Jiaohe ancient city (Turfan, Xinjiang)

Ref: 070707-2361     Date: 07-07-2007

Jiaohe (circa 3rd century BC - 14th century AD; also known as Yarkhoto) was one of the most important cities in the Turfan Basin. It was occupied by the Jushi people before being taken over by the Western Han dynasty. It changed hands many times until it was finally abandoned during the Ming dynasty. Contemporary structures for drying grapes are visible in the background. Trees grow in the valley bottom, fed by the meltwaters of the Tian Shan.