The Flaming Mountains are barren, eroded, red sandstone hills in Tian Shan Mountain range. Their striking gullies and trenches caused by erosion of the red sandstone bedrock giving the mountains a flaming appearance at certain times of the day.
The climate in Turpan has harsh extremes. The extremely high summer temperatures make this the hottest spot in China, frequently reaching 122 °F (50 °C) or higher during Summer peaks and a 24hour average of °F (-7 °C) during Winter. During May the temperatures are much more in the pleasant range.
Canon 1D Mark IV 70-200 2.8 IS @ f/8 1/500 ISO 200
The vibrant Flaming Mountains were a great contrast to the amazing green oasis alongside the river flowing between the mountains. This river although far from at its peak wound through the dry desert mountains weaving its way and brining a touch of green to an otherwise dry dusty place.
Canon 5D Mark III 17-40 f/4 L @ f/10 1/60 ISO 100
Just down the road was a tourist site dedicated to the famous Chinese story of Journey to the West which was also adapted by Nippon television into the TV Series Monkey which aired in the UK and Australia Television as an English dubbed version. Also near this is another segment of the Buddha caves full of historical Buddhist murals.