Day 05 - July 29th - Urumqi to Turpan


From the Itinerary: Your journey continues today to Turpan – at 500 feet below sea level the second lowest place on earth after the Dead Sea, which is 1,300 feet below sea level. Turpan is an important cultural and historical town in Xinjiang, known as the “Fire Prefecture” because the temperature in the summer can get over 104 degrees. In the afternoon you’ll visit the ancient citadel of Jiaohe, or Yar City, on a raised section between two rivers. Jiaohe is protected as an archaeological site by UNESCO. You’ll also visit the underground irrigation system of Kariz and the Emin minaret before returning to our hotel.
TURPAN OASIS HOTEL (B,L,D)

Photos Here...click on image to enlarge      
Day > 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Day 5 - Urumqi - Turpan

Up early walked the Peoples Square and a public market. Mostly fruit and vegetabled, farmers. Some baked goods and meat. Some animals butchered and sold. The square had badminton, Ti-Chi, sword movements, dancing Ti-Chi going on. Breakfast at hotel. On the bus by 9:30. Stopped 4 miles from hotel at the display of Xinjiang Ancient Mummies to see four famous mummies (no photos allowed) and then costumes and musical instruments, photos, Yurts, etc. of the many regional cultures of the area. Then headed for Turpan. A 2 1/2 hour drive to the hotest place in China. Averages 40 C everyday, except for today. Cloud cover kept the temp down. Stopped for lunch in hotel before going to room. Drove to famous underground irrigation system of Kariz. Hundreds of years ago the Chinese dug holes and tunnels to bring water to the city underground to avoid evaporation. This area is famous for its grapes and wine. Did some wine tasting. Every place has touist trap shopping. Then we drove to the Yar City or Jiaohe. An ancient citadel on a raised section between two rivers. Back to hotel for "western dinner" of Beef or chicken steak. The worst dinner we have had. To bed at 11:00.

1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20