The Turpan Grape Valley Scenic Area is located in Gaochang District, Turpan City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. The scenic area is about 8 kilometers long from north to south and about 2 kilometers wide from east to west, covering an area of approximately 10 square kilometers. It is a canyon at the foot of the Flaming Mountains. Streams surround the valley, the water quality is pure, and the climate is warm and humid, creating an excellent environment for grape growth.
There are hundreds of grape varieties planted in the scenic area, such as Thompson Seedless, Muscat Hamburg, and Red Grape. The grapes here are of excellent quality and high sugar content. The scenic area has distinct features. Based on grape cultivation, it integrates the folk customs of the Uyghur ethnic group and has many unique Uyghur buildings, such as traditional courtyards and drying houses. Tourists can not only taste the sweet grapes here but also experience the rich ethnic cultural atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful rural scenery.
Historical Culture
The Turpan Grape Valley has a long history of grape cultivation. According to records, grape cultivation began here as early as the Western Han Dynasty more than two thousand years ago. The unique climate conditions in the Turpan area, with a large temperature difference between day and night and long sunshine hours, make the grapes here of superior quality and well-known far and wide.
In the course of historical development, the Grape Valley has become one of the important nodes on the Silk Road. Caravans traveling to and fro stopped here, bringing cultures from different regions, which blended with the local grape culture. The Uyghur people have developed unique grape cultivation and brewing techniques, as well as related folk cultures, during their long-term production and life.
With the changes of the times, the Grape Valley has not only retained traditional grape cultivation and ethnic culture but also gradually developed into a famous tourist scenic area, attracting tourists from all over the country and becoming an important window for showcasing the culture of the Turpan area.
Main Scenic Spots
Grape Corridor
The Grape Corridor is a major characteristic landscape of the Grape Valley, stretching for several kilometers. Grape vines twine above the corridor, forming a natural green canopy. When tourists stroll along it, there are strings of crystal-clear grapes overhead, and a neat stone path underfoot, making them feel as if they are in a world of grapes. There are a wide variety of grape varieties here, and grapes at different ripening stages can be seen in different seasons.
Afanti Folk Custom Garden
The Afanti Folk Custom Garden is a place to showcase the culture of the Uyghur ethnic group and the stories of Afanti. There are statues of Afanti and restored related scenes in the garden. Tourists can learn about Afanti's intelligence and humor. In addition, they can enjoy Uyghur song and dance performances, taste special delicacies, and feel the rich ethnic atmosphere. The buildings in the garden have a typical Uyghur style, with bright colors and exquisite decorations.
Dafusangai Folk Village
The Dafusangai Folk Village has preserved a large number of traditional Uyghur dwellings and ways of life. Tourists can visit Uyghur courtyards, living rooms, kitchens, etc. here to learn about their daily life and customs. There are also handicraft workshops in the folk village, displaying and selling Uyghur handicrafts such as embroidery, woodcarving, and carpets. Tourists can buy them as souvenirs.
Wang Luobin Music Art Museum
The Wang Luobin Music Art Museum was built in memory of the famous musician Wang Luobin. The museum houses a large number of Wang Luobin's manuscripts, photos, audio-visual materials, etc., showing his music creation process and artistic achievements. Tourists can enjoy the classic songs composed by Wang Luobin here and feel his love for music and contribution to ethnic culture. The architectural style of the art museum is integrated with the local culture, making it a great place to learn about music culture and the history of Turpan.
Delicacies
Raisins
Raisins are one of the characteristic delicacies of the Grape Valley. The raisins here are made from high-quality grapes through a special drying process. They taste sweet, are rich in nutrition, and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Common raisins include Thompson Seedless raisins, etc. Tourists can buy them in bulk or in exquisite gift boxes. The price ranges from about 20 yuan to 50 yuan per catty depending on the quality.
Grape Juice
Grape juice is squeezed from fresh grapes, with a rich taste and a sweet and sour flavor. There is freshly squeezed grape juice in the scenic area, ensuring the original taste. The price of a cup of freshly squeezed grape juice is approximately between 10 yuan and 15 yuan, which is a good choice for tourists to quench their thirst and taste the deliciousness of grapes.
Nang Pit Roast Mutton
Nang Pit Roast Mutton is a traditional delicacy of the Uyghur ethnic group. Fresh mutton is selected, marinated, and then roasted in a nang pit. The roasted mutton has a golden and crispy outer skin, tender and juicy meat inside, and a fragrant smell. The price of a serving of Nang Pit Roast Mutton is about 50 yuan to 80 yuan, and it is usually eaten with nang for a better taste.
