Turpan

Turpan is a prefecture-level city in eastern Xinjiang set in a deep desert basin that contains Aydingkol Lake, one of the lowest points on Earth's land surface. It was a major oasis on the ancient Silk Road, and the ruined cities of Jiaohe and Gaochang preserve the memory of Buddhist kingdoms that once thrived here. Despite ferocious summer heat, the region is China's most famous producer of grapes and raisins, watered for centuries by the ingenious underground karez canal system that channels meltwater from the Tianshan Mountains. Tourism, viticulture, and mineral and energy resources drive the economy today, while the golden Flaming Mountains and the Emin Minaret draw visitors from across the country. The population is largely Uyghur, giving the city a rich Islamic architectural and culinary heritage.