Turpan is located in the Turpan Depression in the center of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Its current name "Turpan" first appeared in the Ming Dynasty. It means“fertile land".

　　Despite of its general hash weather condition, Turpan is internationally known for its grapes, multi-colored watermelons, cantaloupes, apricots and of course, raisins. Just as its name implied, Turpan is a place of affluence.

　　Turpan once served as a trade center on the ancient Chinese Silk Road. The Jiaohe Ruins, Gaochang Ruins, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Astana Tombs bear witness to the city's flourishing past.