Grape Valley

葡萄沟

A green canyon on the western end of the Flaming Mountains, where grape trellises block out the sun. Its drying houses and raisin markets are the symbol of Turpan's sweetness.

Grape Valley lies in a north–south canyon at the western end of the Flaming Mountains. It is about 8 kilometres long, 2 kilometres wide, and roughly 10 kilometres from Turpan city centre. The Buyilk River flows through the valley year-round, and both banks are planted with dozens of grape varieties, including Wuhebai and Mǎnǎizi. The grape trellises form long green corridors, and walking beneath them is several degrees cooler than outside, making it a summer refuge in the land of fire. The scenic area is divided into several zones: Grape Valley Amusement Park (grape corridors, Uyghur residential courtyards and song-and-dance performances), Afanti's Former Residence, the Wang Luobin Music Art Museum, the Dawazi Folk Culture Park, and the openwork brick drying houses along the road, where raisins are air-dried. Admission is about CNY 60, or about CNY 75 for a combined ticket covering all zones. You can travel between zones by shuttle or on foot. In August and September, during the grape season, farmhouses set tables under the trellises so visitors can taste the grapes. Raisins can be bargained over, but compare prices at reputable shops before buying. A visit takes about 1.5–2 hours, and it can be scheduled on the same day as the Flaming Mountains and the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Note: outside the valley, midday is still very sunny, so stay in the shade where you can. Folk performances inside the valley often cost extra. For photos of the drying houses and grape trellises, early morning offers soft light and fewer visitors.

Grape Valley

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Places to eat nearby