Turpan

Called 'the most beautiful ruins in the world,' Jiaohe sits on a loess cliff over 1,600 meters long. Explore the mottled city walls and imagine life on the Silk Road over 2,000 years ago.

Once the capital of the Gaochang Uyghur Kingdom, this city was founded in the 1st century BC and destroyed by war in the 13th century. Walk among the ruins and trace the outline of this ancient metropolis.

A public cemetery for officials and commoners of the ancient Gaochang Kingdom, these tombs offer a glimpse into Han and Tang dynasty life. The site contains residential artifacts and murals.

One of Turpan's most famous attractions, this red mountain runs east-west along the northern Silk Road. Its intense heat and striking color make it a must-see, especially at sunset.

A magical oasis at the foot of the Flaming Mountains, this valley is a fruit kingdom with over ten thousand mu of grapes. Stroll through the 8-kilometer-long valley and sample the sweet harvest.

Set to become China's first desert hiking base, the park offers classic crossing routes. One full north-south trek from Dikaner Village to Shanshan Desert Park spans 42 kilometers.

Scattered on cliffs along the Mutou Valley, these caves are one of Xinjiang's larger Buddhist sites. With 83 caves remaining, 40 contain murals and statues from the ancient Silk Road era.

An ancient underground irrigation system, the Karez channels groundwater to the surface without power. Turpan has over 1,200 systems totaling 5,000 kilometers, a marvel of engineering.

A sacred site for both Buddhism and Islam, Tuyoq Valley is one of the most mysterious places in the west. The scenic area includes canyon views, Thousand Buddha Caves, a Mazar, and an ancient village.