Initiated in 1990, the Turpan Grape Festival is held annually around August, evolving from a local celebration into a key occasion to showcase Turpan’s unique grape industry and ethnic culture, drawing visitors from all over the world year after year. This festival is more than a feast for the taste buds: it’s a chance to savor the world’s sweetest grapes, immerse yourself in the warm and colorful Uyghur customs.

Why Turpan Grapes Are Unrivaled in the World?

Unique geographical and climatic advantages: Turpan is a depression below sea level, with long sunshine hours (3200 hours per year), large temperature differences between day and night (over 15℃), and snowmelt irrigation via the Karez system, which create a "natural greenhouse" for grapes.

Rich grape varieties: Turpan is known as the "world grape botanical garden" for its over 500 types, including the famous seedless white grape whose sugar content up to 24%, milk grape, red grape and rose-scented grape.

Quality recognition: Turpan grapes are the national geographical indication products, with strict quality standards for taste, appearance and nutrition.

5 Days Urumqi and Turpan Tour Urumqi-Heavenly Lake-Turpan-Urumqi  $580 USD/PP (over 200+ Booked) View Details

Highlights of the Grape Festival

Enjoy a true sweet tasting feast: fresh grapes of many varieties are available for free tasting at main venues, local markets and night markets. You can also pick grapes by hand in the vast vineyards of Grape Valley, and taste a wide range of grape-themed snacks, classic Uyghur dishes such as pilaf and naan-baked meat, as well as fine local wines.

Cultural and Folk Activities: the grand opening ceremony features ethnic song and dance performances, grape-themed parades and folk music carnivals under grape trellises; you can also experience intangible cultural heritage by watching Uyghur performances and trying paper-cutting and pottery making, as well as join fun activities like fine grape bunch auctions, grape-eating competitions and interesting Flame Mountain games.

Scenery&Cultural Exploration: Grape Valley provides a cool, leafy shelter formed by grape vines and a museum where you can learn about local grape culture. You can also visit nearby highlights including the Karez irrigation system, the ancient Jiaohe Ruins, and the famous Flaming Mountain.

2 Days Essence Turpan Tour Turpan $0 USD/PP (over 200+ Booked) View Details

Travel Tips

Time: The festival is usually held in August each year (e.g., August 8-10 in 2025), with exact dates changing slightly annually, so we recommend confirming the schedule before your trip.

Essentials: As Turpan gets very hot in summer, be sure to bring sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a light jacket for cooler evenings. You’d better also take basic medicine for heatstroke and stomach comfort in case.