When it comes to Turpan, you may think of heat and dryness. That's true because there are more than 100 hot days a year with temperatures above 35°C in Turpan. This place is famous for maroon mountains and low basin. Turpan basin is located at the foot of Tianshan Mountain. Due to the surrounding mountains, including Bogdo Peak in the north, and extreme collapse in the central area, these geographical factors make the basin the lowest in the world. Plus, stretching deep down inland, Turpan Basin is extremely dry and hot, known as a "land of fire".
The nature loves the great land of Turpan so much. It makes the territory extremely hot and dry with little rain and sufficient sunshine for one side. On the other side, farmers of Turpan produce the sweet grapes, juicy Hami melons, refreshing watermelons. How amazing nature works! The basin is also known as the "hometown of grapes".
1. Historical spots
Turpan is like a huge time machine, taking us back to thousands of years ago to visit Jiaohe and Gaochang Ancient Cities, as well as Tuyoq Village, home to the best-preserved Uyghur wood and earth architecture with a history of 1,700 years. Perhaps it is going to be the most wonderful historical journey you have ever had.
2. Lowest and hottest
Turpan has the lowest point on land in China - Aydingkol Lake. The lake's surface is about 155 meters below sea level. Besides, Turpan is renowned for its heat with a record of air temperature of 49.6 ℃ (121℉) and ground temperature of 82.3℃ (180℉). Thus, you will be thrilled by the spectacular Flaming Mountain, oases, and vast desolate Gobi here.
3. sweetest
Turpan produces the sweetest grapes in China.
To survive in the dry and hot place, the ancient Uyghur used certain techniques to dig underground wells to plant. It is sad to know that many young Uyghurs died in the early days because of the hard work of drilling underground wells.
Top/Must-see Attractions
Tuyoq village is a 1,700-year-old ancient Uyghur village in Tuyugou Gorge, nourished by an oasis river winding through the Flaming Mountain. 65 families preserve traditional wood-and-earth dwellings and live a rural life. You can take a walk along the fragrant grape-lined lanes and experience folk customs.
Known as the “Desert in the City” for its seamless connection to the city, Kumutag desert boasts 2,280 km² of golden rolling dunes. Here, you can ride a camel across the sandy land, listen to the melodic sound of camel bell, as well as experience the sand skiing and motorcycles.
Sugong Minaret is a 37-meter-tall Islamic architecture that only 2km from Turpan’s east suburbs. It is the biggest ancient minaret existing in Xinjiang and the only one with Islamic style among the hundred famous towers in China. The mosque beside the minaret is open to all. You can learn about the local Uyghur religious life and their cultural heritage.
The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves is a cave complex with the most existing caves and the richest mural works in Turpan. The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves are a cave complex with the largest number of existing caves and the richest in murals in Turpan. It was once a royal temple of the Uyghur Dynasty in Gaochang. Although partly damaged, the remaining murals still retain delicate details and vibrant colors. The precious ancient religious art will definitely bring you an unforgettable experience.
It is a 2,300-year-old UNESCO-listed Silk Road hub and China’s best-preserved earthen city ruins. The city was once a thriving trade center, and its earthen walls and streets witnessed the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and the western frontier history, making it a must-visit for history lovers.
It is an ancient irrigation engineering marvel and serves as Turpan’s life source. The four parts of Karez well constitute an underground network that turns the dry desert into fertile oasis. You will marvel at Uyghurs' wisdom and perseverance upon here as they embodied human wisdom in adapting to harsh desert environments.
As Turpan’s iconic landmark and a filming location for Journey to the West, Flaming Mountain is known as China’s “hottest place” and features a giant golden stick thermometer. In summer, the ground temperature often reaches over 70℃(158℉) with the highest reaching nearly 89℃(192℉). Its hot weather, reddish-brown slopes and unique landscape offer you an unforgettable cultural and scenic experience.
Spring (Mar–May): Mild and windy: 10–25°C (50–77℉).
Summer (Jun–Aug): Burning hot: avg high >38°C (100℉), max >47°C (116℉).
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Pleasant and cool: 15–30°C (59–86℉).
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold and dry: avg low ~-10°C (14℉).
