Turpan, located in eastern Xinjiang and known as the Land of Fire along the ancient Silk Road, features extremely strong sunshine, huge temperature gaps between day and night, scarce rainfall and pure glacial meltwater irrigated by the Karez underground water system. This unique climate creates high sugar content in fruits and forms a wealth of world-famous agricultural, food and ethnic handicraft specialties.
1. Turpan Grapes & Natural Sun-dried Raisins (Top Signature Product)
Turpan is honored as the Hometown of Chinese Grapes, planting more than 500 grape varieties, among which seedless white grape (Wuhebai) is the most representative geographical indication product. Fresh grapes ripen from July to October with plump flesh and ultra-high sugar concentration up to 24%.
Turpan Raisins
Local residents dry fresh grapes in unique shade drying houses (Yinfang) relying on natural hot valley wind without any artificial heating. The finished raisins keep a natural emerald green color, chewy texture and rich fruity aroma. Turpan supplies around 80% of China’s total raisin output, selling well all over the world and praised as Chinese Green Pearls. Other popular grape derivatives include grape juice, grape vinegar and Musailaisi.
2. Musailaisi (Traditional Uyghur Grape Beverage)
Musailaisi is a native low-alcohol fermented drink purely brewed with fresh local grapes, nicknamed “Dola” (meaning medicinal drink) by Uyghur people. It is amber-brown, tasting mildly sour and sweet with a strong grape fragrance. Moderate drinking helps promote blood circulation and relieve fatigue. It is an indispensable traditional drink for Uyghur festivals and daily hospitality.
Musailaisi
3. Turpan Hami Melon (King of Melons)
Benefiting from the basin’s special thermal environment, Turpan-grown Hami melons have crisp, juicy pulp and intense natural sweetness far superior to ordinary melons. The thick rind makes it easy for long-distance transportation. Multiple mature varieties are available from summer to early autumn, being the most popular seasonal fruit for tourists.
Hami Melon
4. Mulberries & Dried Mulberries
Wild and cultivated mulberries grow widely along Flaming Mountain and Grape Valley. Fresh white and black mulberries are ripe in May and June, sweet and juicy. Dried mulberries retain nutrients and natural sweetness, favored as healthy snacks and herbal ingredients.
5. Classic Uyghur Gourmet Specialties
Naan: Traditional Uyghur baked flatbread cooked in clay ovens. Crispy outside and soft inside, available in sesame, onion and milk flavors, the staple food of local people.
Roast Buns (Samsa): Pastries stuffed with minced mutton and shallots, baked in high-temperature oven with crispy crust and tender meat filling.
Sanzi: Crispy fried dough twists, essential festival pastry for local ethnic minorities with golden color and crisp taste.
Big Plate Chicken (Dapanji): Turpan classic savory dish braised with chicken, potatoes, chili and spices, usually matched with hand-pulled noodles.
Sanzi
6. Ethnic Handicraft Specialties
Duopa (Uyghur embroidered caps): Colorful hand-embroidered hats with gorgeous Uyghur patterns, classic ethnic souvenir.
Uyghur hand-woven carpets & tapestries: Handmade wool carpets with desert, grape and folk custom patterns, fine in workmanship.
Grape wood carvings & wooden utensils: Hand-carved crafts made of local grapevine wood, eco-friendly and full of local characteristics.
Buying Tips
Fruits and dried fruits can be purchased at Grape Valley, Turpan Grand Bazaar and roadside farmer stalls; handmade crafts are mainly gathered in the old town bazaar. Dried raisins, dried mulberries and Musailaisi are the most portable souvenirs for travelers.
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