Turpan

CCTV.COM (04.18 2003 16:47)

    A small oasis city set in a vast tract of grain fields; a pleasant, relaxing place in spite of the concrete-block architecture of the city center

    Location: located between 42 15' - 43 35' north latitude and 88 29' - 89 54' east longitude; lies in the Turpan Basin at the southern foot of the Tianshan Range in the eastern part of Xinjang; a key point on the ancient silk road

    Physical Features: surrounded by Mt. Bogda, Mt. Karawuquntag, Mt. Jueluotag and Mt. Kumtag in four directions respectively

    Population: 400,000

    Urban Population: 200,000

    Area: 69,700 sq km

    Nationalities: Han, Hui and Uygur

    History: called Gushi in ancient times; the place where the State of South Cheshi and the South Cheshi Court were set up during the Han dynasty; establised as Gaochang Prefecture where Tiandi County were set up during Liang dynasty; founded as the State of Gaochang during the Northern Wei dynasty; renamed Xichang prefecture during the Tang dynasty until 1913, Turpan County was established.

    Climatic Features: extremely hot summers with low rainfall but high evaporation; long frost-free period and gusty winds; in central area, the tiptop temperature of 47 C

    Mountains: Mt. Bogda, Mt. Karawuquntag, Mt. Jueluotag, Mt. Kumtag

    Rivers: Hungliu River

    Products: wheat, sorghum, cotton, grapes, peanuts, oil-bearing crops, melon and vegetables

    Local Highlights: grape, hami melon, long staple cotton

Editor:Han Ling