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China

Jiaohe ruins

Ruined Silk Road city on plateau.

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

The Jiaohe Ruins, located in the Yarnaz Valley of Xinjiang, China, present a unique archaeological site of a once thriving Silk Road city. Positioned on a naturally fortified plateau, the city served as a critical hub for trade and governance from the 2nd century BCE to the 13th century CE. It was the capital of the Anterior Jushi Kingdom and later became a prefecture under the Tang dynasty and the Uyghur Khaganate. The city's layout featured residential districts, Buddhist temples and stupas, and a significant government office. Notably, Jiaohe lacked traditional defensive walls, relying instead on the steep cliffs surrounding it. Abandoned following the Mongol invasion led by Genghis Khan, the ruins now stand as a testament to the city's historical and cultural significance along the Silk Road.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Jiaohe ruins

FileJiaohe_ruins.jpg
FileTurpan-jiaohe-maqueta-d01.jpg
FileTurpan-jiaohe-ruinas-d22.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Defensive Structures

Fortresses

Burial and Funerary Structures

Graves

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesStupas

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Cities

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
China
Source
Wikipedia