Juicy Grapes

August is generally the hottest month of the year and for this reason, most travel magazines will recommend cooler summer resorts for their readers to find relaxation. However, China Pictorial breaks convention to introduce the not-so-cool Turpan City in Xinjiang.

In August, the city is filled with the sweet fragrance of locally-grown fruit, which attracts visitors just as much as the pristine landscapes. The Turpan Basin boasts advantageous geography for fruit growing, and is well-known as the home of melons thanks to the sharp temperature differences between day and night. The month of August is just the prime time for grapes, and Grape Valley is just 10 kilometers away from downtown Turpan. The valley enjoys a milder climate than the city and can be the perfect cooling-off getaway. It runs eight kilometers long, and boasts labyrinthine intertwined grape vines. Tourists can try picking their own grapes, or touring local wineries. There is also the annual Turpan Grape Gala which is generally held in late August as the most celebrated local festival.