Under the grape trellis: A dream of the Western Region at Shengtai Homestay

July in Turpan, where the sun heats up the grapevine-covered paths of Grape Valley, and the cicadas' chirping mingles with the sweet aroma drifting through the mulberry woods. Walking along the cobblestone path of Frog Alley, I pushed open the wooden door of Shengtai Homestay. Nestled in the heart of Grape Valley, this courtyard feels like a secret haven wrapped in the gentle embrace of time—above, a canopy of grape clusters resembling green pearls; around, intricately carved wooden columns in the Uyghur style, radiating the fiery passion of this land. The charm of the homestay begins the moment you arrive. Navigating to Group 3 of Baiximaili Community, the car turns into the alley only to be stopped by dense grapevines overhead. "No need to buy a ticket for the scenic area!" the cheerful hostess waves through the car window. Staying at a homestay within the scenic area not only saves you the 60 RMB entrance fee but also allows you to drive directly to the courtyard, skipping the hassle of shuttle transfers. Fifteen guest rooms are tucked amidst grapevines and mulberry trees. I chose a king room with a small terrace. Opening the door, the smart lock clicks softly, and sunlight filters through the sheer curtains onto high-quality bedding. The bathroom, with 24-hour hot water, carries a faint lavender scent. The terrace was the highlight—a small wooden table with two wicker chairs, where you can reach out and pluck semi-ripe seedless grapes. At the far end of the vineyard, the colorful doors and windows of Uyghur homes peek through the shadows of the trees. After dinner, I wandered around the homestay, discovering thoughtful touches everywhere. The spacious parking lot accommodates over a dozen cars, while the free game room features an automatic mahjong table. The 24-hour front desk staff always seem to have essentials like band-aids and power banks at hand. The most relaxing spot is the grapevine-covered corridor, where guests sit on small stools chatting, some hanging freshly washed T-shirts on the clothesline, with water droplets forming small wet patches on the stone floor. On the day of departure, the hostess helped us call a taxi and handed over two freshly picked bunches of grapes. "Eat these on the way, they’ll quench your thirst!" As the car drove out of the alley, the homestay grew smaller in the rearview mirror, but the grapevines remained vividly green. Suddenly, I realized that what makes this place unforgettable isn’t just the saved entrance fee or convenient transportation, but the warmth hidden in the 24-hour front desk’s patience, the pet-friendly inclusivity, and the late-night snacks prepared for guests. These are the most touching aspects of Western Region hospitality. If you’re looking for a place in Turpan where you can feel the heat of Flaming Mountain while embracing the coolness of Grape Valley, Shengtai Homestay is worth considering. After all, not every place lets you wake up under a grape trellis and turn your days into a sweet, melodic ballad.