Turpan, Xinjiang

Tuyu Valley Maza Village: The Living Museum of Raw Earth and Ancient Silk Road Faith

📸Photography 🏯Old Towns 🛤️Silk Road(丝绸之路)

Altitude

80m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Tuyu Valley Maza: Village, often hailed as "China's First Earth Village," is a prehistoric settlement located at the southern base of the Flaming Mountains in Shanshan County, Turpan. This ancient village, covering approximately 5 square kilometers, serves as a remarkable testament to the region's raw earth architectural heritage and its role as a pivotal intersection of civilizations along the Silk Road. The village is uniquely positioned at the mouth of the Tuyu Valley Grand Canyon, where the vibrant red canyon walls provide a stark contrast to the yellow-toned earthen dwellings.

2.The history of Maza: Village is deeply intertwined with the spiritual evolution of Xinjiang. It was a major center for Buddhism before becoming a significant site for Islam starting in the 10th century. This religious transition is physically represented by the proximity of the Tuyu Valley Grottos—ancient Buddhist cave temples—to the village's centerpiece, the Tuyu Valley Maza. This maza is recognized as one of the most important Islamic holy sites in Xinjiang, often referred to as the "Mecca of the East" by local pilgrims.

Architecturally, the village is a living museum of raw earth construction. Most of the buildings are hundreds of years old, constructed from sun-dried mud bricks and wood, featuring traditional Uyghur elements such as the "Aywang" skylights and carved wooden doors. These structures are naturally insulated, providing a cooling sanctuary against the extreme heat of the Turpan Basin. The village layout is organic and maze-like, following the natural contours of the valley floor.

Today, Tuyu Valley Maza Village remains an active community where traditional Uyghur culture is preserved in its most authentic form. Visitors can observe locals tending to lush vineyards, performing traditional music, and maintaining a lifestyle that has changed little over the centuries. The site offers a profound experience of time standing still, making it a premier destination for those seeking the historical and spiritual soul of the Western Regions.

✨ Why Visit Tuyu Valley Maza Village

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China's First Earth Village

Explore the world's most complete and ancient raw earth village, featuring hundreds of years of traditional mud-brick architecture.

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Holy Islamic Maza

Visit the Tuyu Valley Maza, recognized as one of the most significant Islamic shrines in the region.

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Canyon Contrast Scenery

Witness the spectacular visual harmony between the crimson canyon walls and the yellow-toned earthen dwellings at the mouth of the Tuyu Valley Grand Canyon.

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Fusion of Faiths

Discover a unique historical site where ancient Buddhist cave temples (Tuyu Valley Grottos) exist in proximity to the Islamic Maza, representing the area's spiritual evolution.

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Authentic Uyghur Lifestyle

Immerse yourself in a living community where ancient customs, traditional dress, and vineyard culture remain daily realities.

Location & Nearby

📍 Turpan, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 80m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Tuyu Valley Maza Village Travel Guide

is situated in Shanshan County, at the southern exit of the Tuyu Valley Grand Canyon, about 50km from Turpan. What does "Maza" mean?

In the local context, a Maza.

is an Islamic tomb or holy place, often belonging to a saint or significant religious figure. Why is it called the "First Earth Village"?

It earned this title because it.

is the most well-preserved ancient village in China built entirely of raw earth (mud-brick). Can I visit the grottos and the village together?

Yes, the Tuyu Valley Grottos are located on the cliffs just above the village, representing the area's Buddhist history.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Tuyu Valley Maza Village?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.