Below road-level linking passage
between main administrative
buildings. These kept the air cool while
commuting as the temperatures in
this region can reach up to 40°C in
the summer. The arch shape of the
tunnel helps to withstand the upper
load. Right picture is another view
of the underground passage with
light entering from air wells used
for ventilation as well as for natural
lighting.
Ruins of the residential units on the western side, where most residents fetched water from the river
via the West Gate. The West Gate is 1.7m wide and 16.8m above the river bed. The systematically
arranged stone structure shows that it was carefully fortified and was a strategic military focal point.
There are also hidden observation holes on the north side of the West Gate.
As I was leaving the engineering marvels in
the Turpan district, the image of this once thriving
ancient city having been abandoned for centuries
conjured a nostalgic feeling. Perhaps the parting
message at the museum summarised it best:
Rebirth: Today when we stand on the terrace of
Yar City (Jiaohe) and look into the distance, we
see the ruined walls and loneliness. Sighing for
the vicissitudes of more than 2,000 years and
the relentless ages passing, we are also shocked
by the grandeur of Yar City, and thus sincerely
admire the wisdom of the ancient people. Here
you will find harmonious co-existence of human
beings and nature, civilisation’s achievements
in home building, and a vigorous atmosphere
around. The Yar Lake Valley under the terrace,
also known as “Lovers’ Valley”, is a natural
oxygen bar in all seasons. Here in this valley,
there are tranquil apricot blossoms, elegant
and graceful pear and peach blossoms, and
fresh green grapes. 100-year old trees have
witnessed lovers’ faithfulness and romances,
and the murmuring streams chant the poem at
“At dusk we water our horses on the Yar River”.
History has endowed a new meaning on Yar City,
and that is Yar City, as one of the world heritage
sites, should inherit the wisdom and civilisation
of human beings and carry forward national
harmony and prosperity.
REFERENCE
Office for Preservation and Conservation of the
Ruins of Jiaohe under the Cultural Bureau of
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region & Turpan
Prefecture Bureau of Cultural Relics.
Jiaohe Museum
Wikipedia
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