Astana Cemetery

#88 among destinations in China

Cemetery

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Facts and practical information

The Astana Cemetery, located near the ancient oasis of Turpan in northwestern China, is a site of exceptional historical and cultural value. As the burial place for the residents of the former region of Gaochang, which existed from the 2nd century BCE to the 14th century CE, it serves as a valuable time capsule, revealing secrets about the life and beliefs of the people who shaped the history of this Silk Road region.

The cemetery stretches over an area of more than 10 square kilometers and contains thousands of graves. It is best known for its well-preserved mummies and rich artifacts that have been discovered in numerous graves. These objects, including manuscripts, textiles, and everyday items, provide priceless information about the daily life, religion, culture, and art of the inhabitants of Gaochang.

Some of the graves at the Astana Cemetery are adorned with paintings depicting scenes of everyday life and spiritual beliefs, allowing historians and archaeologists to better understand the burial practices and aesthetic preferences of the local community.

Local name: 阿斯塔那古墓群 Coordinates: 42°52'53"N, 89°31'40"E

Location

Xinjiang UygurChina

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Day trips

Astana Cemetery – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Bezeklik Caves, Flaming Mountains, Mutou Valley, Gaochang Gucheng.

5.2 miN
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Bezeklik Caves
133 min walk • Tucked away in the rugged folds of the Flaming Mountains near Turpan in China, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves are a testament to the religious and cultural exchanges that took place along the ancient Silk Road. These cave temples were carved into the cliffs of the...
5.3 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Hill
Flaming Mountains
137 min walk • The Flaming Mountains or Huoyan Mountains, are barren, eroded, red sandstone hills in the Tian Shan of Xinjiang. They lie near the northern rim of the Taklamakan Desert and east of the city of Turpan.
4.3 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Valley
Mutou Valley
110 min walk • Mutou Valley is located in the Flaming Mountains, near the ancient oasis city of Gaochang on the rim of the Taklamakan Desert in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China.
2.2 miS
Ruins
Gaochang Gucheng
56 min walk • Gaochang former city, Uyghur language called "also Dugu city", the site of the former city is located in Tulufan City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Gaochang District, Sanbao township, the southern foot of the Flaming Mountains, the delta ...
1.7 miS
Ruins
Gaochang Gucheng
45 min walk • Gaochang former city, Uyghur language called "also Dugu city", the site of the former city is located in Tulufan City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Gaochang District, Sanbao township, namely the southern foot of the flame mountain Mutugou...