A desert oasis in China's Xinjiang region, Turpan, with its ancient buildings and villages, will transport you back to a time when the Silk Road was in use. This is a predominantly Uyghur area, mixed with Mongolian, Han Chinese, Hui, and many more ethnic groups. While the city isn’t easy to reach, there are plenty of things to do in Turpan and its surrounding areas once you get there, like exploring Tuyoq Village, learning about the ancient karez irrigation system, and sampling multiple types of the region's fresh and dried fruits.
Turpan's weather is most pleasant in the spring and fall since summer gets incredibly hot and winter sees temps below freezing. Yet, the Turpan Grape Festival is celebrated in August, so if you can take the heat, come for the festivities. No matter when you visit, make sure to bring sun protection, lotion, and lip balm, and drink plenty of water—the climate out there is exceptionally dry.
If you’re keen on figuring out Turpan's cheap public transportation system, the buses here are rather decent. Many sights like Jiaohe Ancient City and the Flaming Mountains are outside the city, however, and require longer drives. Some of the best options to get around are to join public or private tours or hire a personal driver for the entirety of your stay.
When traveling in Turpan, it's best to dress conservatively since the Xinjiang region is home to a large Uyghur population, and many locals identify as Sunni Muslims and wear traditional dress. Keep in mind that the temperatures can get very warm, and the sun shines all year. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long skirts/pants to both protect yourself from the sun and show consideration towards the locals.
