Turpan Jiaohe Ancient City
Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu
Jiaohe Ancient City, also known locally as Yarghul, is an extraordinary archaeological site located in the Yarnaz Valley near Turpan, Xinjiang, China. This ruined city served as the capital of the Tocharian kingdom of Jushi and was strategically positioned on a leaf-shaped plateau between two deep river valleys, providing natural defenses with steep cliffs over 30 meters high. Unlike typical ancient cities, Jiaohe lacked city walls because the surrounding rivers and cliffs formed natural fortifications. The city’s layout included eastern and western residential areas and a northern district dedicated to Buddhist temples and stupas, reflecting its cultural and religious significance. Historical records from the Tang dynasty note a population of about 7,000 inhabitants. Jiaohe played a crucial role as a Silk Road stop, linking various kingdoms and facilitating trade and cultural exchange. It was abandoned after Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Today, the site features a maze of dwellings and shrines carved from loess soil and is protected as part of the Silk Road UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ongoing conservation efforts have been supported by both Chinese and Japanese institutions since the late 20th century, ensuring its preservation as a testament to ancient Central Asian civilizations and Silk Road history.
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Astuce: Visitors should plan to visit during spring or autumn when the weather in Turpan is mild and comfortable. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to avoid queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. Guided tours can enrich the experience by explaining the historical and cultural significance of the ruins. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site covers a large area with uneven terrain. Carry water and sun protection due to the arid climate. Photography is allowed, but drones may be restricted; check local regulations.
Faits intéressants
- •Jiaohe is one of the oldest and best-preserved ancient cities built entirely of earth, with structures carved from loess soil.
- •The city’s natural defenses made walls unnecessary, with steep cliffs and rivers surrounding the settlement.
- •Jiaohe was a major administrative and military center during the Tang dynasty, hosting the Protector General of the Western Regions.
- •The city was finally abandoned after Mongol invasions led by Genghis Khan in the 13th century.
- •Archaeologist Aurel Stein visited the site in the early 20th century and described it as a maze of ruined dwellings and shrines carved from soil.
Histoire
Jiaohe Ancient City was established as the capital of the Anterior Jushi Kingdom around 108 BC and remained significant through various dynasties including the Han and Tang.
It became a prefecture under the Tang dynasty and served as the seat of the Protector General of the Western Regions in the mid-7th century, highlighting its military and administrative importance.
The city flourished as a key Silk Road hub until the Uyghur Khaganate period in the 9th century, after which it declined following conquest by the Kyrgyz and later destruction by Mongol forces in the 13th century.
Archaeological exploration began in earnest in the 20th century, with protection measures established by the Chinese government in 1961 and international cooperation for preservation starting in 1992.
In 2014, Jiaohe was inscribed as part of the Silk Road UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognizing its cultural and historical value.
Guide du lieu
Eastern Residential DistrictTang dynasty (7th century)
This area housed the majority of the city's inhabitants and includes remains of dwellings and administrative buildings, highlighting daily life and governance.
Northern Buddhist DistrictTang dynasty and earlier
Dedicated to religious life, this district contains ruins of temples and stupas, illustrating the importance of Buddhism in Jiaohe’s culture.
Western Residential DistrictTang dynasty
Another residential area showing the city's expansion and social structure, featuring remains of homes and community spaces.