Gaochang is the site of an ancient oasis city built on the northern rim of the inhospitable Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang of China. Gaochang in Uigur means the “city of King”. Gaochang ancient city once was the capital of Gaochang Kingdom (442 AD-460AD). As a busy trading center, it is a stopping point for merchant traders traveling on the Silk Road.
The ruins of Gaochang ancient city that was first built in 460 AD lie about 40 kilometers east of the Turpan County. Although a ghost town for over 1,000 years, the ruins of the former palaces are still there to be seen. Gaochang ancient city takes the shape of the rectangle with the triple enclosing walls including the inner, outer and the palace city.
The outer wall built with rammed earth is about 11.5 meters high. In the southwest of city is a temple with an area of over ten thousand square meters. It consists of courtyards, teaching hall, sutra depository and monks’ dormitory. Through analysis of architectural features and remnants of murals, the temple was built about in the 6th century. By the shadow of the temple are the ruins of streets and markets. In the inner city, there is an irregular square tower-like castle which is called as Khan Castle by the local. In the north of castle is a square tower-shaped building with 15 meters in height. To the west is double-floored construction with the first floor is under the ground. This construction is shaped like unearthed government office of Tang Dynasty so it once might be a palace. The whole city has nine city gates and northern wall is the best-preserved. In the north of Gaochang city is a vast gobi desert region. The habitants of the city were buried in gobi desert after they died. Occupying an area of over ten square kilometers, the whole area of tombs stretches from the northeast of city to the northwest. The Gaochang city was abandoned by people in the war of the end of the 13th century. For tourists, the view in the relic city is different from that of Yangtze River Cruise.
Gaochang was the pivot point for Central Asia and Europe of merchandise. Many ancient religions of the world were introduced into the mainland through Gaochang. It is no exaggeration to say that Gaochang ancient city once was the most active and developed religious region.
The city was brought under the protection of the state in 1961.
Gaochang is not a hot tourist attraction of China tours. But when you plan to have a Silk Road adventure, this place should not be missed.
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