Kashgar, XinjiangHigh Altitude

Echoes of Puli: Unveiling the Ancient Splendor of Taxkorgan’s Stone City

Altitude

3,100m

🏔️ High Altitude Notice

This location is at 3,100m elevation. Mild altitude sickness may occur. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity on your first day.

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About This Attraction

1.The Stone City: Ruins, located in the town center of Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County (known as Taxian), stand as a solemn monument to the ancient civilizations of the Pamir Plateau. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters, the fortress covers an area of 100,000 square meters. Historically, this site was a critical junction where the Middle and Southern routes of the Ancient Silk Road converged, serving as a vital post for merchants and travelers crossing the "Roof of the World". In 2014, it was recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site: "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor".

2.The history of the Stone: City dates back over 2,000 years, originally serving as the royal capital of the Puli Kingdom during the Han Dynasty. It later became a significant administrative and military center during the Tang Dynasty and remained in use through the Ming and Qing periods. The fortress is built upon a high natural platform overlooking the Taxkorgan River, a design choice that provided exceptional defensive capabilities against invaders. Local Tajik legends even suggest the city was built with the help of a king who commanded a flock of sheep to carry the heavy stones.

Architecturally, the ruins showcase the ancient mastery of stone and mud construction. While much of the city has succumbed to time, the inner and outer city walls remain discernible, with some stone walls still reaching heights of 6 meters. Visitors can explore the remnants of battlements, corner towers, and even the foundations of ancient Buddhist temples once frequented by monks traveling the Silk Road. The stark, weathered texture of the ruins provides a haunting contrast to the nearby Golden Grassland (Jincaotan) and the glistening snow-capped peaks of the Pamir Mountains.

Today, the Stone City is not merely an archaeological site; it is a living bridge to the past that allows modern travelers to witness the enduring legacy of the Western Regions. The panoramic views from the fortress—capturing the vast high-altitude pastures and the distant Muztagh Ata—offer a profound sense of the intersection between human history and the raw power of nature.

3.Highlights 核心亮点: Strategic Silk Road Junction: Explore one of the most vital historical hubs where the Middle and Southern Silk Road routes met for over two millennia. Capital of the Puli Kingdom: Walk through the ancient ruins that once served as the royal seat of power on the Pamir Plateau starting from the Han Dynasty. Rugged Adobe Architecture: Admire the enduring strength of ancient stone and mud fortifications, with walls that have withstood the elements for centuries. Breath-taking Highland Contrast: Experience the unique visual juxtaposition of the desolate stone ruins against the vibrant green and gold of the surrounding marshlands.

✨ Why Visit Stone City Ruins (Taxkorgan)

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Strategic Silk Road Junction: Explore one of the most vital historical hubs where the Middle and Southern Silk Road routes met for over two millennia

✦

Capital of the Puli Kingdom: Walk through the ancient ruins that once served as the royal seat of power on the Pamir Plateau starting from the Han Dynasty

✦

Rugged Adobe Architecture: Admire the enduring strength of ancient stone and mud fortifications, with walls that have withstood the elements for centuries

✦

Breath-taking Highland Contrast: Experience the unique visual juxtaposition of the desolate stone ruins against the vibrant green and gold of the surrounding marshlands

Location & Nearby

📍 Showing 5 nearby attractions within 50km

📍 Kashgar, Xinjiang • 🏔️ 3100m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Stone City Ruins (Taxkorgan) Travel Guide

is situated on the northern side of the Taxkorgan County town center in the Kashgar Prefecture of Xinjiang. How old are the ruins?

The site has been occupied for over 2,000 years, with major structures dating to the Han and Tang dynasties.

Is there an entrance fee?

Yes, as it.

is a protected national historical site and a major landmark of the Pamir Scenic Area. What can I see from the ruins?

You.

can see the entire Golden Grassland (Jincaotan), the Taxkorgan River, and panoramic views of the surrounding snow peaks. Why is it called "Stone City"?

Because the entire fortress was constructed using the natural stones and loess found on the plateau. Article Title 文章标题: Echoes of Puli: Unveiling the Ancient Splendor of Taxkorgan’s Stone City

✨ Why Visit Stone City Ruins (Taxkorgan)

✦ Strategic Silk Road Junction: Explore one of the most vital historical hubs where the Middle and Southern Silk Road routes met for over two millennia

✦Capital of the Puli Kingdom: Walk through the ancient ruins that once served as the royal seat of power on the Pamir Plateau starting from the Han Dynasty

✦ Rugged Adobe Architecture: Admire the enduring strength of ancient stone and mud fortifications, with walls that have withstood the elements for centuries

✦Breath-taking Highland Contrast: Experience the unique visual juxtaposition of the desolate stone ruins against the vibrant green and gold of the surrounding marshlands