Getting There
Regular buses or taxis take you to the Flaming Mountains in 1-2 hours from Turpan, or 3-4 hours from Ürümqi.
What to Expect
Despite the harsh environment, the mountains house a unique ecosystem with drought-resistant plant species such as saxaul trees and wild onions. Highlights of a visit include exploring the unique rock formations, steep cliffs, deep gorges and narrow valleys, as well as several red sandstone caves formed by erosion over centuries. Some of these contain intricate carvings and inscriptions. Designated hiking trails allow visitors to explore the whole area on foot, many offering access to scenic viewpoints for elevated panoramic views over the vast Turpan Basin.
