Niya, Archaeological site in Taklamakan Desert, China.
Niya is an ancient settlement in the Taklamakan Desert, with ruins spread across a large area in the southern Tarim Basin. The site contains residential structures, courtyards, burial grounds, shrines, and traces of cultivated fields that show how people lived here long ago.
The settlement began during the Han Dynasty about 2,000 years ago and served as an important trading post on the Silk Road. It was eventually abandoned, possibly due to shifts in trade routes or changes in water supply.
The discoveries here tell the story of how traders and communities from distant lands came together and shared their goods. Wooden tablets inscribed in different scripts, coins from faraway places, and texts in multiple languages reveal this mix of people and cultures.
The site sits deep in the desert, roughly 115 kilometers north of the modern town of Niya, requiring travel across difficult terrain. Visiting the ruins requires an experienced guide and preparation for desert conditions such as heat and wind.
Among the most remarkable finds are everyday objects such as an ancient device for trapping pests and a hand-woven wool carpet. These simple items offer direct insight into the daily routines and craftsmanship of those who lived here.
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