The central avenue, 350-meters long, runs north from South Gate, separating the city into three parts; namely, residences for common people, temples, and residences for aristocrats.

The relics are in Tang Dynasty (618-907) architectural style. Houses were dug downward from the earth, and as no house gates faced the streets. Military defense was apparently priority.

At the end of the 8 Century, the city was tossed into the reigns of the Turpan, Hui, and Mongols. Residents fled from the destroyed city continuously. Till the beginning of the 14 Century, the city was abandoned, as was its glory and prosperity of over 2000 years. Miraculously, owing to the arid climate and remote location, the ancient city of Jiaohe remains intact, leaving us a rare exemple of an earthen castle.

It's early June and entering the city makes you feel standing in a pot with fire underground. Where to hide? Let's hurry up to the grape valley!

Grape Valley, Hope of Richness

East of Turpan is the Grape Valley. Despite the sweltering summer heat that hits Turpan, this 8km long valley remains cool and humid. Grapes were first grown in the city over 2,000 years ago. Turpan melons and wines soon became the region's specialty.

The Grape Valley is filled with trellised walkways that in the peak season of July to August are covered with grapes. The valley produces the famous seedless white grape, and red and black grapes. Peaches, apricots, apples, pomegranates, pears, and various types of melons are also grown here.

Every autumn when the grapes are ripe, big galas are held when crowds of visitors throng into the valley. Local beauties in their ethnic costumes are ready there to take photos with visitors, girls and women for free.  However, men have to pay 10 Yuan!

Actually, grape trees can be found around every household in Turpan's suburban area. The size of a family's grape a land simply tells how rich the family is. With transportation getting more and more convenient, the aroma of Turpan grapes is reaching other parts of China and the whole world!

Clickto listen to a famous Chinese folk song The Grapes in Turpan Have Ripened.

The song tells the love story of two young Uigurs in Turpan: The boy joined the army, and before going, he planted a grape. Missing him very much, the girl took good care of the grape as if it was her sweetheart. Years passed, and the grape has grown up and produced abundant fruits. Then came the news that the boy was awarded in the army. The girl sent to his post delicious grapes that carried all of her love.

(CRIENGLISH.com) 

Click to share your travel experience in Xinjiang at Talk China

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