Turpan Gaochang Ancient City and Astana Tombs: Half-Day Tour

Gaochang Old City is located about 25 miles east of Turpan's urban area and was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Gaochang. Its site is larger than that of Jiaohe, with city walls and temple foundations still standing. Nearby, the Astana Tombs have yielded numerous manuscripts and murals; both sites can be visited in half a day.

How to visit the Gaochang Ancient City

A shuttle bus serves stops along the city wall and major sites. Key highlights include the outer wall, inner city, temple, and Khan's Fort. Walking the full loop is lengthy; we don't recommend walking the entire route in summer.

High surface temperatures and limited shade at the site. Visit in the morning or late afternoon. Do not climb the city walls; the rammed earth structure is fragile. Gaochang's history is closely tied to Xuanzang's lectures on Buddhist sutras. Learning about this beforehand will enhance your experience.

Astana Tombs

The ancient tombs near the Gaochang Ruins date back to the Jin and Tang dynasties. They are famous for出土 documents and silk paintings. Only a limited number of tomb chambers are open to visitors, and photography is prohibited inside.

The tomb chamber is underground and cooler than the surface. Please watch your step when entering or exiting. To fully appreciate the murals and exhibits, we recommend listening to a guide; viewing them on your own may cause you to miss important details.

Order and Time

Suggest visiting Gaochang Ruins in the morning: take the shuttle bus to see the main sites (about 1.5 hours), then head to Astana Tombs for a one-hour visit. Return to the city for lunch.

If you visit the ancient tomb first, the lighting and temperature will be ideal, but Gaochang is best visited around noon. You can adjust the order of these two sites based on the day's temperature. For a full-day itinerary in Turpan, refer to:Turpan One-Day Itinerary。

Transportation

Both sites are on the east side of the city. Driving or hiring a private car is convenient; public transit is infrequent and waiting for return trips can be difficult. The drive from the city to Gaochang takes about 40 minutes, with speed cameras along the route.

Gas stations and supermarkets are located in the city center; refuel and restock before departure. Dining options within the scenic area are limited, so bring water. For a comparison with the nearby Jiaohe Ruins, refer to our guide.How to visit Jiaohe Ancient City。

Seasons and Sun Protection

Lanzhou experiences extreme heat in summer, with scorching ground temperatures at noon. Pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and long-sleeve clothing, and bring plenty of water. Spring and autumn are pleasant; wear a mask on windy or sandy days.

Fewer visitors in winter with soft lighting, but some exhibition halls may have adjusted hours. Confirm before departure. For Grape Valley's seasonal reference, see below.When do the grapes in Grape Valley ripen?。

Note

Do not touch the murals in the ruins or tombs, and do not use flash photography. Do not remove pottery shards or soil fragments. Please take all trash with you.

Parents, please keep an eye on children and prevent them from running into the tomb corridor. Elderly visitors, please take the stairs slowly. To avoid crowds when tour groups arrive, consider adjusting your schedule for a better experience. For private car services, please refer to the following options.How are Xinjiang charter tour fees calculated?。

Shuttle tickets for Gaochang Ancient City are sold separately; ticket types are subject to on-site availability. There is no shade at the site—rehydrate frequently. Tomb chambers at Astana are narrow; wear backpacks on your chest. Avoid staying underground too long due to poor ventilation. Strong winds may reduce visibility with dust. Return to the city for lunch rather than eating near the park entrance. A private driver knows the route and saves time navigating. For seniors or children, consider returning to the hotel for a midday rest. In the evening, visit Jiaohe Ruins or Grape Valley.

Viewing both sites together connects the history of Turpan.

Save the hottest hours for lunch and rest. Don't push through.

The city walls of Gaochang are made of rammed earth; from a distance they look like mounds, but the layers become visible up close. The shuttle bus stops at few points, so expect to walk after disembarking—wear closed-toe shoes. On windy days, sand can get in your eyes; bring bottled water for rinsing.

The tomb corridor in Astana is narrow; two people side by side fill it completely. Hold onto the handrail when descending and do not play around. Do not linger inside the tomb chamber due to poor ventilation; step out to get some fresh air before leaving.

Gaochang's shuttle buses have designated stops. Please note your boarding location before disembarking. If separated from your group, wait at the Tourist Information Center—do not walk outside the city walls on your own.

The Astana Tombs exhibit is dimly lit; allow your eyes to adjust. Do not use your phone flashlight on the murals—staff will intervene if you do.

The fields surrounding the ancient city walls of Gaochang are exposed to wind and dust. Protect your glasses and camera lenses, and clean them once you're back in the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to purchase separate tickets for the Gaochang Ruins and the Astana Tombs?Tickets are generally sold separately; bundled tickets are subject to availability on-site.

Is photography allowed in the tomb?Generally not allowed. Murals and artifacts are light-sensitive; please follow on-site regulations.

Gaochang Ancient City pairs well with Jiaohe Ruins and Grape Valley for a two-day itinerary. A half-day route is feasible.Online SupportIndicate arrival time.

Additional notes: This article is compiled by the route consultant of Xinjiang China International Travel Service (Xinjiang CITIC). Xinjiang tourism information and Itineraries in Turpan may be updated based on seasonal changes and road conditions. For itinerary pacing and vehicle arrangements, please consult a local travel agency consultant online.