Getting There-- The nearestairportis at Urumqi, though there is talk of a Turpan airport opening in coming years. Check with CITS in Turpan, listed below.
Therailway stationis located 54km (33 miles) north of Turpan in drab town of Daheyan. Minibuses connect withTurpan's long-distance bus stationfor ¥7.50 (90¢). The Turpanlong-distance bus stationin Daheyan is reached by heading up the hill in front of the station, taking the first right turn, and continuing along the road for about 180m (600 ft.). The bus station is on your left. Some buses wait at the station, along with individual taxis that charge ¥10 ($1.25), as long as they are able to fill a car with three or more passengers. The way back to the railway station is a bit more arduous; bus schedules seem erratic, and you'll have to fight through the crowds to buy your ticket at the counter. It's best to take a taxi to the railway station for ¥60 ($7.50).
To connect with Kashgar, the best choice is the N947 at 6:07pm; the trip takes 20 hours. Except in peak season, sleeper tickets are readily purchased in Daheyan. Those heading to Urumqi are better served by bus. Heading east, sleeper tickets are tighter; your chances are best on the T198 to Zhengzhou (37 hr.) at 7:25pm and the 1068 to Xi'an (40 hr.) at 9:31pm. Otherwise, proceed through CITS or John's Information Cafe, which charges a ¥50 ($6) commission.
Thebus stationis at Lao Cheng Lu 27 (tel.0995/852-2325), about 90m (300 ft.) west of the central roundabout. Buses for Urumqi (187km/116 miles; 2 1/2 hr.; ¥25/$3; taxi (Santana) ¥65/$8 per person) leave every half-hour from 7:30am to 8:30pm. There are daily buses for Kuqa (638km/396 miles; 15 hr.; ¥62/$7.70; ¥84/$10 upper berth, ¥97/$12 lower berth) and a sleeper bus for Kashgar (1,385km/859 miles; 26 hr.; ¥171/$21 upper berth, ¥196/$25 lower berth). Both depart at 11am.
Getting Around-- Turpan is a small town, and nearly everything is within walking distance of the center, marked by the intersection of Lao Cheng Lu and Gaochang Lu. Taxis within the city cost ¥5 (65¢). Most sights are outside town and require ataxi, minibus,orbike,which can be hired from John's Information Cafe. Your presence is noted by local drivers when you arrive. They will politely but insistently offer tours of the eight sights(bage difang).Decline.
Tours--CITSis located to the left of front gate of the Oasis Hotel (before you enter the gate) at Qingnian Lu 41 (tel.0995/852-8962;turpancits@sina.com; open 8am-9pm).