Delving into Turpan: Unraveling its Silk Road history and vintner traditions

The Karez Folk Garden, nestled in the heart of Xinjiang's Turpan region, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Uyghur community and the broader region. This captivating destination offers visitors a unique blend of ancient water engineering, traditional practices, and a vibrant display of Uyghur culture.

The Karez system, an underground irrigation network dating back to the Ming Dynasty, is a marvel of ancient engineering. It has been in continuous use for over 400 years, providing a reliable source of water for the region's agriculture, including famous orchards and vineyards. The Karez Folk Garden preserves a significant portion of these original ruins, offering a glimpse into the evolution of water management techniques in western China and the importance of water conservation.

Beyond its historical significance, the Karez Folk Garden serves as a cultural hub, showcasing the resilience and resourcefulness of the Uyghur people. Visitors can immerse themselves in Uyghur traditions through performances of music, singing, and dancing, fostering a sense of connection with the local community and promoting cultural exchange.

The garden is strategically located in Xinchengximen Village, Gaochang District, about 3 kilometers from downtown Turpan. It is part of Turpan's broader cultural landscape, which includes other historical sites like the Jiaohe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Emin Minaret. Together, these sites highlight the area's rich cultural and natural heritage, attracting tourists and scholars alike.

One unique experience not to be missed is the Jiaohe Night program, which offers an immersive exploration of the ancient ruins after sunset. Visitors can enjoy traditional Uyghur music, poetry, and storytelling, culminating in a candlelit procession where guests can place candles in ancient niches as a silent wish left glowing in the darkness.

Turpan's history is deeply intertwined with the Silk Roads, and several sites in the region offer insights into this ancient trade route. The Flame Mountain site serves as a key site for studying the spread of Buddhism along the Northern Silk Roads and the merger of interethnic cultures. After a year of restoration work and digitisation of the artefacts, two grottoes at the site are now open to the public.

Another tourist location in Turpan is Yarhu Grottoes, which served as a monastery for Buddhist monks more than a thousand years ago. The grottoes feature walls and ceilings painted with frescoes of Buddha, with unique names and distinct hieroglyphs in Chinese, Uyghur, and Sogdian languages.

In addition to its historical and cultural offerings, Turpan is also known for its modern wineries, such as Yimao Winery. This state-of-the-art facility, located in the Turpan Basin, produces a variety of wines, including dry reds, crisp whites, brandy, and other smooth wines, with an annual production of about 500 tons.

The Karez Folk Garden is divided into three main sections: Karez Ruins Area, Folk Culture Area, and Grape Planting Area. Each section offers a unique perspective on the region's history and culture, making it an essential visit for anyone seeking to understand the rich tapestry of Turpan's past and present.

To delve deeper into the historical significance of the Karez system, travelers can explore the Karez Folk Garden, housing significant remnants of ancient water engineering practices.
The Karez Folk Garden not only showcases the evolution of water management techniques but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Uyghur traditions.
The Jiaohe Night program is a culinary and cultural expedition, offering an immersive exploration of ancient ruins while also providing a taste of local food-and-drink traditions.
To learn about the Silk Roads and the merger of interethnic cultures, journey to Flame Mountain, a key site for studying the dissemination of Buddhism along the Northern Silk Roads.
In addition to historical sites, Turpan is home to modern wineries like Yimao Winery, offering tasteful experiences with dry reds, crisp whites, brandy, and other smooth wines.
Guides can narrate the history of Turpan effectively, leading tourists through traditional sites such as the Karez Folk Garden, the Jiaohe Ruins, and the Emin Minaret.
For a glimpse into the lifestyle of Buddhist monks, consider touring the Yarhu Grottoes, boasting walls and ceilings adorned with Buddha frescoes in multiple languages.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Turpan's heritage, it is essential to explore its three main sections in the Karez Folk Garden: the Karez Ruins Area, the Folk Culture Area, and the Grape Planting Area.