Private Day Trip to Turpan from Urumqi including Bezklik Grottoes and Karez System 1
Travel in Xinjiang
Private Day Trip to Turpan from Urumqi including Bezklik Grottoes and Karez System 3
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Private Day Trip to Turpan from Urumqi including Bezklik Grottoes and Karez System

Turpan, China
Private Car ToursAttractionsSightseeing Tours
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About this activity

Explore Turpan's layered history on a full-day private tour from Urumqi, visiting Buddhist cave temples, a major Silk Road city ruin, and an ingenious ancient irrigation system. This comprehensive journey reveals how trade routes and engineering shaped one of China's most historically significant oases.

At 8:30am, your guide will pick you up in the lobby of your centrally located hotel in Urumqi. Then, you will take a 3-hour ride in a private vehicle from Urumqi to Turpan. On the way, you will see windmill farms, saltwater lakes, and valley of Tianshan. After arriving in Turpan, visit Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves, which is an abandoned site keeping the ruin of fresco and statues from 15th century.

Afterwards, you will go to ancient city ruin of Gaochang which was one of the most renowned kingdom along the Silk Road in the history. You can wander around to visit temples, stupas, city walls...etc among the ruin.

Lunch will be provided in the local restaurant. Next, you will go to Emin Minaret that was built in 1777AD with a typical Uyghur architectural style.

Later, before you head back to Urumqi, you will learn why Turpan could sustain itself in long history by visiting the Karez Irrigation System. After the irrigation system visit, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Urumqi where this wonderful day trip concludes.

Highlights

  • ✓Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves: 15th-century frescoes and statues in a remote canyon setting
  • ✓Gaochang Ancient City: wander temple ruins, stupas, and defensive walls of a former Silk Road kingdom
  • ✓Emin Minaret: 1777 architectural masterpiece showcasing traditional Uyghur design
  • ✓Karez Irrigation System: underground water channels that sustained the oasis for centuries
  • ✓Scenic drive through Tianshan valley, salt lakes, and wind farms
  • ✓Local lunch included; private vehicle with dedicated guide

Insider tips

  • ★Bring substantial water and sun protection—Turpan is one of China's hottest regions; the ruins offer minimal shade
  • ★Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes; Gaochang and Bezklik involve uneven terrain and loose gravel
  • ★Request your guide point out the qanat (karez) engineering details; the underground tunnels are fascinating but easily missed without context

Good to know

  • •Early 8:30am pickup from your centrally located Urumqi hotel; full 12-hour experience
  • •3-hour drive each way; total round-trip travel time ~6 hours
  • •Lunch at a local restaurant is included
  • •Private vehicle throughout; not shared with other groups

Who it's for

History buffs interested in Silk Road trade and Buddhist artArchaeology and ancient engineering enthusiastsTravelers seeking in-depth cultural immersion beyond standard toursGroups preferring private, customizable itineraries

Best time to visit

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer cooler temperatures and clearer skies ideal for exploring exposed ruins. Avoid summer (June–August) when heat exceeds 40°C, and winter when roads may be affected by weather.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€435
per person