Khara-Khoto

Khara-Khoto, known as the 'Black City', was a significant urban center founded in 1032 under the Tangut-led Western Xia dynasty. It is located in the Ejin Banner of Inner Mongolia, China. The city features substantial defensive structures, including 9.1-meter-high ramparts and thick walls. It flourished as a trade hub during the Western Xia and later expanded under Mongol rule, especially during Kublai Khan's reign when it tripled in size. The city was a key point on the Silk Road, connecting major cities such as Karakorum and Shangdu. Religious diversity is evident from the presence of a mosque outside the city walls, suggesting a multicultural society. Khara-Khoto was abandoned following a siege by the Ming dynasty in 1372, which diverted the Ejin River, leading to water shortages. Its ruins offer rich archaeological insights, including manuscripts and religious artifacts, preserved by its remote location.