Turpan has long been the centre of a fertile oasis and an important trade centre in Xinjiang Autonomous Region. It was historically located along the Silk Road's northern route. Turpan is famous for its grapes, grown primarily for raisins but also wine. Turpan is known as the lowest and the hottest place in all of China. This relatively small and economically unimportant place has blossomed in recent years, attracting numerous tourists to come here to sample the easy-going pace of life and to see the desert.