 Turpan has the Turpan Water Museum (a Protected Area of the People's Republic of China) dedicated to demonstrating its "karez" water system, as well as exhibiting other historical artifacts.Turpan's well system was crucial in Turpan's development as an important oasis stopover on the ancient Silk Road skirting the barren and hostile Taklamakan Desert.Turpan owes its prosperity to the water provided by its karez well system.