Karez

Historical Overview

Construction of the Karez dates back to the Han Dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE), with systematic development during the Qing Dynasty (17th–19th centuries). Early settlers adapted Persian and Central Asian techniques to local geology, creating a lifeline for Silk Road traders and agricultural communities. By 1957, Turpan alone boasted 1,237 Karez systems, though climate change and modernization have reduced this number. Conservation efforts since 2006, including UNESCO recognition, aim to preserve this "living fossil" of water management.

Structural Layout

A typical Karez system comprises four interconnected components:

1. Vertical Shafts: Dug every 30–50 meters to extract earth during construction and provide ventilation.
2. Underground Tunnels: Sloped channels with a 1:1000 gradient, relying on gravity to transport melted snowwater without evaporation.
3. Surface Canals: Distribute water to fields and settlements.
4. Reservoirs: Act as settling ponds to filter sediment before irrigation. This design ensures year-round water supply in a region with <30mm annual rainfall and summer temperatures exceeding 50°C.

Major Attractions

1. Turpan Karez Museum: Interactive exhibits detailing construction techniques and historical significance.
2. Miremu Bayi Karez: A 200-year-old functional system featuring a 10-meter-deep vertical shaft and 500-meter underground tunnel.
3. Aixkazar Ancient Karez: Boasts a 1.5-kilometer accessible underground channel with original "camel hair" plaster lining.
4. Tuer Karez Village: Demonstrates traditional Uyghur irrigation-dependent lifestyles, including grape cultivation in adobe compounds.
5. Dabancheng Wind Farm Integration: Modern wind-powered pumps supplement ancient systems, blending heritage with sustainability.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (1.5 hours):

• Start at Turpan Karez Museum → Walk through Miremu Bayi vertical shafts → Follow surface canals to a local vineyard.
• Highlights: Hands-on tunnel exploration and irrigation principles.

1. Cultural Immersion Route (3 hours):

• Museum → Aixkazar Karez underground walk → Uyghur home-cooked lunch in Tuer Village → Participate in grape harvesting (seasonal).
• Highlights: Cultural interactions and agricultural heritage.

1. Engineering Marvel Route (Full Day):

• Museum → Dabancheng Wind Farm → Miremu Bayi Karez → Flaming Mountains (post-irrigation landscape) → Overnight in a traditional adobe guesthouse.
• Highlights: Sustainable energy integration and desert geography.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: Reserve via "Xinjiang Cultural Heritage" WeChat platform (7-day advance booking recommended).
• On-Site: Tickets available at Turpan Karez Scenic Area entrance; limited daily quotas.
• Prices:Peak Season (June–September): ¥40/adult, ¥20/students/seniors; Off-Season: ¥30/adult, ¥15/concessions; Free: Children under 1.3m, disabled visitors.

Transportation

• From Ürümqi:
  • Train: 1.5-hour high-speed rail to Turpan North Station, then taxi (¥30–40).
  • Bus: 3-hour direct service from Ürümqi South Bus Station.
• Within Turpan:
  • Local Bus: Route 1/101/102 (¥2, 20-minute ride from city center).
  • Taxi: ¥20–25 from downtown hotels.

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Visit: August–November (mild temperatures, grape harvest festivals).
• Avoid: Midday sun (June–August surface temperatures exceed 40°C).
• Essentials:
  • Wear breathable clothing and a hat; carry ≥2L water.
  • Use景区-provided flashlights in underground sections.
• Prohibitions: No swimming in reservoirs; respect Uyghur customs by dressing modestly.