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

This paper examines the geographical position and environmental characteristics of the ancient city of Gaochang in Xinjiang, China, along with its social and historical development. It summarizes the five significant historical periods of Gaochang until its abandonment in the early Ming Dynasty: the barrier of Gaochang, the county town of Gaochang, the national capital of Gaochang, the city of the Western State of the Tang Dynasty, and the Uyghur capital of Gaochang. The study analyses the changes in the city’s shape and layout during each period, systematically discussing aspects such as functional partitioning, wall and gate settings, and other structural features. Finally, it expounds on the building techniques and their value, highlighting that the Gaochang city site is the largest existing site of an ancient Chinese city in the Xinjiang region, covering an area of approximately 2.2 million square meters and possessing significant historical, scientific, and artistic value.