The Ancient City of Jiaohe, one of the Thirty-Six Kingdoms in the Western Regions during the Warring States Period

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The Jiaohe Ancient City is located on a terrace between two riverbeds in the Yarnaizi Valley, approximately 10 kilometers west of Turpan City in Xinjiang. A hundred-meter-wide river channel diverges from the northern side of the terrace and merges into one in the south, creating a natural barrier for the city. The terrace rises approximately 30 meters above the surrounding riverbed, creating a seemingly chiseled landscape on all sides, offering a strategic position on the elevated terrain. The city site atop the terrace is approximately 1,650 meters long and 300 meters wide at its widest point, covering a total area of approximately 37 hectares. From an aerial view, it resembles a willow leaf.
Unlike many "historical sites" in the region, this is not a reconstruction or a model, as some critics claim. It is the real deal—otherwise, it wouldn't be on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its condition is not great, but that's due to its over 2,000-year history, not a lack of preservation. In fact, the tourist infrastructure there strikes a good balance between allowing people to see the majority of the site while minimizing erosion.
Dand and wind are important, so please dress appropriately.

Post by kkcclau | Aug 13, 2025