I had a chance to go to Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, to attend an academic Conference in July 2007. One of the Organizers of the Conference was nice enough to offer a tour to the Turpan area. I visited the Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley, and the Ancient City of Jiaohe. It was just one "baking-hot" journey I have ever taken in my life.