Art of earth: the ancient city of Gaochang in China on the silk road

Gaochang, an ancient city along the Silk Road in Xinjiang, China, stands as one of the largest surviving Chinese urban sites, spanning 2.2 million square meters. This study reveals its evolutionary trajectory across five pivotal historical phases—from a frontier barrier to a Tang Dynasty capital and Uyghur metropolis—until its abandonment in the early Ming Dynasty. Through meticulous analysis of architectural layouts, functional zoning, and structural features such as walls and gates, researchers uncover the city's dynamic adaptation to political and environmental shifts. The findings underscore Gaochang's enduring significance, not only for its historical narrative but also for its advanced building techniques and cultural synthesis, offering a rare glimpse into the urban development of the Silk Roads network.

TANG, Y. (2024). Art of earth: the ancient city of Gaochang in China on the silk road. Journal of Art and Architecture Studies, 40–50. https://doi.org/10.54203/jaas.2024.4