Turpan  lies in the Turpan Basin at the southern foot of the Tianshan Range in the eastern part of Xinjang; a key point on the ancient silk road. Turpan is surrounded by Mt. Bogda, Mt. Karawuquntag, Mt. Jueluotag and Mt. Kumtag in four directions respectively.Turpan occupies area of about 69,700 sq km..

Turpan called Gushi in ancient times; the place where the State of South Cheshi and the South Cheshi Court were set up during the Han dynasty; establised as Gaochang Prefecture where Tiandi County were set up during Liang dynasty; founded as the State of Gaochang during the Northern Wei dynasty.It is renamed Xichang prefecture during the Tang dynasty until 1913, Turpan County was established.

Extremely hot summers with low rainfall but high evaporation; long frost-free period and gusty winds; in central area, the tiptop temperature of 47C. Mountains in Turpan are Mt. Bogda, Mt. Karawuquntag, Mt. Jueluotag and Mt. Kumtag. Hungliu River is present in Turpan.