Our next destination. Its weather's pretty hot, especially in the afternoon. Turpan is regarded as one of the 4 hottest spots in China where its temperatures can go above 40 degrees easily during summer (June). You can imagine how glad i was to be there in early may cos i'm already dying in its sizzling heat...
交河故城, Ancient City of Jiaohe
Regarded as one of their most famous ancient cities (at least 2,000 years old) , it is well-preserved due to the hot and dry weather. This ancient city is called 交河 as it is situated in the middle of 2 intersecting rivers (which has since dried up). Unlike most cities where buildings and homes are built on the land which it resides, this ancient city was dug up from below. Impressive?
Due to its strategic location, it's a common target in times of war and conquests, what they call 必争之地. Thus, the main purpose of the design of this ancient city is for defence. On the way in, there is a long, wide and deep moat which surrounds the ancient city. Even their residential houses do not have windows in them. The door to their houses are located at a secret passageway and will never face the main lane.
Entrance to the ancient city. The steep slope leading to the main city gate lies at 45 degrees. This makes it easy for their frontline defence where large stones will be hurled down the slope to deter invading forces.
The preserved city. Much like a ghost town now. We weren't supposed to walk freely among the crumpled walls and buildings for safety reasons as this city was supposedly full of underground tunnels.
Archaeologists discovered an infant cemetery where nearly 200 infants were buried near the 军部, military post. It's a question (even up to this present day) as to why so many infants were buried here. One believe that there was an epidemic which swept through the whole city and killed these infants. Thinking that the burial site is too 阴 for little babies, the locals buried these infants near the military post where it is thought that 阳气 is higher and thus will protect the spirits of the babies. Another story recounts the time when the city is on the verge of collapsing in times of war and parents killed their babies just before their city is invaded as they do not wish their little ones to suffer the fate of being slaves.
The ruins of the buddhist temple where 2 headless buddhist figurines stood. This temple was destroyed when the city was conquered by muslim forces. The heads were all destroyed as it was believed to be evil.
坎儿井, Kares irrigation system
This massive underground irrigation system was developed to bring water from the oasis to local farms and homes. Due to its dry weather, water will be evaporated faster than it could be brought to these places if open drainage systems are used. Thus, an underground irrigation system was dug to keep the water from evaporating. This massive system is made up of vertical wells, underground canals and small reservoirs. The length of the canals is so long it is often called the 'underground great wall'.
Walking next to the canals
苏公塔, Sugong Tower
An islam building, it consists of a large mosque where the locals pray. According to the local customs, females are not allowed to step into the praying area.
The scenery on top of the tower..
Islamic designs on the paveway leading to the Tower.
Islamic buildings are a common sight here. Even a local eatery is decorated with a heavy islamic flavor.
葡萄沟, Grape Valley
Unfortuantely, it wasn't the season for ripe grapes or we could have pluck the grapes ourselves...
We were encouraged to pluck ripe mulberries in the Grape valley instead! haha....
We made a stop at the local Village Chief's grape farm for a little rest and were entertained by their local dance.
This little girl just caught my heart!!!! She's so adorable!!! my god!!! The little princess whom everyone's eager to take photos with...
And she's there to send us off, flashing her sweet smile.... awww.....
