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Grape Valley
On the western face of the Flaming Mountains, east of Turpan is the Grape Valley. Despite the sweltering summer heat that hits Turpan, this 8km (5 mile) long valley remains cool and humid. Grapes were first grown in the city over 2,000 years ago and together with Turpan’s melons and wines, soon became the region’s specialty products. The delicious produce was often presented as tribute to the Tang imperial court.
The Grape Valley is filled with trellised walkways, that in the peak season of July to August, are covered with bunches of grapes. The valley produces the famous seedless white grape, the manaizi or ‘mare’s nipple’ grape, and red and black grapes in the fall. Peaches, apricots, apples, pomegranates, pears, and various types of melon are also grown here.
In the valley you will find a park as well as patios and outdoor tables where you can eat the grapes and other fruit or enjoy a delicious meal complemented by the locally produced wine.
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