Grape Valley

Grape Valley, an enchanting emerald sanctuary, is located deep within the Flaming Mountain Gorge (Huoyanshan) in Turpan, Xinjiang. Stretching approximately 8 kilometers in length and ranging from 0.5 to 2 kilometers in width, this unique canyon is nourished by the Buyiluke River, which flows directly through the valley floor. Known as a "green oasis" in the midst of the scorched "Fire Island," the valley sits at an altitude of roughly 300 meters, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding arid desert.

The valley boasts a long history and culture, having been a world-famous grape-producing area since ancient times. The local environment is defined by its extreme summer heat, exceptionally long sunshine hours, and significant temperature differences between day and night. Combined with mineral-rich soil, these conditions provide an ideal habitat for viticulture, resulting in grapes with an unusually high sugar content and a distinctive sweet flavor.

Visitors can explore a vast variety of grapes, most notably the Thompson Seedless (Wuhebai), Horse Milk (Manai), and Red Rose varieties. Beyond fresh fruit, the valley is celebrated for its traditional drying techniques, where grapes are processed in unique ventilated brick buildings to produce high-quality raisins. The local winemaking process also carries a deep heritage, producing mellow and fragrant wines.

Culturally, Grape Valley is a center for Uyghur ethnic heritage. The area features the Grape Paradise, where visitors can pick fruit by hand, and a Folk Village that offers insights into local customs, traditional clothing, and handicrafts. Music also plays a vital role here; the valley is home to the Wang Luobin Music Art Museum, which commemorates the "King of Western Songs," and the legendary Afanti’s Former Residence. On any given day, the valley is filled with the sounds of traditional Uyghur music and the sight of vibrant song and dance performances.

1.Highlights 核心亮点: Lush Grape Corridor: Walk beneath a canopy of vines draped with strings of crystal-clear, translucent grapes that stretch across the valley. Authentic Uyghur Culture: Experience traditional song and dance performances, explore the Afanti legend, and visit the museum of folk music. The "Sweetest" Harvest: Pick world-famous Thompson Seedless and Horse Milk grapes by hand directly from the vineyards during the harvest season. Ancient Karez & River Irrigation: Witness how the Buyiluke River and the ancient Karez system transform a desert gorge into a fertile paradise. Traditional Raisin Processing: Discover the unique ventilated drying rooms used to create Turpan's renowned raisins through natural air-drying methods.