The magical Turpan

There is not better way to get a fast introduction to the new place, culture or people than being invited to a local wedding. New music, food, drinks, debates...there is an abundance of everything. This abundance of various feelings, smells, impressions, food and music didn't stop just that night but it has followed me wherever I went in this land full of mystique. I am talking about Turpan that lies in Xinjiang, far west China. It is the hottest place in China, lowest laying city in China (2nd in the world only after Dead Sea), best grapes and one of the most sacred place for Buddhists and Muslims in China and surroundings. Ancient buddhist caves, cities built of dirt in oasis between two rivers, centuries old underground irrigation canals that bring water from the mountains far far away to the wines, camels wandering around the brick structures build to dry the grapes on the dessert wind and one of the most sacred mosques in the entire region... Jiaohe ruins, mummies, silk road, karez tunnels, Flaming mountains, Ayding lake.... I could go on and on but this place is just to special to be described in words...