Karez Paradise: Exploring Turpan's Ancient "Underground Great Wall"

Karez Paradise, located in Yar Township, Turpan, is a premier cultural site dedicated to one of the world's most ingenious irrigation systems. Often referred to as part of the "Underground Great Wall," the Karez system is recognized as one of China’s three greatest ancient engineering projects, alongside the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. This site provides a rare opportunity to see a functioning Karez and go underground to experience the engineering that has sustained life in the Turpan Basin for over 2,000 years.

1.The genius of the: Karez lies in its adaptation to the extreme environment of the "Fire Island". By channeling snowmelt from the Tianshan Mountains through underground tunnels, the system utilizes gravity to move water across vast distances while protecting it from the intense evaporation caused by surface temperatures that can reach 70-80°C. The system consists of four key parts: vertical wells for excavation and maintenance, underground channels for transport, surface canals, and water storage ponds.

2.At Karez: Paradise, visitors can descend into the cool subterranean tunnels, where the air temperature typically remains a refreshing 10-20°C, providing a literal oasis from the desert heat. The onsite Karez Museum displays the evolution of this technology, showcasing historical maps, excavation models, and traditional tools like "Karez soil buckets" (Kantuman). These exhibits explain how ancient laborers relied on simple vertical wells to ensure water arrived at the precise depth and location needed for irrigation.

Beyond the engineering, the site recreates the traditional Uyghur oasis lifestyle. Visitors can walk through lush vineyards fed by the ancient water system and observe traditional architecture featuring "Aywang" skylights and "Sufa" platforms. Karez Paradise is not merely a monument to the past but a living museum that demonstrates the harmonious relationship between the people of Turpan and their harsh yet beautiful natural landscape.