Turpan, Ancient trade hub in Xinjiang, China
Turpan is a prefecture-level city in the northern part of the Turpan Depression, sitting about 500 feet (150 meters) below sea level and surrounded by barren mountains and wide desert plains. Broad, tree-lined avenues run through the center, while sprawling vineyards and low adobe houses spread along the outskirts toward the slopes.
The area was once part of the Jushi Kingdom and grew into a key stop along the Silk Road, where caravans found shade and water. The Tang Dynasty incorporated the territory into its administrative network in the seventh century, founding a garrison that oversaw trade and passage.
The karez system brings mountain snowmelt through underground channels to vineyards and fields, shaping how farmers work and settle across the basin. Grapes dry in shaded brick drying houses with latticed walls that let the desert wind pass through while keeping out the direct sun.
The high-speed rail line links the city to larger urban centers across the region, making arrival from eastern and western directions more convenient. Visitors should carry plenty of water and wear light, pale clothing, as summer heat lingers and shade is limited in the outer districts.
The nearby Flaming Mountain range glows deep red and orange in the afternoon sun, radiating heat that shimmers across the surrounding terrain. The rocky ground reaches temperatures on clear summer days that make walking without sturdy shoes painful.
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