Ancient City of Jiaohe, Sinkiang, China

One of the world’s architectural wonders hides in Yarnaz Valley, 10 kilometers west of Turpan. Like a willow leaf, the ancient city of Jiaohe with a history of 2300 years lies between two rivers on a loess plateau atop a cliff of over 30 meters. The largest, oldest and best-preserved earthen city in the world, Jiaohe is 1,650 meters by 300 meters at its widest; with an area of 220,000 square meters. It was included in the World Heritage List on June 22, 2014.

The ancient city was the capital of the former Cheshi State. An Indian proverb says, ‘Intelligence is bound to exist where two rivers meet’. Jiaohe, meaning in Chinese where two rivers meet, is such a place. According to historical records it was home to 700 households, 6500 residents plus 865 soldiers.

Epic China Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound

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