Turpan is famed for its grapes and grape products, somewhat surprising perhaps considering its hot and dry, desert-like climate. The secret to this lies in its ancient karez underground irrigation system, considered as one of the three great constructions of ancient China (the other two being the Great Wall and the Grand Canal).

All over Turpan, you can find streets, walkways and home courtyards trellised with grapevines such as in this picture, to provide shade from the blistering sun, which has a delightful cooling effect.