Turpan is located in the eastern part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Situated in an intermontane basin at the eastern end of the Tianshan Mountains, it borders Hami City to the east, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture to the west, and is adjacent to Urumqi City and Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture to the north. As an important hub connecting the Eurasian continent under the Belt and Road Initiative, Turpan covers a total area of about 70,000 square kilometers and is renowned for its unique natural conditions, earning it the nickname “Land of Fire.”
As a prominent historical and cultural town along the ancient Silk Road, Turpan has been a core region for political, economic, and cultural exchanges in the Western Regions from the Kingdom of Cheshi during the Han Dynasty through the Gaochang period in the Tang and Song Dynasties. With over 3,200 hours of sunshine annually, Turpan boasts abundant solar energy resources and is famous for producing high-quality specialty agricultural products such as grapes and Hami melons, enjoying a reputation as the “Land of Fruits and Melons.” Rich in coal, petroleum, natural gas, and other mineral resources, Turpan’s high-quality economic development has been powered by scientific planning and sustainable development strategies at the national level.
Turpan is a vivid reflection of the Chinese nation’s pattern of diversity within unity, where multiple ethnic groups and cultures—such as the Uyghur, Han, and Hui peoples—coexist harmoniously and safeguard the region’s historical legacy. Within its territory are world cultural heritage sites such as the Ancient City of Jiaohe and the Ancient City of Gaochang, along with numerous nationally protected relics, all of which stand as testament to the exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese civilization and the cultures of the Silk Road.
Today’s Turpan, with a focus on fostering a strong sense of community among the Chinese nation and upholding ecological priorities and green development, is striving to build a modern exemplar region that integrates historical and cultural experiences, model specialty agriculture, and clean energy development. This land, rich with millennia of civilization, sincerely invites visitors from around the world to marvel at its natural wonders, witness its cultural treasures, and share in its achievements.
