Located in the Yarnaz Valley, this Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) - meaning “Two Rivers Meet” - was the Capital of Chechi Kingdom, an important Garrison during the Western Han & Tang Dynasty & a powerful Centre of Trade in the Ancient Silk Road - but destroyed & eventually abandoned during the invasion by the Mongols led by Genghis Khan in the 13th Century .

All the Earthern buildings of Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) were dug from Earth & Wood was rarely used - the ancient People dug caves into the Earth & built houses over them, so the buildings are half buried in the Earth.

According to historical records, this Largest, Oldest, Best Preserved Earthen Ancient CIty of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) was home to 700 households, 6500 residents, & 865 soldiers.

The City has no surrounding walls as it was built on a large islet in the middle of a River, with steep cliffs on all sides of the River acting as natural walls of defenses.

Amazingly though much ruined, this Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) looks really cool - & reminds me very much of my visit to the Ruins of Pompeii in Italy…………………

As we come to the end of our exploration of this Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto), I can’t help but feel that the ancient People around here are so intelligent & smart!!

Now, we’re leaving the last of my Turpan (Tulufan) sightseeing tours here in Xinjiang along the Silk Road of China as we travel to our Hotel stay for tonight!