Turpan Facts

Overview
Turpan known as the "Land of Fire" due to the intense summer temperature. It’s hot in Turpan. Temperatures reach over 120 degrees in summer and the area is often referred to as China’s Death Valley. Ancient Stop on the Silk Road The Turpan Depression, 180 kilometers southeast of Urumqi in the east part of Xinjiang, is one of the few places in the world that are below sea level.

Population
According to the official statistics in 2019,the total population in the Turpan region is 653,000. 70% of the population is Uighurs and they make a concerted effort to make visitors feel welcome. Other minorities include Han, Hui, Kazak, Russian, Manchu, Zhuang and Miao.

Administrative Division
Turpan is divided into Gaochang District, Shanshan County and Toksun County. Turpan is an important city along the ancient Silk Road and the transportation here is very convenient. It is considered to be the hub between Xinjiang and the eastern part of China.

Language
Uighurs make up 70% percent of turpan's population, followed by 23% Han people. Turpan is close to urumqi with abundant tourism resources. Most of them can  communicate simply in mandarin with each other due to a large number of tourists come here every year.

Bank
There are a lot of Banks in downtown of Turpan. Both China Rural Industrial Construction Bank and China Postal Savings Bank have different branches in turpan and they can provide various financial services.

Internet Service
Some of Turpan's upscale hotels offer free internet service.In addition, there are many Internet cafes in downtown turpan, and there will be 1-2 Internet cafes in each county.

Emergency Call
Turpan Tourism Bureau: 0995-8523216
Turpan Industrial & Commercial Bureau: 0995-8566881
Shanshan County Tourism Bureau: 0995-8391652

Zip Code
838200

Customs and Taboos
1) Don't say "Pig" when you in Turpan since People in Turpan mostly believe in Islam and do not eat pork, lard or any food made with pork and lard.
2) Muslims in Xinjiang do not eat livestock or poultry that have died of diseases, do not eat the blood of any animal, and do not eat the meat of cats, dogs, donkeys, mules and other animals.
3) Don't shake hands after washing it, which is taboo for uyghurs.
5) When visiting temple or mosuqe in Turpan, please don't take photos, keep quiet. There is an old saying goes "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".