Jiaohe Ruins

Jiaohe Ancient City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is the largest, best-preserved earthen city ruin in the world, often called "the most perfect ruin on earth." Built around the 2nd century BC, it served as the capital of the Jushi Kingdom and later as the seat of the Anxi Protectorate during the Tang Dynasty. The city was abandoned in the 14th century and was listed the first batch of key cultural relics units under national protection in 1961.

Jiaohe’s Geographic Location—A Natural Fortress Between Two Rivers

The name “Jiaohe” literally means “the meeting place of two rivers”. The ancient city stands on a steep 30-meter-high plateau between two dry river valleys in the Turpan Basin. Seen from afar, the plateau resembles a giant leaf floating above the desert landscape. This dramatic natural fortress was easy to defend and difficult to attack, giving the city a lonely yet magnificent beauty.

Getting to Jiaohe Ruins is quite convenient. The site is located about 6 kilometers west of Yar Township in Gaochang District, Turpan. A well-equipped visitor center stands at the entrance, and shuttle buses run from the gate to the main ruins area. Most visits take around two to three hours, so early morning or late afternoon is the best time to explore, especially to avoid the intense midday heat of the Turpan Basin.

Jiaohe’s Architectural Wonder—A City Carved from the Earth

One of the most remarkable features of Jiaohe Ruins is its unique construction method. Unlike many ancient cities built with bricks and stone, Jiaohe city was largely constructed from rammed earth and directly carved into the natural plateau. The city stretches from north to south with a clear layout and well-defined functional zones.   

Walking along the 350-meter-long central avenue, something unusual can be noticed quickly: there are almost no brick walls. Instead, the city was built using a technique known as “cutting earth to leave walls”. In simple terms, builders dug downward into the ground while leaving sections of earth standing as walls. Houses, courtyards, temples, and roads were all carved directly from solid earth, making the entire city feel like a giant sculpture shaped downward into the plateau.   

Because of this construction method, much of what can be seen today closely resembles the city’s appearance when it was abandoned in the 14th century. These ruins demonstrate the ingenuity of ancient people living in an arid desert environment and reflect the unique urban planning traditions of ancient Western Regions cities.

The central avenue divides the city into two sections. The eastern side was home to nobles and government officials, where large administrative buildings and underground temples can still be seen. The western side was where ordinary residents lived and worked, filled with tightly packed houses, workshops, and narrow alleyways. As you wander through the ruins, it is easy to imagine blacksmiths, potters, and winemakers carrying out their daily routines centuries ago.

Key Highlights of Jiaohe—Must-See Sights & Featured Experiences

Must-See Sights

Central Avenue—The North-South Axis：

Stretching approximately 350 meters long and 10 meters wide, this main road divides the city into residential, administrative, and religious zones. The towering earthen walls on both sides create a dramatic “time tunnel” effect.  

Great Buddha Temple Ruins—Marks of Millennia of Buddhism: 

Located at the northern end of the central avenue, this was once the city’s religious center. Covering around 5,000 square meters, the complex included gates, temple halls, monks’ quarters, and more than 100 pagodas. At sunset, the long shadows of the towers create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. 

Underground Residence—Anxi Protectorate Administrative Site: 

Situated in the southeastern part of the city, this underground complex features an 11-meter-square courtyard, multiple defensive gates, and a 60-meter tunnel system. It is believed to have served as an important administrative office during the Tang Dynasty.

Residential Community—A Glimpse into Ancient Daily Life: 

The preserved houses and courtyards offer a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient residents. Stroll through the narrow lanes and soak in the atmosphere of a neighborhood from a thousand years ago.

Most signs inside the ruins are written in both Chinese and English, so you can easily explore on your own. However, hiring a guide or joining a guided tour will bring these ancient earthen walls vividly to life. 

