China Inland Sea Level Zero Point

China Inland Sea Level Zero Point

The Turpan China Inland Sea Level Zero Point is located in Bayi Village, Yar Township, Turpan, Xinjiang. Its geographical coordinates are 89°11′ east longitude and 42°56′ north latitude. The “Zero Point” is 13 kilometers west of the Jiaohe Ancient City, 50 kilometers east of the Gaochang Ancient City, 2 kilometers north of the Sugong Pagoda, and 30 kilometers south of the lowest point of Ayding Lake.

The marker for the China Inland Sea Level Zero Point is housed within a polygonal main building topped with a circular roof. The main structure stands about 8 meters tall and features an elegant and dignified exterior. The “Zero Point” marker was completed and opened to the public in 1993, serving as one of the patriotic education bases in the Turpan region of Xinjiang.

The “Zero Point” is a geographically unique location. The Turpan Basin is the lowest inland basin in China and the second lowest on Earth, with an area of 4,050 square kilometers lying below sea level, delineated by the zero elevation contour line. Its lowest point has an altitude of -154.43 meters. Establishing China’s Inland Sea Level Zero Point holds significant scientific value, serves educational and popular science purposes, and plays an important role in promoting cultural exchanges between China and other countries as well as in developing tourism.