Tuyoq Valley

Introducing Tuyoq Valley
Tuyoq Valley is a renowned scenic spot nestled within Shanshan County. Tuyoq Valley encompasses an area of 2000 square kilometers (777 square miles). The Uyghur name “Tuyoq,” meaning “impassable road,” reflects the valley’s historically remote location. For centuries, this name rang true, but in 1992, government-led development efforts opened up the valley, ending its isolation.

Today, Tuyoq Valley beckons travelers with its perilous cliffs, rugged beauty, and unique formations. A visit here is a four-part experience, encompassing breathtaking canyon views, the mystical Thousand Buddha Caves, a sacred Mazar (religious shrine), and the timeless allure of the ancient village.

Tuyoq Valley Fast Facts
• AKA: Tuyuk Valley, Tuyugou
• Chinese Name: TǔYù Gōu 吐峪沟
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Culture, Hiking
• Opening Hours: 9:00 – 18:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY30
• Address: Approx. 46 kilometers (28.6 miles) southeast of Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

What to Expect at the Tuyoq Valley
A visit to Tuyoq Valley is a trip down memory lane. Ancient Buddhist caves and ruins speak volumes about civilizations long gone. Explore the unique landscape, soak up the region’s vibrant Uyghur culture, and witness how life thrives, even in this extraordinary desert environment.

Tuyoq Canyon
Tuyoq Canyon stretches for 8 kilometers (5 miles), with an average width of about 1 kilometer (0.62 miles). It slices through the Flaming Mountains from north to south, revealing vividly colored rock formations. The reddish-yellow soil within the canyon is perfect for cultivating seedless white grapes. When grapes made their way from the Mediterranean coast to China, this area became the true home of Turpan’s renowned seedless white grapes.

From the winding road traversing the mountainside, visitors can gaze down upon a small stream meandering southward through the valley. The unique mountain formations, flowing water, and sweet fruits make the canyon a truly distinctive sight to behold.

Tuyoq Mazar
Tuyoq Mazar, also known as Ashab Kahf Mazar, is a renowned ancient religious site said to be over 1,300 years old. Legend has it that early Islamic missionaries, after an arduous journey eastward, reached Tuyoq Valley. With the help of a local shepherd and his dog, they settled there and continued to preach, leading to the flourishing of Islam in the region. After their death, these missionaries were laid to rest in a cave, which is now the Tuyoq Mazar. This sacred site continues to draw Muslim pilgrims from around the world.

Tuyoq Thousand Buddha Caves
Carved during the Jin Dynasty, the Tuyoq Thousand Buddha Caves are among the three most famous Buddhist grottoes in Xinjiang. The site served as a crucial Buddhist center, heavily supported by the ruling elite of the Gaochang Kingdom. Over the past 1,700 years since their creation, the Tuyoq Thousand Buddha Caves have suffered both from human destruction and natural erosion. Currently, 94 caves remain, with only 46 numbered and a mere 8 containing surviving murals. These remaining murals offer a glimpse into the splendor of ancient civilization, holding immeasurable historical and artistic value.

Tuyoq Ancient Village
This 1,700-year-old Uyghur village, home to two hundred families, is one of the oldest surviving settlements of its kind. For centuries, the villagers have crafted their homes from the earth, using sun-baked adobe bricks. These remarkable structures, ranging from humble single-story dwellings to more elaborate two-story residences, bear the indelible marks of a fascinating cultural fusion, whispering tales of Buddhist and Islamic influences.

How to Get to the Tuyoq Valley
• The Tuyoq Valley is located approx. 46 kilometers (28.6 miles) southeast of Turpan.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Tuyoq Valley.