Hand-Pulled Rice
Hand-Pulled Rice is made with rice, mutton, carrots, etc. as the main ingredients, and appropriate seasonings are added and stewed. The rice grains are distinct, the mutton is tender, the carrots are sweet, and it is rich in nutrition. The price of a serving of Hand-Pulled Rice is approximately between 20 yuan and 30 yuan. It is one of the staple foods in the local area and is deeply loved by tourists.
Yogurt Zongzi
Yogurt Zongzi is made by pouring thick yogurt over glutinous rice zongzi and sprinkling some raisins or nut crumbs on top. It has a soft and glutinous taste, with a moderate sweet and sour flavor. It has both the glutinousness of zongzi and the freshness of yogurt. It is a special dessert, and the price of each is about 5 yuan to 8 yuan.
Tickets
Starting from May 1, 2025, it will be officially open for free.
Opening Hours
Peak Season (April 21 - October 20): 08:00 - 21:00
Off-Season (October 21 - April 20 of the following year): 10:00 - 18:30
The opening hours of the scenic area may be adjusted according to actual situations. It is recommended that tourists check the latest information through official channels before traveling.
Tour Routes
After entering the scenic area, tourists can first stroll along the Grape Corridor, admire various grapes, and learn about grape cultivation knowledge. Then go to the Afanti Folk Custom Garden to watch song and dance performances and experience the stories of Afanti and the culture of the Uyghur ethnic group. After that, go to the Dafusangai Folk Village to experience the traditional life and handicraft production of the Uyghur people. Then visit the Wang Luobin Music Art Museum to learn about music culture. During the tour, tourists can taste the local delicacies at any time. If there is enough time, they can also experience the fun of grape picking in the grape picking area of the scenic area.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from the urban area of Turpan, you can drive along National Highway 312 to the Turpan Grape Valley Scenic Area. The whole journey is about 10 kilometers, and the driving time is about 20 minutes. The scenic area has a parking lot, and the parking fee is about 10 yuan.
- Bus: There are buses in the urban area of Turpan going to the Turpan Grape Valley Scenic Area. You can take Bus No. 102 and get off at the Grape Valley Station. The ticket price is 2 yuan. The bus departs every about 20 minutes.
- Taxi: Taking a taxi from the urban area of Turpan to the Turpan Grape Valley Scenic Area costs about 30 yuan. The specific price can be negotiated with the driver.
Must-visit Scenic Spots
- Grape Corridor: Stretching for several kilometers, with lush grape vines and diverse grape varieties, it is a great place to admire grapes and take photos, and also a natural classroom to learn about grape cultivation.
- Afanti Folk Custom Garden: Deeply experience the culture of the Uyghur ethnic group and the stories of Afanti, enjoy wonderful song and dance performances, feel the rich ethnic atmosphere, and the architectural style is extremely distinctive.
- Wang Luobin Music Art Museum: In memory of the famous musician Wang Luobin, the rich collection in the museum shows his musical achievements. Tourists can feel the charm of music and the inheritance of culture here.
Tour Tips
- Learn about the opening hours and ticket policies of the scenic area in advance. You can check through the official website or WeChat official account of the scenic area and arrange your itinerary reasonably.
- The grapes in the Grape Valley are ripe from July to October. Visiting during this period allows you to taste fresh grapes. If you want to experience grape picking, you can choose August to September.
- The sunlight is strong and the ultraviolet radiation is high in the scenic area. Remember to take sun protection measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses and a sun hat.
- When tasting delicacies, pay attention to food hygiene and avoid eating too many cold and raw foods to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Respect the local customs and habits, especially in the folk village. Do not touch or damage handicrafts and the items of residents casually.
Notes
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not litter and keep the scenic area clean and beautiful.
- In the grape picking area, follow the guidance of the staff for picking and do not damage the grape vines and fruits casually.
- When watching song and dance performances or participating in folk activities, follow the order, listen to the arrangements of the staff, and do not make loud noises or behave uncivilizedly.
- When buying handicrafts or specialties, pay attention to distinguishing the quality and price to avoid being deceived. You can choose regular stores or stalls to buy.
- If you encounter an emergency in the scenic area, contact the staff of the scenic area in a timely manner or call the emergency phone number of the scenic area for help.