After a three-hour journey from Urumqi (capital of Xinjiang) by bus, we arrived in Turpan, a legendary oasis whose settlements have been important stops on the Silk Road for centuries. Located 154 mt below sea level, it is the lowest depression in the world after the Dead Sea and the hottest place in China. It is also known as Huo Zhou (‘a place hot like fire’).
The first stop is the Hemin Minaret, the highest in China. Decorated with geometric and floral motifs, they represent respectively the Islamic and the Chinese decorative tradition.
The second destination is Jiāohé: one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved desert cities in the world. A walk among the ruins is highly recommended as local tourist masses limit themselves to observing the view from the highest point of the city and then going back. Wearing a hat is mandatory. The heat is really strong. After the visit, a refreshment point located at the exit of the site will allow you to enjoy some delicious, fresh watermelon slices.
Toyuq: buried in a valley and framed by the blazing mountains, this tiny and quiet village of winemakers offers the opportunity to learn about the traditional Uighur life and architecture. Along the gorge, there are a series of Buddhist caves.
Flaming Mountains: these red sandstone mountains spread for hundreds of miles inside the basin and look like a giant vermilion dragon lying in the great Gobi Desert. The chain is the most torrid area of China and from afar, when the sun scorches mercilessly, it seems like tongues of fire are coming out of the mountains. In midsummer, the temperature can reach 40°C.
Karez: something you’ll find only in Central Asia: an irrigation system that requires a main well to be dug from a high point to collect the water coming from the melting snow. The Karez system also consist in excavating a long underground tunnel made for bringing the water to the farmland. Along the tunnel there are some vertical wells which allow the access to the gallery itself.
