Flaming Mountains - Wanfo Palace: Where Ancient Legends Meet the Heat Pole of the Silk Road

1.The Flaming: Mountains, located approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Turpan City, are a spectacular red sandstone mountain range that stretches for about 100 kilometers across the northern edge of the Turpan Basin. This area is scientifically recognized as the "Heat Pole" of China, where surface ground temperatures in the summer have been recorded as high as 89°C. The barren, wind-eroded ridges of the mountains resemble leaping tongues of red fire under the intense desert sun, which gave rise to the legendary stories found in the classic Chinese novel, "Journey to the West".

Situated at the base of these crimson slopes is the Wanfo Palace (Palace of Ten Thousand Buddhas), a cultural complex dedicated to the rich Buddhist heritage of the ancient Gaochang Kingdom. The palace serves as a "living museum" of Silk Road history, featuring a combination of natural geological wonders and man-made cultural exhibits. One of the most striking features of the site is the massive outdoor Buddha statue, which stands majestically against the background of the flaming red cliffs, symbolizing the historical intersection of spirituality and the harsh desert environment.

2.Inside the Underground Cultural: Palace, visitors can find relief from the extreme surface temperatures while exploring galleries filled with murals and sculptures. These artworks illustrate the arrival of Buddhism in the Western Regions and the legendary adventures of the Monkey King. The complex also houses the "Golden Cudgel" Thermometer, which stands as a giant pillar measuring the scorching ground heat, holding a Guinness World Record as the largest thermometer of its kind. Together, the Flaming Mountains and Wanfo Palace offer a unique immersion into the physical extremes and spiritual depths of the ancient Silk Road.