Grapes Valley

The Grapes Valley is located in the Flaming Mountain, 13 kilometers (8 miles) northeast of Turpan. The valley runs 8 kilometers (5 miles) from north to south with a width of 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles). This green paradise of 400 hectares (988 acres) is filled with intertwined grape vines that sport layer after layer of luscious grapes. Around the grape gardens towers vibrant poplar trees interspersed with a few flowers. Sheer cliffs meet the valley on the west side and cottages and adobe houses are elaborately arranged on the other slopes.

It makes a pleasant stroll to wander through the vineyards, shaded by fruit-laden trellises and surrounded by the stark desert. After a few hours out and about in this unique landscape, you can sample the local wine at a local winery and decide whether you prefer the rich, dark red or the lighter and almost fruity white.

Although you can get Turpan exported wine or raisins at other places, they taste far better fresh and at their source. If you're in town in August, try to make the grape festival, where song, dance, good food, wine, and lots of happy visitors combine for a wonderful time under the clear desert skies.

Backed by the Flaming Mountain (named for its red flame-like appearance), lying alongside a river underneath blue skies in the day and a clear, starry sky at night, Grapes Valley is a fantastic spot to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the desert oasis.