Atlas of China
Turpan & Jiaohe Ruins 吐鲁番交河故城Tǔlǔfān Jiāohé Gùchéng
A 2,000-year-old city carved out of a river island, in China's hottest basin
- Best time
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- Time needed
- 1–2 days
- Days to budget
- 1½ days
- Stay in
- Turpan
- Region
- Xinjiang
- Type
- Heritage
- Listed as
- 4A scenic area, National heritage site, UNESCO World Heritage
Why go to Turpan & Jiaohe Ruins
Turpan sits in a desert basin that dips below sea level, one of the hottest places in China, yet grapes and melons flourish here thanks to centuries-old irrigation. Just west of town, the Jiaohe Ruins are the remains of a city carved downward into a narrow loess terrace between two rivers, its streets, temples and houses still easy to read from the walkways.
The story
Jiaohe was the capital of the Jushi kingdom more than 2,000 years ago and later a Tang garrison town, before it was abandoned in the 14th century. Around it, Turpan's karez, hand-dug underground channels carrying snowmelt from the Tian Shan, still water the vineyards.
What to see at Turpan & Jiaohe Ruins
- Central Avenue 中央大道: The brick-paved spine of the city, running north from the south gate, with 14 lanes branching off.
- Government compound 官署区: The ruins of a walled official compound of about 5,000 m² in the centre-east of the city, with rammed-earth walls and underground rooms.
- Great Buddhist Monastery 大佛寺: The largest temple in the city, about 90 m by 60 m, at the north end of the avenue, with a central pillar shrine, monks' cells and wells.
- Pagoda Forest 塔林: A walled field of 101 small stupas around a main pagoda, behind the north-eastern monastery on the same axis.
- Karez Museum 坎儿井博物馆: A short ride away in Turpan, a museum on the underground irrigation channels that made the oasis possible.
How to visit Turpan & Jiaohe Ruins
Enter at the south end and follow the central avenue north to the monastery, then return by a different lane; the walkways make the loop a couple of hours. Go early or late, as there is no shade. On a full day, pair Jiaohe with the Karez Museum and the grape valley or the Gaochang ruins.
How to get to Turpan & Jiaohe Ruins
Jiaohe is about 10 km west of central Turpan, a short taxi ride; Turpan is about an hour from Ürümqi by high-speed train.
Where to stay
Stay in Turpan city, where the night market and shops are, then take a taxi or a hired car to Jiaohe and other sights. Hotels with shaded courtyards help in summer.
What to eat
- Raisins 葡萄干: Turpan's grapes are dried in ventilated brick sheds, and the raisins are sold green, golden or dark.
- Fresh Turpan grapes 吐鲁番葡萄: The oasis is known for its grapes, eaten fresh in the harvest season from late summer.
Tips for visiting Turpan & Jiaohe Ruins
- Visit Jiaohe early or late in the day; there's no shade and summer heat is fierce.
- Hire a driver for a day to add the Gaochang ruins, the Flaming Mountains and the Bezeklik caves.
- Late summer is grape season, when the markets overflow with fruit.
Nearby
Also within 30 km: Turpan Karez Paradise 坎儿井乐园 (under 10 km), Karez Folk Custom Park 坎儿井民俗园 (under 10 km), Huoshanhong Winery 火山红酒庄 (under 10 km), Turpan Museum 吐鲁番博物馆 (10 km), Emin Minaret 苏公塔 (10 km), Grape Valley 葡萄沟 (10 km).
Trips with Turpan & Jiaohe Ruins
- The Silk Road by train: Xi’an to Dunhuang, Turpan and Ürümqi 11 days · Xi'an, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan and Ürümqi
- Xinjiang: Ürümqi, Turpan, Kashgar, Karakul Lake and Kanas 11 days · Ürümqi, Turpan, Kashgar and Burqin
On the map
Open Turpan & Jiaohe Ruins on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Turpan & Jiaohe Ruins on the map