Grape Valley
» Turpan, Xin Jiang

葡萄沟 葡萄美酒夜光杯,欲饮琵琶马上催

Turpan is nationally known for its grapes and dried raisins. The area began to plant grape as early as the Han Dynasty. When Zhangqian visited Western Region, over 2,000 years ago he found that people here has already grew grape and Zhang later introduce the grape into the inland provinces of China.

Every August the sweet air will herald the vintage. The best place to enjoy the grapes is Grape Valley. "Grape Valley" was exactly what its name said a valley growing and drying grapes which is Turpan's major export.

Grape Valley nestles in the Flaming Mountain 13 kilometers (8 miles) of Turpan City. It runs 8 kilometers (5 miles) from north to south at a width of 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles). It is inhabited by about 6,000 people of the Uygur, Hui and Han nationalities. This green paradise of 988 acres is covered with layer upon layer of grapes.

What to explore

Intoxicating scenery

Cushioned by green grass and graced with green trees, the valley is a world of green with brooks, canals and sparkling springs. There is a poetic flavor to the idyllic beauty of the valley. Scattered everywhere in the valley are trees arranged in order: mulberry, peach, apricot, apple, upomegranate, pear, fig, walnut, elm, poplar and willow; also watermelons and muskmelons, making the valley into a "garden of one hundred flowers" in spring and an "orchard of one hundred kinds of fruits" in summer.

The grape park

Deep inside the valley a grape park was built, where there are waterside villas. After experiencing the fierce heat of Flaming Mountain, taking a rest here and tasting some grapes will give a nice kind of feeling.

The reception center

In the valley there is a reception center where dense grapevines interweave with each other and winding paths lead to secluded places with clusters of grapes within easy reach.

Fresh grape

Every single grape is crystal and watery-some are as green as emerald; some as red as agate, some as small as pearls while others are like olives. Grapes growing in the valley are of several kinds, including the Wuhebai (seedless white), rose-pink, mare-teat, black, Kashihar, bijiagan and suosuo. Among dozens of kinds of grapes, Wuhebai (seedless white) grape is reputed as a green pearl with the sugar content as much as 22 percent.

Karez

The most unusual sight in Grape Valley was the Karez, An ancient system of water supply by underground canals. These underground tunnels date back over 2,000 years and are still the source of water. A karez is a horizontal underground gallery that brings water from aquifers to lower-elevation farmlands. The karez transports water underground and resurfaces in the cultivated areas and contributes a lot to the harvest in the Grape Valley. You have a opportunity to explore the important irrigation device.

What to enjoy

Savor various grapes

Escaping from the fiery Flaming Mountain, you may take a seat under the vintage frames, savor various grapes. Mellowness penetrates your heart as the sweetness of grapes melts in your mouth. You have chances to enjoy the beautiful Uigar girls in their ornate costumes and be fully intoxicated by this refreshing palace of grapes. This kind of unique experience in the Grape Valley will leave you with an enduring memory!

Visit the drying rooms and the fruit winery

Taking a walk along the grape corridor, you will find drying rooms on nearby slopes. Every year over 300 tons of raisins are made here. Besides, there is a fruit winery producing several kinds of wines and canned grapes. Here a modern grape wine plant has been established producing various kinds of grape wine and grape cans. White grape wine produced here boasts a nice taste and is popular with both Chinese and foreign guests.

Enjoy a leisurely walk

You can choose walk through this area of vines and grape trellises surrounded by desert. Or you may walk down to the river between the grape stalls and each vendor selling every imaginable variety of raisins, grapes, kebabs and steaming noodles to travelers. Grape Valley is where most tourists stop for lunch during midday.

The souvenirs

  • Raisins
    The most distinctive locally produced goods are the sweet green raisins, in great abundance here, and other dried goods like walnuts, almonds, dates and figs.
  • Boots and clothing
    Locally produced boots and clothing are also available as are synthetic fabrics commonly made into clothing by Turpan's residents.

Surrounding attraction

The Flaming Mountain

The Tuyugou Valley neighbors some wonderful sights which are worth a visit. The Flaming Mountain is cut two parts by this valley. The surfaces of these desiccated mountains have been whipped into the shape of flames by howling desert winds. Under the relentless radiate heat and with a dash of imagination, may appear to be on fire. You can climb the Flaming Mountain for great views of the valley, the Tianshan Mountains and the Gobi desert.

