Just how old Turfan (also known as Turpan) is is hard to say, but this is one old city! Traces of human civilisation have been found dating back as 6,000 years and maybe the area was occupied before this. Known as Gushi in the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD) it was in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) that it got its current name meaning 'the lowest place' in the Uyghur language and indeed the Turfan Depression is the second lowest place on earth.

This dry desert area is the home of the Turkic-speaking Uyghur people who manage to make a living here in what can be a blisteringly hot area: not for nothing is Turfan known as the Furnace of China.

This warm sunny weather is perfect for growing melons and grapes and the region is well-known for them with Grape Valley a good place to enjoy them.

Flaming Mountain is mentioned in a classical Chinese novel The Journey to the West and Emin Minaret is the largest ancient Islamic tower in Xinjiang. Other attractions include the ancient cities of Jiaohe and Gaochang, the Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs and dramatically-located Bezeklik Caves. Finally, don’t miss a look at the karez irrigation system which transports water underground, reducing evaporation.