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
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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