Urumqi - Turpan

Today we drive from Urumqi to Turpan, which is a basin in the mountains of eastern Xinjiang and is also called "an oasis in the desert". We will have lunch on the way from Urumqi to Turpan. You will explore the "Karez" System, an irrigation system of wells connected by underground channels, considered as one of the three great ancient projects in China, the other two being the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. The structure of the karez basically consists of wells, underground channels, ground canals and small reservoirs.

The next highlight will be Emin Minaret, which is the largest extant old tower in Xinjiang and the only Islamic tower among the hundred famous towers in China.
Standing 2 km east of Turpan, Emin Minaret was built in 1777 in honor of the heroic Turpan general, Emin Khoja. He was an outstanding patriot who defended the unification of China throughout his life.

Afterwards we will go to the ruins of "Jiaohe" about 10 kilometers west of Turpan County, which was a strategically important city on the ancient Silk Road that travelers must pass through. In the evening we join a Uygur family for dinner. After the meal you will watch a Uygur dancing performance. Get invited by the prettiest girls and most handsome boy dancers to join the merry crowd -- just relax and enjoy the cool summer night!