Top 50 Best Things to Do near Shanshan
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Top 50 Best Things to Do near Shanshan

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Wanfo Palace (Desert Soil Art Museum)
    󰺂5.1
    573.25
    Turpan57.4 km from Shanshan
    󱨠44% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The Desert Art Museum is so unique! It is full of exaggerated sculptures made of mud by local artists in Xinjiang, such as giant Buddha statues and weird human faces. It is very photogenic! The place is not big but very novel. It is worth visiting on the way. It is suitable for friends who like curiosity and art~

  • Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
    󰺂5.6
    509.56
    Turpan57.4 km from Shanshan
    Highlights:
    󰀆1400-year-old Silk Road caves
    󱓊Ancient Silk Road Buddhist art
    󱨠Saved by 101 users󱨠148 positive reviews
    4.2/5
    M23***52M23***52

    This attraction is small but has great historical value. Many murals have been cut and stolen by foreigners, and some have been vandalized by local people. It is heartbreaking for the cultural relics. If you like history, you can come and take a look. It only takes half an hour to complete the tour.

  • The Ancient City of Gaochang
    󰺂5.2
    891.72
    Turpan58.4 km from Shanshan
    󱨠118 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    M23***52M23***52

    The scenic spot is unexpectedly good, with few people and very close to the Flaming Mountain. You can take photos with the Flaming Mountain. It would be nice to ask a scenic spot to explain it, but you can come back to make up for it...

  • Flaming Mountain Scenic Area
    󰺂7.3
    509.56
    Turpan59.4 km from Shanshan
    Highlights:
    󱓊Journey to the West experience
    󰀆Microlight flight over Flaming Mountains
    󱨠Saved by 160 users󱨠1452 positive reviews
    4.1/5
    M25***20M25***20

    Finally, we arrived at the legendary Flaming Mountain. Once inside, it looked exactly the same as it did from the outside. It was incredibly hot! But there were plenty of statues and landmarks to take photos with, and the staff were very helpful. It was a delight! Don't forget to try the baked eggs.

  • Grape Valley
    󰺂7.0
    Turpan81.5 km from Shanshan
    Highlights:
    󱓊Food & dance at Uyghur homestays
    󱨜Flaming Mountain & Grape Valley contrast
    󱨠Saved by 102 users󱨠1495 positive reviews
    4.1/5
    红枫2018红枫2018

    Turpan's Grape Valley truly lives up to its reputation; it's definitely worth a visit! Upon entering Grape Valley, you're immediately enveloped in a refreshing coolness, a stark contrast to the scorching heat of the Flaming Mountains outside—a veritable haven of tranquility in this "land of fire." Everywhere you look, there are layers upon layers of grapevines, like stepping into a green fairytale. The vines are laden with clusters of tempting grapes, including hundreds of varieties such as seedless white, mare's milk, and red grapes, each one intoxicatingly sweet. The seedless white grapes, in particular, are crystal clear, crisp, sweet, and incredibly high in sugar. Here, you can also deeply experience the rich Uyghur culture. The hospitable Uyghur people will invite you to sit under the grapevines, taste freshly picked grapes, and enjoy their captivating song and dance performances. The performers, dressed in vibrant traditional costumes, twirl and leap, showcasing the charm of the Western Regions. The scenic area boasts comprehensive facilities, making it a complete complex integrating dining, accommodation, sightseeing, vacationing, and shopping. And with free admission now, it offers exceptional value. Whether you're coming to taste delicious grapes or experience unique ethnic culture, Grape Valley won't disappoint. I'll definitely come back again next time!

  • Mansion of Turpan's Prefect
    󰺂5.5
    254.78
    Turpan84.2 km from Shanshan
    󱨠122 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Turpan Prince's Mansion is worth seeing! This reconstructed Qing Dynasty official residence is very beautiful, with various carved doors and windows and colorful paintings, which are very photogenic. There are old objects and folk exhibitions on display, which can help you understand the history and culture of Turpan. The grape trellis in the yard is cool and comfortable, suitable for resting after a tiring visit. The ticket is not expensive, and one hour is enough for fun. Friends who like ancient buildings should not miss it!

  • Sugong Tower
    󰺂5.0
    573.25
    Turpan84.5 km from Shanshan
    󱨠42% positive reviews
    4.2/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Sugong Tower is a landmark building in Turpan! This beautiful ancient tower has a history of more than 200 years. The brick-red tower body is matched with exquisite patterns, which is particularly photogenic. I met someone filming that day and was unable to enter the tower to visit. The scenic area is not large but very distinctive, suitable for a quick check-in.

  • Jiangbulak
    󰺂6.9
    316.94
    Qitai88.7 km from Shanshan
    Highlights:
    󱓊Tianshan views & unique slopes
    󰀆Oasis culture on Silk Road
    󱨠1786 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    斧头帮帮主至尊宝斧头帮帮主至尊宝

    I followed the scenic area's shuttle bus along the southern route. It was November, and the landscape felt rather desolate; the scenery is much better in summer. Crossing the Grand Canyon leads to the other side, but there's a lot of snow now, making the shaded mountain paths unsuitable for travel. The wheat harvest is complete, and there are no golden waves of autumn wheat to be seen. The "gravity hill" is definitely not caused by a visual difference based on a reference point.

  • Karez Folklore Garden
    󰺂6.6
    509.56
    Turpan89.3 km from Shanshan
    Highlights:
    󱓊Observe Karez System up close
    󱓊Traditional bazaar & coin exchange
    󱨠720 positive reviews
    4.2/5
    M23***52M23***52

    This scenic area is a bit small, and I finished it in less than an hour, but it was quite interesting to see the various structures of the Karez. Parking is very convenient, with a large parking lot at the entrance. It is also located in Turpan City, making it easy to drive.

  • Turpan Karez Paradise
    󰺂6.0
    509.56
    Turpan91 km from Shanshan
    Highlights:
    󱓊Karez wellhead view & oasis
    󱓊Gobi oasis & sand dunes
    󱨠335 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    qdu***08qdu***08

    This scenic spot combines science and fun. It's not large, but the scenery is beautiful, especially the section from the museum down to the culvert. The whole area is full of exotic atmosphere. The grape corridor is full of various grapes, and the water at the outlet is icy cold, perfect for summer heat relief.

Best things to do in Shanshan (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Shanshan? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Shanshan offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Shanshan

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Shanshan experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Wanfo Palace (Desert Soil Art Museum)

• Turpan | 57.4 km from Shanshan

Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

• Turpan | 57.4 km from Shanshan

• : 1400-year-old Silk Road caves,Ancient Silk Road Buddhist art

The Ancient City of Gaochang

• Turpan | 58.4 km from Shanshan

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Shanshan

If you want to explore attractions just outside Shanshan, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Shanshan, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Shanshan special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Shanshan

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Shanshan

Ready to explore the best of Shanshan? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are some Best Things to Do near Shanshan?
Some Best Things to Do near Shanshan include:Wanfo Palace (Desert Soil Art Museum), Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, The Ancient City of Gaochang, Flaming Mountain Scenic Area, Grape Valley
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Shanshan?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Shanshan include:Wanfo Palace (Desert Soil Art Museum):4.3, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves:4.2, The Ancient City of Gaochang:4.4, Flaming Mountain Scenic Area:4.1, Grape Valley:4.1
Where are Best Things to Do near Shanshan located?
The Best Things to Do near Shanshan are mainly located in:Wanfo Palace (Desert Soil Art Museum):Turpan, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves:Turpan, The Ancient City of Gaochang:Turpan, Flaming Mountain Scenic Area:Turpan, Grape Valley:Turpan
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