Gaochang Ancient City Travel Guide
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The ancient city of Gaochang is the site of the capital of the Cheshi Qian Kingdom on the Silk Road. Xuanzang once stayed here for over a month preaching. This article explains the scale of the ancient city, the way to tour it by car between sections, and travel recommendations for spring, summer, and autumn.
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Destination Details
The ancient city of Gaochang is located about 40 kilometers east of Turpan City. It was a key Silk Road stronghold built by the Western Han agricultural troops along the Gaochang Wall, and at its peak was divided into three parts: the outer city, inner city, and palace city. In 630 AD, Xuanzang passed through this area on his westward journey and was persuaded by the King of Gaochang to preach for over a month, forging a legendary connection that will last through the ages
Visitor route
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Local
- bus loop: The ancient city is very large, and the entrance to the core area is quite far to walk. Usually, you take the shuttle bus to the Khan Fort area and then walk back
- Southwest Great Buddha Temple: The best-preserved large temple site in the city, featuring multi-story Buddha niches and a lecture hall layout
- City wall cross-section: The remnants of the rammed earth outer city walls still remain, making it suitable for long-distance panoramic shots
What time do you go, and how long do you stay
?Like Jiaohe Ancient City, it's recommended to avoid noon; early morning or evening lighting is best; The entire trip takes about 1.5 hours. If you have to choose only one of the two ancient cities: Jiaohe for a stunning atmosphere, or Gaochang for understanding the Silk Road city layout. The two are about 60 kilometers apart, so it's common to see them in just one day
Notes
There are no supply points inside the site, so bring enough drinking water; Local buses stop on time and remember the last bus time; Do not climb or touch the adobe site
