Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Zhao Mei) news: Turpan, nestled at the southern foot of the eastern Tianshan Mountains, was a pivotal place on the ancient Silk Road. Millennia of trade and cultural exchange have enriched this land with a diverse cultural heritage. Its unique climate and distinctive sandy soil have also fostered a long history of grape cultivation.

In the Turpan Museum, a grapevine relic dating back 2,300 years showcases the region's history of grape cultivation.

File photo shows grapevine relic unearthed from the Yanghai Tombs in Turpan, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The grapevine, unearthed in 2003 from the Yanghai Tombs, bears a striking resemblance to modern grapevines, with its dark brown color, oblong cross-section, a total length of 115 centimeters, a maximum diameter of 2.3 centimeters, and five buds on the vine.

Upon examination, it was determined that the grapevine dates back 2,300 years, making it the earliest specimen of cultivated grapes discovered in China to date. "Its discovery indicates that people at that time already knew that the propagation of grapes was not through seeds, but through the use of grapevines for asexual reproduction," said Deng Yonghong, deputy director of the Turpan Museum.

In 1979, a document requesting the government to dispatch an irrigation official to water the vineyards was unearthed from the Astana Tombs. It reflects that during the Northern Liang period, grapes had already become an important product in the Gaochang region, primarily used for winemaking and fruit production. At that time, to ensure the yield of grapes, the Gaochang Prefecture would, at specific times, specially dispatch personnel to be responsible for the irrigation work.

In 2004, a mural that showcased the life of a manor owner was discovered in the Astana Tombs, depicting vineyards and scenes of grape winemaking. "The mural shows the situation of grape cultivation and winemaking in Turpan during the Jin and Tang dynasties. This indicates that at that time, grape cultivation and winemaking had become an important part of the local people's manor life," said Deng.

File photo shows a mural that showcases the life of a manor owner unearthed in the Astana Tombs in Turpan, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

In the year 640 AD, the Tang established the Anxi Protectorate in Turpan, further strengthening the management of the Western Regions. The Tang Dynasty implemented the equal-field system (Jun Tian Zhi) in the Western Regions and intensified the construction of water conservancy facilities, which greatly promoted the development of the agricultural economy. Farmers planted grapes on a large scale in their allocated self-cultivated fields and produced wine. With the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and the smooth flow of the Silk Road, Turpan's grapes and grape wine were introduced to the Central Plains.

The contract for the lease of a vineyard by Yan Gouren during the Tang Dynasty, unearthed from the Astana Tombs, reflects the development of the grape planting industry in Turpan and the continuous improvement of the contract system during this period. The document shows that Yan Gouren's lease term was five years. Since the grapevines were short that year (possibly newly planted), he was not required to pay rent, but he had to pay a total of 2,720 copper coins over the next four years. From this document, it can be seen that at that time, grape production had formed a tenancy relationship, with rent paid in currency and market transactions taking place.

File photo shows the lease for a vineyard during the Tang Dynasty, unearthed from the Astana Tombs in Turpan, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Today, Turpan continues to carry on the millennia-old tradition of grape cultivation, not only becoming one of the most famous grape-producing regions in China with more than 500 varieties of grapes but also shaping grapes as one of the resounding calling cards of Turpan.

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