Cart

You have no items in your shopping cart.

Subtotal: $0.00

Karez Folk Custom Park

Introducing Karez Folk Custom Park
The Ancient City of Jiaohe is nestled in the Yarnaz Valley west of Turpan. The Ancient City of Jiaohe is the largest and best-preserved earthen city of its kind globally. Perched atop a steep cliff on a leaf-shaped plateau, Jiaohe (river junction) strategically commanded the passage between two deep river valleys, making it a formidable military fortress. Serving as the heart of the Jushi Kingdom, this city thrived as its capital from 108 BC to 450 AD but was abandoned due to relentless wars.

Spanning 0.47 square kilometers (116.14 acres), the layout of the ancient city echoes the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) capital Chang’an, while retaining a distinct character. Remnants of bustling marketplaces and imposing government offices whisper of its former economic and political significance. Serene Buddhist temples provide insights into the spiritual lives of Jiaohe’s inhabitants, while humble houses, military training grounds, and defensive trenches paint a vivid picture of daily life lived under the constant threat of invasion.

In recognition of its role in connecting cultures along the Silk Road, the Ancient City of Jiaohe was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014 as part of the “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor,” a joint nomination by China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of ancient architectural prowess.

Karez Folk Custom Park Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Kǎn’érJǐng MínSúYuán 坎儿井民俗园
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, History and Culture, Folk Custom
• Opening Hours: 9:30 – 20:30
• Entrance Fee: CNY40
• Address: 30-168 Ximen Village, Gaochang District, Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

What to Expect at the Karez Folk Custom Park
Step into the Karez Folk Custom Park and uncover the ingenious ways desert dwellers “made a way out of no way” for generations. Explore the fascinating museum dedicated to the Karez irrigation system, feast your eyes on the lush grape garden flourishing thanks to this ancient technology, and savor authentic regional dishes at the park’s restaurants. This educational park will inspire a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance of life in the desert.

Karez Museum
Opened in 2007, the Karez Museum offers a unique exploration of the ingenious Karez irrigation system. The journey begins with a descent into a 100-meter-long (328 ft) underground passage – a segment of an actual ancient water channel. This immersive experience, where visitors can feel the cool air and imagine the flow of water from centuries past, is enriched by surface-level exhibits featuring photographs, artifacts, and models that systematically illustrate the Karez system’s history, structure, water distribution, and functionality.

Grape Vineyard
The Grape Vineyard in the park is a feast for the senses. A beautiful trellis, adorned with lush grapevines, forms a verdant canopy, casting cool shade upon the pathway below. Clusters of plump, sweet grapes dangle invitingly, their aroma mingling with the scent of sun-warmed earth. Triangular flags in vibrant red and gold flutter in the breeze, adding a festive air. Tourists and locals alike stroll beneath the leafy arches, some sampling the juicy grapes, others capturing the picturesque scene. This bounty of grapes and raisins offers a delightful glimpse into the agricultural heritage of Turpan.

Folk Song & Dance Restaurant
For a delicious way to beat the heat of Turpan, delight your senses in the traditional Uyghur cuisine. Enjoy the hearty Big Plate Chicken and the savory hand-pulled Lagman noodles, balanced by the crispy Sangza and refreshing Grape Juice. As you dine, lose yourself in the energy of traditional Uyghur song and dance, where captivating melodies and graceful movements weave together tales of their rich history and heritage. 

How to Get to the Karez Folk Custom Park
• The Karez Folk Custom Park is located approx. 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) west of Turpan.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free private transfer to the Karez Folk Custom Park.

Grid  List 

Set Ascending Direction
  1. Tour Highlights
    • Wander through the Ruins of the Ancient City of Gaochang
    • Visit Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves containing fascinating Buddhist art work dating from the 6th to 14th centuries
    • Pass by the surreal sight of the Flaming Mountains, a scorching set of red sandstone ridges
    • Admire the Central Asian-style Emin Minaret, intricately sculpted with traditional floral patterns
    • Explore Turpan's ingenious ancient Karez water system, one of the oldest irrigation systems in the world
    • Daily round-trip transport with experienced English speaking guide and hotel pickup/drop-off service

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Turpan
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your self-booked accommodation in Turpan
    • Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Tour Itinerary at a Glance
    • Pick up from your self-booked accommodation in Turpan
    • Visit the Ruins of the Ancient City of Gaochang (1 hour)
    • Bezklik Thousand Buddha Caves (1 hour)
    • Stop by the Flaming Mountain
    • Lunch on your own
    • Visit the Emin Minaret (30 minutes)
    • Visit Karez Wells (45 minutes)
    • Transfer back to your hotel in Turpan

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $438 $248 $188 $148 $138 $128 $118 $108 $98 $88


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions
    • Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

    Additional Info
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    • IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

    Learn More

Grid  List 

Set Ascending Direction