Turpan is an old city with a long history. Traces have been found of humans living there, dating as far back as 6,000 years ago.
Turpan means 'the lowest place' in the Uygur language and 'the fertile land' in Turki. Lying in the Turpan Basin, the elevation of most of the places in the area is below 500 meters.
This is the city with the lowest elevation in China and the second lowest in the world, after our dead sea.
The city, which is also known as Huo Zhou (a place as hot as fire), is the hottest place in China.
The main attractions here are actually outside the city, therefore we rented a taxi for a full day to cover most of it.
The Ancient City of Jiaohe:
One of the world's architectural wonders hides in Yarnaz Valley, 10 kilometers west of Turpan. Like a willow leaf, the ancient city of Jiaohe with a history of 2300 years lies between two rivers on a loess plateau atop a cliff of over 30 meters. One of the largest, oldest and best-preserved earthen city in the world, Jiaohe is 1,650 meters by 300 meters at its widest; with an area of 220,000 square meters.
Along its great history, this city was destroyed and re-built several of times.
Astana Ancient Tombs:
The tombs which are located 42 km southeast of Turpan city were the public cemetery of the ancient Gaochang residents, both aristocrats and commoners. Among the excavated 456 tombs, the Gaochang king's has not been found.
A slope of over 10 meters long leads down to the chamber. The chamber is 2 meters high with a flat ceiling or a dome. The dead are placed on an earthen or wooden bed in the back of the chamber.
In one of the tombs we saw 2 mummies, owing to the arid climate, the relics are very well preserved; dumplings are the same as today's, and the mummies stuffing is as intact as it was when fresh. Murals with vivid pictures of humans, animals, flowers, mountains, and rivers decorate some chambers.
Tuyuk Village:
In this Oasis we walked around, once again we interact with the friendly locals, learning a lot about their simple and interesting lifestyle. The houses in the village are built from red bricks and brown mud, their entrance doors are colorfully painted.
Here you can find many Vineyards and small streams.
Have fun,
Efrat and Yoni.
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1 comment:
Hi there,
I am very much interested in what the muslim women where. I am muslim myself and have never yet have met a chinese muslim. I believe in the western part where most of the muslims live has a climate similar to the american mountain west. I live ther(lol here) so I am curious as to what the ladies wear. What fabrics, shat textures, prints, embellishments etc.
jessicaweigant@hotmail.com
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