#118 Teaching at Taizhou Teachers College, China (Part 1,The Silk Road near Urumqi/Turpan, Xinjiang)


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Asia » China » Xinjiang » Turpan
August 28th 2009
Published: August 29th 2009
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The summer of 2009 will be the one I remember with special affection, for it took me to places that have long been in my imagination and in my dreams. These summer travels and experiences also remind me of the diversity and vastness of this amazing country called China. Much of the thanks for my unique summer adventure is offered to my wonderful College, Taizhou Teachers College, it's genteel an... Read Full Entry



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EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL TOURISM IN THE GRAPE VALLEY OASIS.EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL TOURISM IN THE GRAPE VALLEY OASIS.
EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL TOURISM IN THE GRAPE VALLEY OASIS.

PERHAPS YOU WILL FIND THIS LIST OF RULES INTERESTING. I SEE SIMILAR SIGNS AT MANY SITES, EXPRESSING EXPECTATIONS SUGGESTED FOR BOTH VISITORS AND LOCALS. THIS SIGN I NOTICED IN THE GRAPE VALLEY OASIS OF TURPAN.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #1IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #1
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #1

Standing below clear blue skies, somewhat rare in other parts of China, the Imin Ta Minaret makes an impressive sight, not easy to forget.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #2IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #2
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #2

The Minaret is unique and the Mosque is Iranian-style architecture.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #3IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #3
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #3

The tower has been closed to visitors since 1989, and I don't know the reason.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #4IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #4
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #4

The interior is simple and made of special wood. It can accomodate as many as 3,000 faithful during festival time.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #5IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #5
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #5

A large plaza surrounds the Minaret and Mosque, but sadly empty of visitors. Turpan is not an easy place for tourist to reach, and the locals are busy harvesting their sweet grapes. On the horizon you will notice a true desert sun.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #6IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #6
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #6

The Mosque compound is surrounded by a lush island of green.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #7IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #7
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #7

A close-up of the Mosque entrance.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #8IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #8
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #8

72 steps lead up the Imin Minaret, now closed to visitors.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #9IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #9
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #9

A closer look at the Minaret from the upper floors of the attached Mosque.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #10IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #10
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #10

Views from the top floor of the Mosque glance across the homes and vineyards of the Uighurs, who have settled this region for centuries.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #11IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #11
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #11

From the top floor of the Mosque, we can see part of the Turpan fertile depression, ancient villages and lush vineyards, surrounded by the mountains of the desert on the horizon.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #12IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #12
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #12

Baked daily by the sun, it is difficult to believe that this exquisite Mosque has been able to withstand the extreme weather of the desert for almost 250 years.
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #13IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #13
IMIN TA Minaret and Mosque, Turpin. Photo #13

The statue honors Uighur Prince Suleiman, the creator of the Imin Ta, to honor his father and the Qing Emperor
OUR NEXT VISIT TAKES US INTO THE GRAPE VALLEY OASIS, NEAR TURPANOUR NEXT VISIT TAKES US INTO THE GRAPE VALLEY OASIS, NEAR TURPAN
OUR NEXT VISIT TAKES US INTO THE GRAPE VALLEY OASIS, NEAR TURPAN

Visiting this ancient desert Oasis surprised all of us. Lush with vegation and an abundance of water, supplied by a river flowing through the valley, has turned this small plot of land into a green paradise, surrounded by the mountains of the desert.
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #1Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #1
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #1

We enter the Oasis through this gate, after having paid an entrance fee, obligatory for all visitors.
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #2Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #2
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #2

We share the road with the locals.
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #3Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #3
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #3

Architecture along the road winding through the Grape Valley Oasis.
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #4Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #4
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #4

Ancient cave dwellings are still visible long the narrow road through the Grape Valley.
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #5Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #5
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #5

It is difficult to believe, but yes, we are still in China.
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #6   Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #6
Grape Valley Oasis near Turpan, Photo #6

It was directly below this natural scenery, that our host settled us for lunch within the Grape Valley Oasis.



29th August 2009

Oh, I'm sooooo envious!
Hi Hans What a fabulous trip! Definitely on my "to do" list. Looking forward to the remaining blogs from this trip- and even more to catching up and listening to your stories in person next year. 2010 trip most likely second week in May. Will only be 4weeks, so not really enough time to catch up with everyone and travel to the NW, but we'll see! I've finally started back with my blogs. Edited & loaded up an additional 6 blogs worth of photos last weekend. Hoping to finish the trip this weekend, so I can free up some space on my computer. Then I can get on with publishing! Hugs to all, Suexx
29th August 2009

such a nice trip
i am here in Tsingtao, Shandong province. i think you must have heard of it .welcome to Qingdao, i would like to be the free guide for you
29th August 2009

Great summer!~
Hi Hans, I can tell you must have had a great summer! It's awesome! Looking forward to the other parts of your trip... See you very soon~
29th August 2009

Wonderful blog!
Hans, I feel that I was right there with you, enjoying the beautiful sights and the delicious food! (Although I don't know how polite I would have been when faced with the pig snout!) I'm learning a lot from your adventures- keep those blogs coming, and have a wonderful academic year! Hugs! Coky
29th August 2009

Always splendid. China looks divine through your eyes! :]
29th August 2009

it's better than read any book
your travel is better than I thougt. what a wonderful place there and though you I know China better ,and know you better than ever!!!
31st August 2009

Hans! That trip sounds amazing! I don't really have time to travel anymore so I'm envious of you! Of course, in Korea you dont really need much time to go anywhere. The longest bus trip I can take is five hours! I miss you! I'm having a great time here and making lots of new friends. Have fun this semester!
2nd September 2009

MISS YOU
DEAR MY HANS, I AM VERY HAPPY THAT YOU HAVE TRAVLLED TO THE PLACE I WANTED TO GO, AND I TRED TO CONTACT YOU DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAY.WHEN YOU SEE THESE WORDS ,PLEASE SEND ME AN E-MAIL TO MY ADDRESS MENTIONED ABOVE. YOURS HUGH
3rd September 2009

Hugh, your email address
Hello Hugh, thanks for your thoughts. Perhaps you will notice, that your email in incomplete, so I don't know how to reach you, I am sorry.
3rd September 2009

lucky!
Mr.Hans you are so lucky that you can see many beautiful scenes!! Wish you a good journey.
3rd September 2009

I miss you too!
Hans, you haven't reached me either. I am not sure if you received my emails?? I sent you a message through this blog and also an email to your MSN address. Julie
4th September 2009

nice trip
i am so happy that you have a great trip there ! welcome to henan , i will be your guide !
5th September 2009

hi
ohh,you have been to such a fantastic place! I guess you were very cool there during this hot summer.
12th September 2009

The flamming mountain looks so baren, no wonder the inferno extended 800 KMs and needed a magic fan to be extinguished. Thanks for such bright pictures and I look forward to your next entry.
11th May 2010
This huge thermometer keenly makes you aware of the incredible summer temperature.

Big Thermometer
Please tell me how large is this thermometer?
12th May 2010
This huge thermometer keenly makes you aware of the incredible summer temperature.

Wah!
So high and big!

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