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Ancient City of Gaochang
Introducing Ancient City of Gaochang
The Ancient City of Gaochang, also known as Kocho, Kharakhoja, or “King City”, is a historical oasis city located on the northern rim of the Taklamakan Desert near Turpan. Built in the 1st century BC, Gaochang functioned as a thriving trading hub and a crucial stopover for merchant traders journeying on the Silk Road. In 2014, the Ancient City of Gaocheng, along with other locations on the historic Silk Road, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the title “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor World Heritage Site”.
The city’s character is defined by its ruins, which gleam like a radiant gem set in the stark Gobi desert. These ruins encompass the remnants of a 4-storied palace, an irregular adobe square perched on a tall earthen platform known as the “Khan’s Castle”, which served as the royal residence. The city walls, especially the western and southern sections, are remarkably well-preserved. Gaochang was more than just a commercial center; it was also a haven of global religious culture. The renowned Buddhist monk Xuanzhuang of the Tang Dynasty made a stop here and gave lectures on his journey to India. Presently, the ruins serve as a reminder of the city’s past splendor and prosperity.
Ancient City of Gaochang Fast Facts
• AKA: Kocho, Kharakhoja, King City
• Chinese Name: Gaochang gucheng 高昌故城
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY40
• Address: G30 Lianhuo Highway, Gaochang District, Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Reasons to Visit the Ancient City of Gaochang
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Ancient City of Gaochang, one of the few remaining ancient adobe cities, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historical Significance: Gaochang, once the largest city in Xinjiang, was a significant stop on the Silk Road and a haven for religious traditions. It also functioned as a fortified city for the armies of the Han and Tang Dynasties.
Architectural Ruins: The scattered remnants of walls and buildings in the city provide a window into history. The foundational stones of a four-story palace, still visible today, are among these ruins.
What to Expect at the Ancient City of Gaochang
Built in the 1st century BC, the Ancient City of Gaochang was initially ruled by the Cheshi Kingdom until it was taken over by the Han Dynasty around 50 BC. It was a key Silk Road hub and became the Gaochang Kingdom’s capital in the 6th century. It returned to Chinese control in 640 under the Tang Dynasty but was abandoned in 755. The Uyghurs took control of Gaochang by 803, making it part of the Kingdom of Qocho. It fell under Genghis Khan’s rule in 1209, later becoming part of the Yuan Dynasty, but was seized by the Chatagai Khanate from 1275 to 1318. The city was gradually abandoned due to warfare and trade disruption following the Yuan Dynasty’s collapse.
After Gaochang was deserted, further damage occurred. Muslims destroyed Buddhist frescos they deemed blasphemous, and local farmers later removed wall paintings and soil from the buildings for use as fertilizer. The archaeological significance of the region wasn’t recognized until the late 19th century, attracting archaeologists worldwide to its ruins. Numerous artifacts unearthed in Gaochang now reside in museums in cities like London, Berlin, and St. Petersburg, while many others are still found within the city’s crumbling walls.
During its prime, Gaochang was home to around 30,000 residents, making it a bustling town on the Silk Road. The city, once divided into an outer city, an inner city, and a palace city, was surrounded by towering earthen walls over 11 meters high. Although the secondary wall protecting the inner city has disappeared, significant parts of the outer wall are still standing. The palace city, located at the northernmost point of Gaochang, was perhaps its most splendid structure, but now only the large cornerstones of the ruined imperial palace remain.
Gaochang was not only a trading hub but also a significant religious center, becoming a leading Buddhist city during the Tang Dynasty. The famous Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang even delivered lectures there during his 630 pilgrimage to India. The city once housed various monasteries, a Confucian college, a Nestorian church, and over 3,000 monks. Today, the remnants of this rich heritage are the ruins of two main temples in the southern part of the outer city. The southwestern temple still has traces of a gate, courtyard, sermon hall, sutra depository, and monks’ quarters, while the southeastern temple retains a tower and a set of well-preserved murals.
Gate-opening Ceremony
The Gate-opening Ceremony is an energetic and unique occasion that welcomes visitors in the traditional Uyghur style. This ceremony blends elements of folk music and dance into a captivating spectacle. The city gates swing open twice daily (at 10:30 and 18:00), in sync with the rhythm of traditional Uyghur dances, setting the stage for a day of exploration and discovery in this ancient city. This everyday ritual not only displays the rich cultural legacy of the Uyghur people but also extends a warm reception to everyone who visits Kashgar.
How to Get to Ancient City of Gaochang
• The Ancient City of Gaochang is located approx. 46 kilometers (about 29 miles) southeast of Turpan.
• There is no public bus going to the Ancient City of Gaochang.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free private transfer to the Ancient City of Gaochang.
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