Kaner Well

The Karez System is an ancient irrigation system and the pride of Turpan. It along with the Great Wall and Grand Beijing-Hangzhou Canal is regarded as the three most important achievements of ancient time.

The history of the Karez can be traced back some 2,000 years, even today, there are about 1,200 Karez systems in Turpan, some 850 of which are in active use. Turpan is an area where annual rainfall is low, and surface water evaporates quickly. To survive in this harsh environment, ancient people used the Karez system consists of underground canals accessed by wells, over-ground canals and small reservoirs to irrigate the Turpan desert. They channeled the melting snow from Tian Shan Mountain into the Karez, thus many oasis appeared in the desert including the famous Grape Valley.

Karez Wells created by the local people with their wit, dedication, blood and sweat crisscross the Turpan Depression like the vital and complicate blood vessel network. The Wudaolin karez and the karez in the Wuxing Township are open to visitors.  Sitting in a Karez, enjoy this natural air conditioner while tasting some grapes. It is really a wonderful thing!