The Ancient City of Jiaohe is situated at Yar Town, 13 km west of Turpan City. It was first the capital of the State of South Cheshi, which was one of the 36 kingdoms in the Western Region. Built on a loess plateau 30 meters high, the ancient city is 1,650 meters long and 300 meters wide. It was initially built about 2000 years ago and for a long period of time, was controlled by the residents of Gaochang. The city is situated on an island between two rivers and the name for the area means "the confluence of two rivers".

During the Tang Dynasty (618-884), the government of the Tang Dynasty established Jiaohe County here that was under the jurisdiction of West Prefecture of the Tang Dynasty. “Anxi Frontier Command”, the highest military and administrative organ established by the Tang Dynasty in the West Region, once was set here, and later it was moved to Qiuci (modern Kuqu County). In the sixth century the Qu ruling house established the Prefecture of Jiaohe here. And the castle was like a bulwark with strong defense. People outside the wall of the castle could not learn information inside the castle, but people inside the castle had a command position over people outside the castle. Many cultural relics were unearthed at the Ancient City of Jiaohe, such as antefix of the Tang Dynasty and Buddhist scriptures.

Today, this is a well preserved site and a more atmospheric spot to wander and imagine times gone by than the city at Gaochang. Well preserved temples, pagodas and streets are dotted around. A Buddhist monastery marks the center of the city and there are some ancient filled wells here too. The crumbling sand colored walls of the buildings reflect the color of the desert and the surrounding sand dunes. Allow at least one hour to explore this intriguing city.

China tours inclusive of visiting Ancient City of Jiaohe, Turpan