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Astana Cemetery
Tourist attraction
Travel Tips
Exploring Ancient Ruins and Artifacts
Explore the ancient city ruins and enjoy the local grapes and raisins. Turpan is also famous for its unique architecture. 1
Visit the Jiaohe Ruins and the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves. Prepare for high temperatures, especially in summer. 2
Explore the ruins and ancient artwork of past eras mixed with present Uighur culture and their excellent food. 3
Natural Landscapes and Outdoor Activities
Visit Kumtag Desert for a taste of wild nature close to Turpan City. 4
Explore the Karez System to understand ancient irrigation techniques. Visit the Flaming Mountains for their unique landscape. 5
Local Cuisine and Culinary Experiences
Must-do things include visiting the Emin Minaret, exploring the Jiaohe ruins, and tasting local lamb dishes. 6
Enjoy the peaceful and authentic atmosphere of small town restaurants and shops. 7
Best Time to Visit and Weather Considerations
Best visited from May to October. In August, visit the Grape Valley for fresh grapes. Be prepared for high temperatures in summer. 8
Visit in early autumn to enjoy the best weather and the region's famous fruits, especially grapes and honeydew melons. 9
Travel Logistics and Transportation
Plan for a 2.5-hour drive from Urumqi to Turpan. 10
Book your train or vehicle tickets in advance to ensure a smooth journey. 11
About
Historical Background
- ๐ Origin: The cemetery was used from the 3rd to the 8th century.
- ๐๏ธ Gaochang: Served as the burial ground for residents of the ancient city of Gaochang.
- ๐บ๏ธ Location: Situated 42 km southeast of Turpan city and 6 km from the ancient city of Gaochang.
- ๐ฅ Inhabitants: Buried individuals include Han people, Cheshi, Turkic, and Hun ethnic groups.
- ๐บ Preservation: The arid climate has helped preserve many artifacts and mummies.
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Tomb Structure
- ๐ค๏ธ Passageways: Sloping passageways lead downwards to rock-cut entrances.
- ๐ Chambers: Tombs consist of brick-lined chambers, often with antechambers.
- ๐๏ธ Burial Beds: Bodies were placed on earthen or wooden beds.
- ๐งฑ Construction: Chambers are typically 2 meters high with flat or dome ceilings.
- ๐งโโ๏ธ Mummies: Many bodies have naturally mummified due to the dry conditions.
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Artifacts and Relics
- ๐จ Murals: Vivid paintings of humans, animals, and natural scenes.
- ๐งฅ Textiles: Includes silk, linen, and cotton clothing.
- ๐บ Pottery: Various pottery items found, often painted with distinctive patterns.
- ๐ Documents: Over 2,000 documents found, providing insights into daily life.
- ๐ฐ Coins: Includes Byzantine, replica Byzantine, and Chinese coins.
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Visitor Information
- ๐ฐ๏ธ Hours: Generally open to the public, but only three tombs are accessible.
- ๐ฐ Fee: Entrance fee is 40 CNY as of 2023.
- ๐ธ Restrictions: No photos allowed inside the tombs.
- ๐ผ๏ธ Preservation: Do not touch the murals or artifacts.
- ๐ญ Smoking: No smoking allowed inside the tombs.
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Cultural Significance
- ๐งฌ Multicultural: Reflects the diverse ethnic composition of ancient Gaochang.
- ๐จ Art: Murals and artifacts provide insights into the cultural and artistic practices.
- ๐งโโ๏ธ Mummies: Comparable to Egyptian mummies in terms of preservation.
- ๐ Documents: Provide valuable information on the social, economic, and cultural life.
- ๐บ Relics: Thousands of artifacts including pottery, textiles, and coins.
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Excavations
- ๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ Early 20th Century: Western archaeologists like Sergey Oldenburg and Aurel Stein conducted early excavations.
- ๐ 1959 Onwards: Chinese archaeologists have conducted extensive excavations since 1959.
- ๐ Documents: Over 2,000 documents found, providing insights into daily life.
- ๐บ Artifacts: Thousands of artifacts including pottery, textiles, and coins.
- ๐๏ธ Museums: Many artifacts are now housed in museums in China and abroad.
| Travel Information |
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| ๐ย ย ย Address: VGGJ+M2X, Gaochang District, Turpan, Xinjiang, China, 838009 |
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