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Flaming Mountains

The Flaming Mountains (Huo Yan Shan), are so named because in the evenings the red clay mountains reflect the heat and glow of the desert and seem to burn.¡¡Situated on the northern edge of the Turpan basin, and stretching over 100 km long and 10km wide, this is an intensely hot part of the desert with not a single blade of grass to be seen for miles. In the severe heat of July, the mountains seem to be on fire in the burning sun and become a purplish-brown color. Hot steam rises upwards from the burning cliffs and it is no surprise that this is where the hottest temperatures in China ever, were recorded!

Make sure you go prepared for this spectacular spot with ample drinking water, a good sunblock and a hat to stop your head from frizzling!