Article Trip to Turpan
Trip below sea level
If you travel in Western China, you will most likely visit Turpan (Turfan), which is an oasis on the landscape of the Turfan Depression, falling to –154 meters below sea level (China's lowest point). The majority of the population here are Muslim Uighurs. There is not much to see in the city itself, but there are several attractions in the area, so there is a program for 2–3 days
The first day in Turpan
On the first day, first head to the Emin minaret, which is the most important monument of the city. Then continue to the western end of the city to the Karez Museum, an ingenious irrigation system in an otherwise desolate landscape. In the afternoon, head to the ruins of Jiaohe, a former royal city in an amazing location between two canyons
Emin Minaret
The most important monument of Turpan is the beautiful Emin Minaret, located in the southeast of the city
Karez irrigation system
Karez system Museum is located on the western outskirts of the city. It was an ingenious masterpiece that brought water from the distant Tianshan Mountains to vast underground reservoirs near the city in underground canals.
A tour of the ancient city of Jiaohe
Former capital of the kingdom of Jushi
Just ten kilometers west of Turpan (Turfan) you will find the interesting ruins of the former royal city of Jiaohe. It has an interesting position where it is protected on both sides by river valleys. Since it was basically built of clay, there is not much left of it, but it is still worth a visit continue reading
The second day in Turpan
The second day is definitely more interesting than the first. We head further west from the city and see the red Flaming Mountains from both sides. In addition, the ruins of another ancient city Gaochang
A tour of the ruins of the ancient city of Gaochang
Former oasis near Turfan
Only about 30 kilometers southeast of Turfan you will find interesting ruins of the ancient oasis Gaochang (-50m). Due to the fact that it is located in the Turfan Depression, it lies more than 50 meters below the surface of the world's oceans. The whole city had to be quite large in its greatest glory, it covers an area of 1.5 km2. Today, you will find the ruins of clay buildings continue reading
A trip to the Mountains of Fire
Colorful mountains and desert near Turpan
To the east of the town of Turpan lies the more than 60-kilometer-long mountain ridge of the Fire Mountains. It got its name from the color of the rock – you will find mostly red and orange, which at sunset and sunrise really looks like fire. You can get here as part of a day trip from the city, although you would need significantly more time to properly explore the mountains. continue reading
Other possible trips around Turpan
In addition to the above, it is possible to visit other interesting sites if you have an extra day. For example: the mosque and caves in the picturesque village of Toyuq, the salt lake Ayding Kol Lake and Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
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