In recent years, Turpan has turned itself into one of the major tourist destinations in China. Despite the intense heat in the city, this remains a very pleasant place. There are few cars and the donkey cart is the preferred and most popular mode of transport. As a result, the number of travellers to the area is continually increasing and the hotel industry in this small city is expanding too.

Most of the hotels here have their own courtyard with vine trellises providing shade from the sun. Many places also have traditional Uigur performances in the evenings. We highly recommend finding a hotel with air-con since temperatures here are the hottest in China.

The Turpan Hotel and Oasis Hotel are the best places to base yourself. Both of these hotels are near the Bazaar and also serve good Moslem style food. The Turpan Hotel is the only hotel in the city with a swimming pool. The Jiaotong Hotel is the cheapest hotel with a convenient location, next to the long distance bus station.

Prices for accommodation in Turpan range from RMB 100 to RMB 250 for a double room and less than RMB 60 for a dorm bed.