One of the world's architectural wonders hides in Yarnaz Valley, 6 miles west of Turpan. Like a willow leaf, the ancient city of Jiaohe with a history of 2300 years lies between two rivers on a plateau atop a cliff of over 98ft. The largest, oldest and best preserved earthen city in the world, Jiaohe is 5413ft by 984ft at its widest.
The ancient city was the capital of the former Cheshi State. An Indian proverb says, "Intelligence is bound to exist where two rivers meet". Jiaohe, meaning in Chinese where two rivers meet, is such a place. According to historical records it was home to 700 households, 6500 residents plus 865 soldiers.
Jiaohe distinguishes itself from other ancient cities. The city faces cliffs on its sides, so there are no city walls commonly seen in other ancient cities, all the buildings were dug from earth, and wood was rarely used.
