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20050730 CHINA - Turpan
An Oasis in the Turpan Basin, its various settlements have long been a stopover on the northern route of the Silk Route. At 154m below sea level, it's perhaps even better known as the second lowest depression in the world (after the Dead Sea) and the hottest spot in China. Despite of the heat, grapes are well grown here. Grapes vines are seen all over the city. TuYoq, situated in the valley amid the rocky desert is a wonderful place to visit. Sculptures and carvings in the Thousand-Buddha Caves were mostly destroyed by the Muslim during their occupancy is the past. The village life is peaceful and charming. We spent overnight in the sand dunes desert (not so vast) before departing to Urumqi. It was exciting under the starry nights but the cold breeze was bitter.
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