Built to honor Turpan general Emin Hoja, this splendid 44m-high mud-brick structure, built 1777–78, is the tallest minaret in China. Also known as Sūgōng Tǎ after Emin’s son Suleiman, who oversaw its construction, its bowling pin shape is decorated with an interesting mix of geometrical and floral patterns: the former reflect traditional Islamic design, the latter Chinese. You can no longer climb the interior steps of the minaret itself but the rest of the grounds, including the adjacent mosque, are open.
Biking or strolling the 3km to get there is half the fun. The dusty, tree-lined Uighur streets give a fascinating glimpse into old Turpan.
