The range is a line of deeply eroded red sandstone ridges running roughly east to west across the Turpan Depression, with peaks rising to about 500 meters above the plain. The rock was laid down in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and then folded and exposed, and wind and flash floods have carved the surface into gullies, fins and vertical grooves. In strong sunlight the ridges look like flames, which is the origin of the name.
The heat
The Turpan Depression is the hottest place in China. Summer surface temperatures on the bare rock have been recorded above 70 degrees Celsius, and the air temperature regularly passes 40. The heat is dry rather than humid, which makes it more bearable than coastal heat but still dangerous for anyone unprepared. The scenic area has shaded walkways, a thermometer display and a small exhibition, but the exposure is real.
The literature
The mountains appear in Journey to the West, the sixteenth-century novel that recounts the pilgrimage of the monk Xuanzang to India, as a wall of fire that blocks the travelers and can only be crossed with the help of the Monkey King. Xuanzang did in fact travel this route, and the novel's association has made the site famous throughout China. Statues and reliefs at the entrance illustrate the story.
Practical notes
The main scenic area is about 30 kilometers east of Turpan, on the road toward Shanshan and the Bezeklik caves, so it fits naturally into a day trip with the Grape Valley and the ancient cities. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon; the middle of the day in summer is genuinely hazardous. Carry water, wear a hat and use sun protection. A short shuttle runs from the car park into the valley.
