The 11th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Fair opened Sunday in Turpan, a major grape production area in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China.

Several thousand tourists from home and abroad witnessed the opening ceremony at the well-known Grape Valley, where they enjoyed grapes, Hami melons, wine and Uygur dances.

In the month that follows, tourists are invited to explore local ancient relics, the desert as well as local folklore. Trade and investment promotions will also be held.

Turpan is the primary grape production base in China, accounting for 85 percent of the country's annual output.

The annual grape fair has been drawing 300,000 to 400,000 tourists every year since 11 years ago, bringing a strong boost to local tourism and the economy.

(Xinhua News Agency 08/26/2001)