Ancient City of Jiaohe

Introducing Ancient City of Jiaohe
The Ancient City of Jiaohe is nestled in the Yarnaz Valley west of Turpan. The Ancient City of Jiaohe is the largest and best-preserved earthen city of its kind globally. Perched atop a steep cliff on a leaf-shaped plateau, Jiaohe (river junction) strategically commanded the passage between two deep river valleys, making it a formidable military fortress. Serving as the heart of the Jushi Kingdom, this city thrived as its capital from 108 BC to 450 AD but was abandoned due to relentless wars.

Spanning 0.47 square kilometers (116.14 acres), the layout of the ancient city echoes the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) capital Chang’an, while retaining a distinct character. Remnants of bustling marketplaces and imposing government offices whisper of its former economic and political significance. Serene Buddhist temples provide insights into the spiritual lives of Jiaohe’s inhabitants, while humble houses, military training grounds, and defensive trenches paint a vivid picture of daily life lived under the constant threat of invasion.

In recognition of its role in connecting cultures along the Silk Road, the Ancient City of Jiaohe was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014 as part of the “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor,” a joint nomination by China, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of ancient architectural prowess.

Ancient City of Jiaohe Fast Facts
• AKA: Ruins of the Jiaohe City, Yarkhoto
• Chinese Name: JiāoHé GùChéng 交河故城
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 9:30 – 19:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY70 (Jiaohe Ancient City), CNY35 (Jiaohe Village), CNY130 (Combo ticket & Shuttle Bus)
• Address: Ya'er Village, Gaochang District, Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

What to Expect at the Ancient City of Jiaohe
Unlike any other city in the world, this ancient metropolis was meticulously hewn downwards into the earth, its legacy carved deep into the plateaus. Towering walls of natural rock rise around the ancient city, a constant reminder of the breathtaking skill and artistry embodied in this lost marvel of civilization. Every turn in the sprawling site inspires awe, leaving visitors breathless with wonder at the sheer audacity of its creation.

The Grand Buddha Temple
The Grand Buddha Temple, though now in ruins, still commands the landscape, its southern facade a testament to its former grandeur. Time has not diminished the proud reach of its walls, their remnants clawing at the sky. The layout of the temple complex remains visible: the ghostly outline of the main hall, the silent courtyard, the crumbling foundation of the pagoda, and the echoes of wells, platforms, and monk quarters.

At the heart of it all stand the square pillars, their foundations rooted directly in the earth. Each layer of rammed earth speaks of painstaking hand-labor, each face carved with niches that once sheltered serene Buddha statues. Though the statues themselves have vanished, their absence is a presence in the worn stone, a silent chorus to the temple’s enduring spiritual significance.

The Stupa Forrest
Occupying 2,500 square meters (0.6 acres), the Stupa Forest served as a cemetery for monks of the ancient city of Jiaohe. The Forest comprises 101 Buddhist stupas arranged in four quadrants, each with 25 surrounding a central one. Enclosed by walls forming a courtyard, each quadrant’s central stupa evokes India’s Mahabodhi Temple with its Vajrasana style. These main stupas, built directly on the ground and spaced approximately 1.6 meters apart to allow for pathways, feature a square platform base upon which five smaller stupas once stood. While time has not been kind—the upper sections of most stupas have collapsed—the four-quadrant layout and the main stupas remain relatively well-preserved.

How to Get to Ancient City of Jiaohe
• The Ancient City of Jiaohe is located approx. 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of Turpan.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free private transfer to the Ancient City of Jiaohe.