Lying at the base of the western end of Flaming Mountains is a world of unique with vineyards and fruit trees - Grape Valley.

This 8-kilometer (5-mile-) -long, half-a-kilometer (0.3 mile-) -wide gorge, inhabited by about 6,000 people of the Uigur, Hui and Han, has more than 400 hectares of cultivated land, 220 hectares of which is grape-growing area. Grapes growing in the valley are of several strains, including the seedless white, rose-pink, 'mare's-nipple', black, Kashihar, bijiagan and suosuo. Fruit vinery nearby produce purewines and canned grapes.

Bicycle is an ideal choice for the trip to the Grape Valley if you leave early enough to avoid the intense afternoon sun. Trellised walkways overhung with bunches of grapes, and patios with a poetic flavor to the idyllic beauty give you refreshment and relaxation. Scattered everywhere are trees: mulberry, peach, apricot, apple, pomegranate, pear, fig, walnut, elm, poplar and willow; also watermelons and muskmelons. Reception centers where dense grapevines paths lead to secluded places provide visitors places for rest.

Admission: 20 (RMB)