Emin Minaret
Tower Tall 18th-century minaret and Uyghur Islamic landmark
In Turpan, the Emin Minaret (Sugong Mosque) stands as an 18th‑century brick minaret beside mosque buildings. Visitors study Uyghur Islamic architecture and view the minaret within the city’s lowland streets.
The Emin Minaret, also called the Sugong Ta, is an 18th-century brick minaret in the Turpan area of Xinjiang, China, constructed by the local leader Emin Khoja. It dates to the late 1770s and is notable for its height and patterned brick decoration.
The cylindrical tower rises from a square base into a fluted shaft decorated with geometric motifs, reaching roughly 44 metres in height. It stands beside a small mosque and courtyard and is one of the best-preserved examples of Islamic architecture in the region.
Built as both a religious structure and a memorial, the minaret has been a local landmark since the Qing period and is often photographed for its distinctive form against the arid landscape of the Turpan basin.
Geographically the minaret is located in the Turpan prefecture of Xinjiang, within the oasis region east of Urumqi and accessible from the city of Turpan.
- Founding and scale: Erected by the local Muslim leader Emin Khoja in the late 18th century as a memorial to his son, it is the tallest historic minaret in the region around Turpan.
- Setting: Located adjacent to a small mosque and courtyard complex, the minaret remains a visible landmark of Turpan's old townscape.
What to See #
- Minaret: A freestanding brick minaret built in 1777-1778; reaches about 44 metres in height and is noted for its intricate geometric brickwork.
Tips for Visiting Emin Minaret #
- Visit in the cooler early morning or late afternoon to avoid Turpan's daytime heat and to get better light on the minaret's glazed-brick decoration.
- Combine the Emin Minaret with nearby Turpan attractions such as the Grape Valley, Jiaohe ruins and the local museum for a full-day circuit rather than returning to the same area separately.
- Expect a short walk from the roadside; allow time to view the minaret from multiple angles as the architecture is best appreciated by circling the base.
Best Time to Visit Emin Minaret #
Best in spring or autumn to avoid the intense summer heat and large winter temperature swings.
Weather & Climate near Emin Minaret #
Emin Minaret's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -7°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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March
March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 2°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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May
May is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 23°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 25°C. Almost no rain.
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August
August is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 23°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
