Tuyoq Village

吐峪沟

A thousand-year-old Uyghur village in a Flaming Mountains gorge, where earthen houses, a sacred tomb and the Thousand Buddha Caves coexist. Often called 'China's Number One Earthen Village.'

Tuyoq Village lies in a gorge on the southern slope of the Flaming Mountains in Shanshan County, about 55 km from downtown Turpan and 15 km from Gaochang Ruins. The north-south gorge is traversed by the Subeixi River, and on both banks sits a village with more than 1,700 years of history. Built against the mountain beside the water, the village is made entirely of rammed yellow earth and adobe. Rooftop terraces are stacked one above another, lanes wind through the settlement, and grapevines and mulberry trees add greenery. It preserves some of the most original Uyghur earthen architecture and is known as 'China's Number One Earthen Village.' It is also listed among China's famous historical and cultural villages. At the northern mouth of the gorge are the Tuyoq Thousand Buddha Caves, carved during the Jin and Tang periods. They are among the earliest Buddhist grottoes in Xinjiang, with dozens of caves surviving and some murals still visible. Inside the gorge, the Tuyoq Mazar is a sacred Islamic site, traditionally said to be the burial place of seven holy men. Muslim pilgrims come often to pay their respects, and it is known as the 'Little Mecca of the East.' Admission is about 30 yuan, and a visit takes 1 to 1.5 hours. You can wander the village lanes, photograph earthen houses and elderly residents in traditional dress, or drink tea and buy raisins in a villager's home. Good to know: this is a devout religious community. Remove your shoes before entering the mazar or mosque and dress respectfully. Ask permission before photographing villagers. The gorge road is narrow, so take care when driving and passing. Some caves in the Thousand Buddha Caves close from time to time.

Tuyoq Village

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