dried grapes without a unique 'drying room'. These dome shaped buildings made of adobe bricks can be seen everywhere in the countryside, and locals will warmly invite you to visit, tell you about the techniques of drying dried grapes, and even give you a fresh dried grape to taste.
Century-old Alleys in the Old Town: Turpan's old town retains many century-old alleys, with clean stone-paved roads and Uyghur-style houses on both sides, whose doorframes are carved with exquisite patterns. Locals set up small tables at their doorsteps, drinking tea and chatting. When visitors pass by, they will wave friendly, full of life.
Local Cuisine Experiences
Roasted Buns (Kaoyangbao): Fresh mutton mixed with onions and spices as filling, baked until the crust is golden and crispy, with juicy meat when bitten into.
Mutton Hand-Grabbed Rice: Tender stewed mutton cooked with rice stir-fried with carrots and butter, rich in oil aroma. Pairing with a clove of garlic enhances the flavor and cuts greasiness.
Cold Noodles (Liangpi): A must-eat in summer, made from soybeans, tossed with vinegar, chili oil, and sesame paste, offering a refreshing, spicy, and sour taste—perfect for beating the heat.
Dried Mulberries and Hami Melon: In addition to raisins, dried mulberries and Hami melons from Turpan have unique flavors, making them natural, additive-free souvenirs.
Travel Tips
Sun protection is crucial: In summer, wear long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and high-SPF sunscreen, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun at noon.
Respect local customs: When entering ethnic minority families or temples, remove shoes, do not take photos casually, and act politely after asking for permission.
Prepare cash: Some rural attractions or small restaurants may not support mobile payments, so it is advisable to carry an appropriate amount of cash.
