Also called Yarkhoto, Jiāohé was established by the Chinese as a garrison town during the Han dynasty. It’s one of the world’s largest (6500 residents once lived here), oldest (1600 years old) and best-preserved ancient cities, inspiring with its scale, setting, and palpable historical atmosphere. Get an overview of the site at the central governor’s complex then continue along the main road past a large monastery to a 'stupa grove' with a 10m-tall pagoda surrounded by 100 smaller pagoda bases.
The ruins are 8km west of Turpan. Take bus 101 (¥1) to its terminal station Yàěr Xiāng (亚尔乡) and then a minibus (¥2) or taxi (¥15). It’s also possible to cycle here from Turpan.
