Named Gaochang in ancient China, Turpan is an important place in Silk Road. It is located in the eastern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is famous for its unique landscape, diverse historical relics and fertile farmland.
The most famous thing of Turpan Basin is its kinds of grapes. So Turpan had the fame of "the home town of grape". Grape Valley is lovated to the northeast of Turpan. It is a peaceful heaven and a friendly place for visitors. You may see the grapevines along the road and around the houses with clusters of crystal-like grapea hangng on the dense vines. You only need pay small fee to taste the sweet grapes there.
The ruins of the Ancient City of Gaochang, firstly built in 1BC is the largest set of ancient city ruins ever found in the Western Regions. Despite its long history, the outline of the city still exsits, standing imposingly at the foot of the Flaming Mountain.
The Flaming Mountain is the hottest place in China. The surface temperature here can reach over 70C (158 F). The mountain rocks glow and the air shimmers in the heat. It looks like raging flames, hence the name.Noth to the Flaming Mountain is the Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves. It is the most important Buddha grotto relics in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Built in Northern and Southern Dynasties, it was the Buhhdist center of the Western Regions.
