The bare surface of Flaming Mountain in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo: travel.sina.com.cn]

Huoyanshan or the Flaming Mountain in Turpan, of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, gained its reputation as an unconquerable place 500 years ago in the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West.

During their legendary quest, a Chinese monk and his three disciples encountered numerous obstacles, one of them being a task to climb over the Flaming Mountain, the hottest place in China.

As the name suggests, the mountain has a sizzling ground temperature of 80 degrees Celsius or 176 degrees Fahrenheit in Summer. Sprawling some 100 kilometers in width, the mountain is immune to all life forms.

As barren as it looks, the mountain has become a popular stop for tourists to Xinjiang. A giant thermometer stands in front of the brick-red mountain showing the current temperature which usually stays above 70 Celsius. Another sight at the mountain is a number of bronze sculptures of the fictionalized figures in Journey to the West.

According to scientific studies, the unique geographic feature of the Flaming Mountain is a result of dramatic tectonic movement. Due to the intense friction, the underground coal seam is exposed to the air causing spontaneous combustion, which contributes to the consistent heat spread over the mountain surface.

Just ten miles from the Flaming Mountain lies the fertile Grape Valley. It is another sightseeing stop known for its prolific production of juicy grapes.

The Flaming Mountain and the Grape Valley are located along the ancient Silk Road and are included as two popular sights on the various tour routes in Xinjiang.