HUANGPU SHANGHAI

Turpan Grape Valley stands out with its lush green grapevines, intertwining and hanging with clusters of vibrant grapes. [Photo/IC]

Turpan Grape Valley, located on the western side of Huoyan Mountain in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, has become a magnet for tourists from all corners of the world.

The valley stands out with its lush green grapevines, intertwining and hanging with clusters of vibrant grapes. Under the shade of grape trellises, locals dressed in colorful Uygur costumes join hands to perform joyful dances.

Since 2022, Turpan Grape Valley has introduced a variety of business formats and projects, such as an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) market and homestays, enhancing the overall appeal of the scenic area.

As of now, the valley has welcomed 699,400 tourists, generating tourism revenue of 13.77 million yuan ($1.9 million). Compared to the previous year, the number of visitors has increased by an impressive 716 percent, and tourism revenue has risen by 524 percent.

"Now, many tourists choose to stay here for several days, opting for the unique experience of an ICH-themed homestay and exploring the ICH-themed market," said Liu Yongjian, a leader of Turpan Grape Valley.

He noted that the development of ICH items has not only prolonged the visitors' sightseeing time but has also invigorated the consumption vitality of the scenic area.

A villager shows his handmade musical instruments to tourists at the Turpan Grape Valley scenic area. [Photo/Guan Mengying]

At Turpan Grape Valley, tourists can immerse themselves in various ICH activities, including traditional carpet weaving, mulberry paper production, and pyrography.

"The beauty of Turpan Grape Valley lies not only in its pristine ecological environment but also in its rich culture," said Zhang Mingming, deputy general manager of Turpan Regional Office of Turpan Western Tourism Development Co Ltd.

"We should not limit intangible cultural heritage to historical books, museum exhibits, or private collections; instead, we should make it accessible to the public," Liu emphasized.

As Turpan Grape Valley continues to shine as a cultural oasis, it offers visitors an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and the rich tapestry of intangible heritage, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of all who venture to this picturesque destination.