When people think of Xinjiang, they often picture vast grasslands, majestic snow-capped mountains, and passionate songs and dances. Yet, this land blessed with abundant sunshine is also home to one of China’s most renowned treasures — grapes. Known for their plump berries and sweet flavor, Xinjiang grapes are hailed as “pearls of the Silk Road,” carrying both cultural significance and historical stories.

Unique Natural Conditions

The exceptional quality of Xinjiang grapes is closely tied to its natural environment.
‎Xinjiang has a typical temperate continental climate, with great differences between day and night temperatures and long hours of sunshine — over 2,500 hours annually. During the day, strong sunlight accelerates sugar accumulation in grapes, while cool nights slow down respiration, making them sweet but not overly cloying. Combined with irrigation from the mineral-rich snowmelt of the Tianshan Mountains, the grapes become juicy, flavorful, and refreshing.

Major Grape-Producing Regions

Turpan Basin
‎Known as the “Hometown of Grapes in China,” Turpan is hot and dry in summer with very little rainfall. Thanks to the ancient Karez irrigation system, the region has become ideal for grape cultivation. The seedless white grape is the most famous variety here, and the raisins made from it are thin-skinned, fleshy, and fragrant, exported widely at home and abroad.

Hami Region
‎Apart from the well-known Hami melons, the region also produces excellent grapes. The local black currant and red grape varieties are large and colorful, ideal for both wine-making and fresh consumption.

Ili Valley
‎Nicknamed the “Jiangnan of the Northwest,” Ili has a relatively humid climate. Grapes grown here are mostly used for wine-making, producing red wines that are rich, aromatic, and full-bodied. Local wineries are gaining recognition, offering distinctive wines with a Western charm.

A Variety of Grape Types

Xinjiang is home to many grape varieties, including:

Seedless white grapes: thin-skinned, sweet, and juicy; the top choice for raisins.

Red Globe grapes: large and bright in color, best for fresh eating.

Manaozi grapes: oval-shaped with a balanced sweet-and-sour taste, often used in winemaking.

Black currant grapes: rich in juice and flavor, suitable for beverages and jams.

The Charm of Raisins

Speaking of Xinjiang grapes, raisins are an essential highlight. Turpan raisins are world-famous, thanks to a unique drying process. Locals build special “drying houses” that rely on natural wind and dry air to slowly dehydrate grapes while preserving their aroma and nutrients. Xinjiang raisins are natural in color, sweet in taste, and versatile — perfect as snacks or as ingredients in pastries and dishes.

Cultural and Historical Legacy

Grapes are not just a fruit but also a symbol of cultural exchange along the Silk Road. As early as the 2nd century BC, Zhang Qian introduced grape-growing techniques to central China after his mission to the Western Regions. Since then, Xinjiang has become a hub for grape cultivation and grape culture. Stories from the Grape Valley, songs under grape arbors, and dances celebrating harvest all embody the spirit of life in Xinjiang.

Festivals and Tourism Experiences

Every autumn, Xinjiang hosts grape festivals, the most famous being the Turpan Grape Festival. During the celebration, locals welcome guests with music and dance. Visitors can taste fresh grapes beneath leafy arbors, watch traditional performances, and experience the process of making raisins and wine. Around Grape Valley and the Flaming Mountains, green grape corridors intertwine with the rugged desert landscape, creating unforgettable scenes.

Xinjiang grapes are more than a natural delicacy; they are also symbols of cultural fusion and Silk Road heritage. From sweet fresh grapes to fragrant raisins and mellow wines, they showcase the abundance and romance of western China. A trip to Xinjiang without tasting its grapes would mean missing out on the region’s most delightful flavor.