Turpan’s weather changes a lot between seasons, and every season has something special to offer. Whether you're into taking photos, tasting fresh fruits, exploring the desert, going on adventures, or experiencing folk culture, you’ll always find the perfect time to visit.
For Photography Enthusiasts: Spring (March–May)
Turpan is warm and pleasant in spring. The weather is mild, apricot blossoms are in full bloom, and the fields turn green. It’s the perfect time for you to walk around, take photos of flowers, trees, and beautiful villages with colorful painted doors alongside.
For "Fireland” Explorers: Summer (June–August)
This is only for heat-tolerant travelers. Every summer, many tourists come here to experience the local unique sand therapy. They bury their bodies in the warm fine sand and relax their bodies and eliminate internal dampness by utilizing the heat stored in the sand. It’s a unique chance to experience Turpan’s "fireland" firsthand.
If you can stand the heat, then you can not miss the unique sand therapy in Turpan.
For Food & Fruit Lovers: August & September
This is the peak harvest season when plump seedless grapes ripen and local farmers dry them in traditional rammed-earth houses. You can pick and taste fruits directly from the vine, like sweet melons and grapes.
For Hiking & Adventure Seekers: September & October
The mild, sunny days of early autumn are ideal for outdoor exploration. Summer’s sweltering heat fades, leaving cool conditions perfect for hiking canyons, trekking to hidden oases, or exploring the Flaming Mountains—all while enjoying long daylight hours.
For Folk Culture & Local Experience Seekers: September & October
Autumn is when Turpan’s folk culture comes alive. Join local residents in the grape harvest, learn traditional drying techniques, and take part in harvest festivals. It’s the best time to immerse yourself in local music, food, and hospitality.
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How to get to Turpan
Direct Travel (No Transfer)
Shanghai: Flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Turpan Jiaohe Airport (5h20m).
Chendgu: Flight from Chengdu Tianfu Internatinal Airport to Turpan Jiaohe Airport (3h55m).
Lanzhou: Flight or high-speed train to Turpan Jiaohe Airport(2.5h) or Turpan North (10h).
Urumqi: High-speed train to Turpan North (1h).
Xi'an: High-speed train from Xi'an North to Turpan North (12h).
Travel with Transfer
Guangzhou: Flight via Ningbo to Turpan Jiaohe Airport (6h).
Beijing: Flight via Urumqi Tianshan International Airport to Turpan Jiaohe Airport (5–6h).
Shared Bicycles
Scan QR codes via Meituan or Hellobike apps for use (charged by minute);
The bicycles should be parked in designated zones;
Ideal for short trips and visiting old towns or nearby sights.
Buses
The bus routes cover most city areas;
Pay with WeChat/Alipay QR codes or NFC cards;
Best for longer trips across the entire city.
Taxis
Hail on the street or use the DiDi app.
Fares are metered, payable by cash, WeChat, or Alipay.
Perfect for point-to-point travel, trips with heavy luggage, or late-night rides.
Turpan is a touring place in Xinjiang. Most of travelers would like to spend one or two nights here because these top attractions can be visited within two days. So there are a few luxury hotels in Turpan. But you still have several good choices from 3 stars to 5 stars.
We recommend the following three hotels which have excellent service, pleasant dining environment, and cozy bedrooms.
Tuha Petroleum Hotel Turpan
Huozhou Hotel
Turpan hotel Xinjiang
Urumqi-Turpan-Urumqi-Kashgar-Karakul Lake-Tashkorgan County-Gulmit-Ghulkin village hike-Borith Lake-Karimabad-Fairy Meadow-Besham-Taxila-Islamabad
Overland West China to Pakistan from Xinjiang through Honjirap Border of Taxkorgan county. From marvel Tianchi Lake close to Urumqi to the splendid Hunza Valley, from the customer of local Xinjiang Minorities to the friendly Pakistan people. The life-time epic adventure is waiting for you.
Urumqi - Fuhai - Hemu - Kanas - Karamay - Turpan - Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye - Xining - Xi’an
This exciting 15-day adventure tour takes you to trace the footprints of the ancient travelers and savor the legend of the Silk Road. You will immerse in a variety of attracting landscapes and get a lot of opportunities to explore local people and their ethnic cultures.
