Turpan

As the conflux of 3 routes along the mid-section of the Silk Road, Turpan was much fought for by different Kingdoms. In spite of the extreme temperatures (average 30 degrees Celsius between July and August with highest reaching 50), people settled down in this basin and developed civilization and special irrigation system to produce both spectacular cultures and farm produce. The 2nd lowest land in the world (next to Dead Sea with 160m below sea level), Turpan has the 4 No.1s in China (lowest land, driest place-16mm annual precipitation, hottest place and sweetest fruits).

Highlights:

Emin Minaret (Sugong Minaret)- Located on the eastern edge of the town, it consists of an active mosque built in 1778 and an impressive tower rising over 44m.
Jiaohe Ruins - 8km west of Turpan, it boasts once-flourishing glory with a 2000-year history, which served as the capital of the Kingdom of Jushi around 450AD, but was abandoned possibly due to the lack of water.
Flaming Mountains and Bezklik Cave - Reddish-brown in color, the mountains look like on fire in the midday sun. On its northwestern side located the Bezklik Buddhist Grottos, built in 7th century.
Gaochang Ruins - 46 km east of Turpan. The town was founded in 4th century and a major staging post on the Silk Road. And became a center of the Uighur Empire in the 9th century.
Grape Valley - a small retreat away from heat at midday, it enjoys fame for sweet grapes and trellises along the street.
Karez Underground Irrigation System - with origin unknown, it is regarded as one of the ancient China's greatest public projects. Some were constructed over 2000 years ago.