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We are LOCAL Xinjiang Travel agency, offering 10+ Turpan Tours for the best prices in 2025!
Turpan is located in the east-central part of Xinjiang, nestled in an intermontane basin east of the Tianshan Mountains, surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is China's lowest inland depression, second only to the Dead Sea in Jordan which is 391 meters below sea level. This Turpan oasis was a famous trading post on the ancient Silk Road. Turpan's geographical location is extremely important, situated on the central route of the Silk Road, close to the Central Plains, serving as a crucial hub connecting the Central Plains (中原) with the Western Regions (西域), and has been an important channel for East-West cultural exchange throughout history. With its profound historical and cultural heritage and unique natural landscape, Turpan attracts countless history enthusiasts, archaeologists, and geography lovers to visit.
Follow Turpan Tours to Trace the Historical Footsteps of the Silk Road
Visit the magnificent Jiaohe Ruins and feel the thousand-year-old stories told by the remains of this once-prosperous city; explore the Gaochang Ancient City for a glimpse of the historical landscape of this important Silk Road town; tour the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves adorned with murals to appreciate the unique charm of ancient art. The Emin Minaret - the tallest Islamic minaret - is also a testament to the architectural and cultural exchanges of the Silk Road.
Follow Turpan Tours to Explore Natural Wonders and Engineering Marvels
Additionally, you will learn about the awe-inspiring Karez system, an ancient engineering marvel that transformed the arid desert into a fertile oasis. Don’t forget to taste Turpan's grapes; the vineyards here utilize water from the karez system to produce sweet grapes. Of course, the fiery beauty of the Flaming Mountains, shining brilliantly under the sun and famous from "Journey to the West," is not to be missed. Explore the Kumtag Desert at the edge of the Turpan Basin and experience the true desert landscape.
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How to Plan Your Turpan Tours?
In general, 2-3 Days are needs are needed to explore Turpan.
2 Days: Focus on Turpan city's main attractions. Add 1 Day to explore Kumtag Desert.
Travelers often combine Turpan with other popular Xinjiang destinations.
For example: 5 Days: Urumqi + Turpan Excursion. 7-8 Days: Urumqi + Turpan + Kashgar + Tashkurgan.
Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train to Dunhuang to discover more Silk Road destinations.
For example: Urumqi + Turpan + Dunhuang + Jiayuguan + Zhangye + Lanzhou.
Why Choose Turpan Tours with us?
As a Xinjiang Travel Agency, our Turpan tours are crafted by seasoned local experts. Our expertly guided Turpan tours provide insightful narratives that bring alive the storied past of this ancient trade hub. Leveraging our extensive network and resources, Turpan Tours come at the most competitive prices. We provide flexible Turpan tour packages tailored to your needs. Whether you're interested in Turpan Tours or other Xinjiang Tours such as Urumqi, Kashgar, and Tashkurgan or you wish to extend your China Silk Road journey, we can accommodate your desires.
We offer Turpan tours at the same affordable prices as locals. Partnering with a trusted Xinjiang travel agency, we bring you closer to the authentic charm of Turpan. Explore the region’s hidden treasures, from ancient Silk Road sites to natural wonders, guided by local experts who provide unique insights into its history, culture, and landscapes. Additionally, you can extend your journey to nearby Urumqi or travel by flight or overnight train to Kashgar to discover more of Xinjiang’s captivating destinations.
Want to explore Xinjiang's diverse landscapes and cultures beyond Turpan? Our Xinjiang Tours unveil the wonders of this vast and varied region. Immerse yourself in Northern Xinjiang's breathtaking scenery, from the serene waters of Kanas Lake to the traditional charm of Hemu Village. Visit Sayram Lake, poetically known as the "last tear of the Atlantic," and marvel at the dramatic rock formations of Dushanzi Grand Canyon. These tours offer a deeper dive into Xinjiang's natural beauty and cultural richness.
Planning Turpan tours can be challenging for first-time visitors. In this section, we provide practical Xinjiang tours planning guides and curated articles to help you craft the perfect itinerary. Discover the best routes from Turpan to Urumqi and Kashgar, as well as how to reach Dunhuang from Turpan. Explore things to do in Turpan, including Silk Road relics. Learn about excursions from Turpan: discover how you can extend your journey to nearby attractions and cities, enriching your experience of the Xinjiang region. Read more about Latest Xinjiang Travel Guide >>
Jiaohe Ruins: One of the oldest and best-preserved earthen cities, offering a glimpse into ancient life along the Silk Road.
Gaochang Ancient City: A once-thriving trade hub and cultural center on the Silk Road, now a hauntingly beautiful ruin.
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves: A collection of Buddhist caves adorned with ancient murals, showcasing the spread of Buddhism through Central Asia.
Karez Irrigation System: An ingenious underground water system that turned the desert into a fertile oasis, essential for local agriculture.
Flaming Mountains: Known for their vibrant red glow under the sun and their fame from the Chinese classic Journey to the West.
Turpan Grape Valley: A lush vineyard oasis where you can taste the region's famous grapes and raisins.
Emin Minaret: The tallest minaret in China, reflecting the cultural and architectural exchanges along the Silk Road.
Tuyugou Village: A charming Uyghur village nestled in a valley, featuring traditional mud-brick houses and a serene atmosphere.
Astana-Karakhoja Tombs: Known as the “Underground Museum,” these ancient tombs contain mummies and artifacts from the Tang dynasty.
Kumtag Desert: A stunning expanse of shifting sand dunes at the edge of the city, offering camel rides and desert adventures.
The most convenient way is to take a 3.5-hour high-speed train from Turpan North Station to Liuyuan Station, which is about 2 hours away from Dunhuang City by car. Regular trains run between these cities, making this a popular option for tourists.
Turpan has a desert climate with extreme temperatures throughout the year:
Summer: Incredibly hot, with temperatures often surpassing 40°C (104°F), making it one of the hottest places in China.
Winter: Cold and dry, with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing.
Spring and Autumn: These are the most pleasant times to visit, with mild temperatures ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Rex F
New Zealand
Traveling from Dunhuang to Turpan introduced us to the captivating landscapes of Southern Xinjiang. From vast deserts to ancient cities, each stop held its own mysteries waiting to be discovered. Exploring these remote, culturally rich areas made the trip a true Silk Road adventure - ideal for travelers looking to experience China’s untamed beauty.
Destination(s): Xinjiang
Date of Experience: Jul 23, 2024
Tour Customized by: Claire
You May be Interested in This Tour: 8 Days China Silk Road Tour from Dunhuang to Turpan, Urumqi & Kashgar
Jessica K
Canada
Our journey from Urumqi through Turpan to Kashgar was unforgettable! Kashgar’s Old City was a highlight, with its maze of traditional homes and lively markets, while the Heavenly Lake of Tianchi provided breathtaking mountain views. Each location in Xinjiang had its own unique charm and was a feast for the eyes and soul. Perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts!
Destination(s): Xinjiang
Date of Experience: Jul 01, 2024
Tour Customized by: Claire
You May be Interested in This Tour: 7 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour for First-Timers: Urumqi Tianchi Turpan Kashgar
Jennifer H
USA
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