Translated with AI
Journalists from Tajikistan, including a representative of the Avesta.tj news agency, visited the famous Fire Mountains in the city of Turpan in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Turpan is considered one of the hottest cities in China. During a visit by Tajik journalists, the temperature reached 37 degrees Celsius. Despite the heat, this place continues to attract large numbers of tourists eager to see one of the country's most famous natural attractions.
The Fire Mountains are located on the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert and are a spurs of the Tien Shan. The mountain range stretches for almost 100 kilometers. The mountains got their name from the unusual red-orange color of their sandstone. At sunset, the sun's rays paint the slopes in vibrant crimson hues, creating the appearance of the mountains engulfed in flames.
During the tour, journalists learned about the history of this unique place, which for centuries played a vital role on the Great Silk Road. Trade caravans passed through Turpan, and the city itself was an important center of trade and cultural exchange between East and West.
The legends associated with the Fire Mountains were of particular interest. One of the most famous Uyghur legends tells of a dragon that once lived in these areas. According to legend, after a local hero defeated it, the dragon's body turned into a mountain range, and its wounds became valleys that remain to this day.
Guests were also told about the Fire Mountains' connection to the famous Chinese novel "Journey to the West." According to the novel, the legendary Monkey King Sun Wukong and the monk Xuanzang traversed this scorching stretch of road during their journey.
Turpan itself, a unique oasis located 145 meters below sea level, made no less of an impression on the participants. Despite the extremely arid climate and high temperatures, the city remains green thanks to an ancient system of underground irrigation tunnels and wells—karez—that bring water from the Tien Shan Mountains.
The tourist complex offers comfortable conditions for visitors. The grounds include modern, air-conditioned pavilions and relaxation areas where visitors can escape the heat after a hike along the scorching slopes.
According to the participants, visiting the Fire Mountains was one of the highlights of the Xinjiang press tour. The unique natural landscapes, rich history, ancient legends, and the atmosphere of the Great Silk Road made this place unforgettable for the journalists from Tajikistan.
