Jiaohe Ancient City Travel Guide

Jiaohe Ancient City is built on a willow-leaf-shaped plateau surrounded by the Yarnaizi Gully. The entire city was excavated downward from the ground and is the largest and oldest earthen architectural city in the world. It was designated a World Cultural Heritage site in 2014. The temples, government offices, residences, and infant cemetery complex from over two thousand years are still clearly defined

Visitor route

• Central Avenue: Enter the city from the south gate and head north along the main axis. On both sides are cross-sections of courtyards and archway walls, allowing you to directly experience the 'city carved downward.'
• Great Buddha Temple District: The largest temple remains in the northern part of the ancient city, with complete contours of pagoda pillars and shrines
• North Lookout: Overlooking the entire city and surrounding river valleys, the sunlight before sunset dyes the earthen walls a golden red

What time do you go, and how long do you stay

Recommended evening session: avoid the scorching midday heat, with ideal lighting for photography. Summer closure is extended to later days; A full tour takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you choose between the two locations and Gaochang Ancient City, Jiaohe offers better completeness and atmosphere; if you have enough time, you can visit both

Notes

Almost no shelters inside the city; follow the route along boardwalks and avoid climbing broken walls; Be cautious of sand during strong winds; Tickets and shuttle buses are charged separately; self-driving cars can transfer at the parking lot at the foot of the mountain