A symphony of flames, oases and millennia of civilization

🌡️ Things to know before you go ❤️ - Best season: April-May (apricot blossoms), September-October (grape harvest), avoid the extremely high temperatures (45℃+) in July-August. - Dressing Guide: - Summer: sun protection clothing + wide-brimmed hat + sunglasses (the ground temperature is enough to fry an egg). - Spring and Autumn: Light coat + anti-wind and sand scarf. - Cultural Tips: Respect Uyghur customs and do not make noise in the mosque. ✨ --- 🚗 Transportation options - Big traffic: - ✈️ Plane: Urumqi→Turpan (1 hour), or train (1.5 hours). - 🚗 Self-driving: Take G30 Lianhuo Expressway from Urumqi (about 3 hours). - Local transportation: charter car (about 400-600 yuan/day) or taxi. The scenic spots are scattered and public transportation is inconvenient. --- 📜 3 days 2 nights Highlights Route ✌🏻️ Day 1: Huoyan Mountain + Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves + Grape Valley - 09:00 Huoyan Mountain (check in at the surface thermometer, ride a camel and take photos). - 💡 Summer vacation tips: Go early in the morning or in the evening, and go to the "Flame Mountain Grand Canyon" at noon instead. - 12:00 Lunch: Kuoshimakala baked buns (crispy skin and fragrant meat). - 14:00 Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (Buddhist murals from the Tang Dynasty, remnants of Western Region art). - 17:00 Grape Valley (Afanti’s former residence + Folk Village, picking seedless white grapes). - 20:00 Check in to Grape Valley B&B or return to the city. Day 2: Jiaohe Ancient City + Karez + Tuyugou - 09:00 Jiaohe Ancient City (the world's largest earthen site, looks like a battleship from aerial photography). - 12:00 Lunch: Sulaiman noodles (fried noodles with kava drink). - 14:00 Karez Paradise (underground Great Wall, experience the 20℃ cool underground canal). - 17:00 Tuyugou Mazar Village (2,600-year-old yellow clay ancient village, a holy place for photography). - 20:00 Return to the city to visit the "night market" (recommended: roasted whole lamb, yogurt rice dumplings). Day 3: Gaochang Ancient City + Ayding Lake (optional) - 09:00 Gaochang Ancient City (where Xuanzang preached, more spacious than Jiaohe). - 12:00 Lunch: Alikaimu pilaf (the lamb leg pilaf is super delicious). - 14:00 Optional: - Aiding Lake (the lowest point on land in China, -154 meters). - Or Turpan Museum (Mummy Exhibition Hall + Giant Rhinoceros Fossil). --- 🍇 Must-eat food list | Food | Recommended Shops | Highlights | |----------------|---------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Grapes/Cantaloupe | Grape Valley Farmhouse | Pick and eat right after, so sweet! | | Baked buns | Kuoshimakala | Crispy skin + mutton fat and fragrant juice | | Big plate chicken | Fuai Night Market | Served with belt noodles to soak up the broth | | Yogurt Zongzi | Street cart | Cool, sweet and sour to relieve the heat | --- 🏨 Accommodation recommendations - In Grape Valley: "Anarguli B&B" (starry sky room under the grape trellis). - Comfortable in the city: "Turpan Huozhou Hotel" (powerful air conditioning and convenient transportation). - Special experience: "Tuyugou Village B&B" (earthen bed room + Uyghur home visit). --- ⚠️ Pitfall avoidance guide 1. Heatstroke prevention: Try to visit indoor attractions (such as museums and karez) from 10:00 to 18:00. 2. Shopping: It is cheaper to buy raisins in Shanshan County and avoid the vendors in the scenic area. 3. Tickets: It is more cost-effective to buy a "combination ticket" (including 5 attractions such as Jiaohe and Karez). 4. Taking photos: The light in Maza Village is soft in the afternoon, and there are few people in Huoyan Mountain in the morning. --- 📸 The filming location you can’t miss - A bird's-eye view of the "Big Buddha Temple Ruins" in Jiaohe Ancient City. - Tuyugou "Mosque + Earth Building Complex". - Grape Valley "Century-old Vine Tunnel". --- ✨ Final Tips: Turpan is a "sweet miracle born from an extreme environment" - be in awe of nature during the day and feast on delicious food at night. Remember to bring enough 512G memory cards! ☪️☪️