When to visit

Every August 25 there is the annual Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival at the Turpan Travel and Culture Square.

  • Opening Hours: 24 hours in summer; closed in winter

Attractions around » Turpan, Xin Jiang

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

Local Resident House

Local Resident House

  Weather

  1. When is the best time to go?

  Customs

  1. What are some interesting festivals?
  2. Mind these customs and taboos

  Other Hints

  1. A couple of notes for packing
  2. A note on the time difference
  3. Emergency Numbers
  4. Useful Numbers

  • When is the best time to go?

    The best time for visiting is between July and August when the fruit crops are ripe.

    Turpan is well-known for its high temperatures and is also called 'Huo Zhou' (a place as hot as fire). The city is located in Turpan Basin, the hottest as well as the lowest elevation in China; just 98 ft above sea level. The climate is dry, hot and windy with an average rainfall of only 0.9 inches per year. Because of its unique geographical position, the city enjoys very high temperature and very little precipitation. The summers here are long and usually begin in April and end in August. June, July and August are the hottest months with an average temperature above 38C (100.4F) and the recorded highest temperature is 49.6C (121.28F).


  • What are some interesting festivals?

    Grape Festival
    Turpan is renowned for the quality of the fruit grown here and the sweetness of the grapes. Just as the name implies, the grape is the subject of the festival which is held in August each year and lasts for a month. During the festival, you can feel the happiness of harvest in every corner of the city. The grapes of hundreds of varieties are ripe and hang on the vines, waiting for you to enjoy. Amongst them, the white grape without seeds is the favourite one and it is praised as the 'green pearl of China'. In addition to enjoying the sweet grapes you can take in traditional Uygur performances in the festival, such as the wedding ceremony of Uygur and the dancing performances in Tang Dynasty (618-907). Grape Valley is the best option for you to celebrate the festival.

    Eid al Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking)
    This fast is one of the five pillars of Islam and Eid al Fitr is the first day after 30 days' fast. The festival is celebrated on the 1st of October according to the Moslem calendar, and lasts for three days. It is an important festival among the Moslems. On the first morning of the festival, people gather together in the mosque to pray. And then, they wear national costumes to call on their relatives and friends. During the festival, people will butcher fat stocks and cook some traditional snacks to satisfy their stomach.

    Eid al Adha (the Feast of the Sacrifice)
    The festival is on 10th December according to the Moslem calendar and it is the last day for pilgrimage. In the early morning, all men go to mosque to pray. It is the most important divine service with a largest scale all year round. During the festival, each family should slaughter a sheep, a cow or a camel. And families and friends would gather together to sing and dance happily. Of course, they will also enjoy a sumptuous meal together. After the meal, they often visit the grave to honor the memory of ancestors


  • Mind these customs and taboos

    When traveling in Turpan, you should pay attention to Muslim customs and taboos in particular.

    • Do not poke the food in dishes or get close to the kitchen.
    • Never eat pork or talk about pigs when a Muslim is present.
    • Do not wear clothing that is short and too revealing.

    When receiving something, you should use both of your hands to show your thanks and respect to the host.

  • A couple of notes for packing

    1. Although the temperature is high in the day time, you should take a long sleeved shirt as temperatures here vary greatly between day and night.

    2. As the temperature is very high in the summer, it is necessary for you to take a hat, sunglasses and sun-bloc to avoid being burnt.

    3. If you are used to wearing contact lenses, please bring a pair of glasses with you due to the hot dry weather.


  • A note on the time difference

    Although the clock time in Xinjiang is the same as Beijing time, there is two hours difference because of the longitude. You should modify your rest and dinning times two hours later as compared with staying in the central part of China.


  • Emergency Numbers

    • Fire: 119
    • Police: 110
    • Ambulance: 120
    • Traffic: 122


  • Useful Numbers

    • Consumers Complaint Line of the Turpan Consumers' Association: 123154
    • Tour Complaints: 8523216
    • Time Inquiry: 117
    • Telephone Number Inquiry: 114
    • Weather Forecast: 121
    • Railway Inquiry: 8642233
    • Tourist Bureau of Turpan Region: 8523653 / 8523663
    • Tourist Bureau of Turpan City: 8520171.


Dug into the Gobi desert with the Flaming Mountain on either side, the valley is a lush stripe of green in the barren desert surroundings. Ramble around the valley, taste the fresh grapes and shop for souvenirs and dried fruits.

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