On the drive to Turpan, we passed hundreds (maybe thousands) of wind turbines for generating electricity. I would venture to say that China probably leads the world in wind and solar energy.
While it was really hot in Turpan, they have some pedestrian streets covered in grape arbors which helps make the heat manageable. Don't pick the grapes though or you will be fined....
Time to get some cold drinks!!
In the coolness of the morning, a couple of us walked to go see the Emin Minaret, built in 1777. First a few pictures of the walk.
And the minaret itself....
Inside the mosque
And some of the surrounding structures and mausoleums.
We finally were united with our truck! Hooray! Now we can travel wherever without being at the mercy of a Chinese bus driver. Plus we can leave stuff on the bus when we make a stop.
Our first trip on the truck was visiting a karez, which is a system of underground aqueducts that make this city into an oasis. There were lots of grapes being grown here - it's definitely the most common crop we saw.
We were able to climb down into the tunnels to see the water flowing underground. It was nice and cool down there. The locals use the water for drinking and cooking without treating it.
And just like at home, the tour ends at the gift shop.... But it was a neat looking structure at least1
I took this picture of the ice cream cooler because of the yellow t-shirt on the side - Abercrombie and Titch - I can't make this stuff up!!
Next stop - the desert, the Great Wall, and lots of ruins....
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