Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, Jiaohe, one of Central Asia’s most significant archaeological sites, lies just 10 kilometers west of Turpan city.
This unique ancient city, which existed for more than two thousand years, is considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban architecture carved directly into rock formations.
Founded in the 3rd century BCE, Jiaohe served as the capital of the Cheshi Kingdom and was a major administrative, military, and trade center on the Great Silk Road. The city was built on a narrow plateau approximately 1.6 kilometers long and up to 300 meters wide, nestled between the dry beds of two rivers, which provided natural protection from invaders. The name "Jiaohe" literally translates to “confluence of rivers.”
The city’s buildings — residences, temples, stupas, and administrative facilities — were carved directly into the rock, without the use of additional construction materials. This architectural approach not only provided resilience to harsh climate conditions, but also helped the site remain remarkably well-preserved to this day.
Archaeological excavations, which began in the 20th century, have uncovered distinct cultural layers reflecting the region’s centuries-old history. Among the most significant finds are Buddhist religious artifacts, inscriptions in ancient scripts, ceramics, and remnants of urban infrastructure. The Buddhist temple complex, in particular, highlights Jiaohe’s historical role as a spiritual center.
Today, Jiaohe is recognized as a nationally protected site in China and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the cultural route “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an–Tianshan Corridor.” The site is open to tourists and serves as a valuable resource for educational and cultural programs.
The ancient city of Jiaohe stands not only as a remarkable historical legacy, but also as a symbol of East–West cultural exchange, embodying the rich and interconnected history of the Great Silk Road.
