Grapes and Raisins

September is grape season around the deserts of Western China and at that time Kashgar and Turpan are filled with vendors selling their wares on the sidewalks.


Grapes and grape vine leaves for sale.

Turpan grapes are famous throughout the world for their variety and incredible taste. After the yearly harvest Turpan transforms into an even tastier raisin-making center. The secret is the local drying method. Grapes are hung to dry in mud shacks with brick latticework as to let the desert air flow through.


On our way through Turpan we also encountered sun dried tomatoes.