A section of walls at the Gaochang (Qocho) city ruins in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Wang Chengmeng/chinadaily.com.cn]

Gaochang (Qocho) city, which mimics the layout of Chang'an (located in present-day Shaanxi province), the capital of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), had been a key point on the Silk Road for over 1,400 years until the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The ruins, which cover an area of two million square meters, have been included in the World Heritage Site list as segments of the Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor.

A temple at the southeastern corner of Gaochang (Qocho) city ruins in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Wang Chengmeng/chinadaily.com.cn]

Gaochang (Qocho) city ruins in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Wang Chengmeng/chinadaily.com.cn]

Gaochang (Qocho) city ruins in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Wang Chengmeng/chinadaily.com.cn]

Gaochang (Qocho) city ruins in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Wang Chengmeng/chinadaily.com.cn]