Featured Experiences‌

Jiaohe Night Tour—Light and Shadow Experience:‌ 

As darkness falls, the ancient ruins come alive in a whole new way. Carefully designed lighting traces the outlines of the lost city against the desert night. Beneath the stars, the live concert Night of Jiaohe rings with the haunting melodies of the Twelve Muqam and the stirring strings of the Rawap into a lively performance. It's not just a light show — it's a sensory journey into the soul of the Silk Road.

Jiaohe Ancient Village—Intangible Heritage Handicrafts:‌

Just a 750-meter stroll or a quick shuttle ride away, this living village opens a window into authentic Uyghur life. Step inside the lavish bay's mansion, lose yourself among clusters of ancient earthen houses, and roll up your sleeves in the craft workshops — pottery, embroidery, or woodwork passed down through generations. It’s a rare chance to touch the living heritage of the Silk Road with your own hands. You can reach the village either on foot or by shuttle cart, and a combined ticket includes the electric shuttle cart within the village.

Over 2,000 Years of History—Jiaohe, A Key Witness to Silk Road Civilization

With a history spanning more than 2,300 years, Jiaohe Ruins witnessed the political, economic, and cultural exchanges between the Central Plains and the Western Regions, becoming an important hub along the Silk Road.

The city was first established by the Jushi people around the 2nd century BC. During the Han and Tang dynasties, as Silk Road trade flourished, it grew into one of the most important cities in the Western Regions.

Caravans from the Central Plains, Central Asia, Persia, and even farther lands passed through here. Silk, tea, spices, jade, and other goods were traded here, while different civilizations met and mingled. Beyond its commercial prosperity, it was also a major religious and cultural center, with many Buddhist monks traveling along the Silk Road to spread Buddhism here.

During the Tang Dynasty, it became one of the major administrative seats of the Anxi Protectorate, entering its golden age. Political stability and economic prosperity turned the city into one of the most influential urban centers in the Western Regions at the time.

Later, due to wars, environmental changes, and the shifting of Silk Road trade routes, it gradually declined. By the Yuan Dynasty and afterward, the city was eventually abandoned, leaving behind the ruins seen today.

If you are interested in historical sites, Silk Road culture, and the heritage of the Western Regions, Jiaohe Ruins are absolutely worth visiting. The site can easily be combined with other famous attractions in Turpan, including Karez Wells, Flaming Mountains, and Grape Valley.

Jiaohe’s Religious Heritage—Traces of Buddhist Culture in the Western Regions

Jiaohe city was also an important Buddhist center along the Silk Road. It once contained numerous Buddhist temples, monasteries, and pagodas. Archaeological discoveries show a blend of cultural influences from the Central Plains, India, Central Asia, and Persia. Buddhist relics, murals, manuscripts, and sculptures found at the site all reflect the vibrant cultural exchanges that once flourished along the Silk Road.

On the western side of the central avenue lies a large temple complex, where the remains of pagodas and temple halls can still be seen. Archaeologists also discovered a rare underground Buddhist temple containing a double-layered metal coffin filled with pearls and sacred relics, revealing the deep religious devotion of the time.

Walking among the ruins today, you can still feel the lingering traces of Buddhism’s spread across the Western Regions centuries ago.‌‌

Jiaohe Travel Guide — Practical Information Before Your Visit

Opening Hours：09:30–19:00 (seasonal adjustments may apply). Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon is recommended to avoid crowds and extreme heat.

Ticket Information：Admission is approximately 95 RMB, including the shuttle bus. Prices may change, so please check locally before visiting.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn are the ideal seasons for visiting, especially from April to June and September to October. Temperatures are much more comfortable during these months. Summers in Turpan are extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C, so sun protection and hydration are essential.

What to Wear：Strong sun protection is highly recommended, including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are essential because many paths are uneven dirt roads. Lightweight clothing works best in summer, though evenings can be cool, so bringing a light jacket is advisable.

Photography Tips：Jiaohe ruins are fantastic for photography. Sunrise and sunset bathe the ruins in golden light, while wide-angle lenses are especially effective for capturing the vast plateau and desert surroundings.