Mazar Tagh, Archaeological site in Taklamakan Desert, China
Mazar Tagh is an ancient fort sitting on a hill in the Taklamakan Desert, located south of the modern city of Hotan. The site contains five rooms and a watchtower, and archaeologists have uncovered extensive collections of wooden and paper documents here.
The fort served as a military post for the Tibetan Empire between the 8th and 9th centuries in the Khotan region. It was a hub for soldiers, officials, and merchants traveling the Silk Road.
The early Tibetan manuscripts found here reveal how administration and trade worked in the ancient Silk Road region. They show what daily life looked like for people who lived and worked at this desert outpost.
The site sits in one of China's harshest desert regions, so visitors should prepare well and bring plenty of water. Access is difficult and usually requires specialized guides familiar with the terrain.
The hill displays red coloring on one side and white on the other, a striking feature in the desert landscape. Within a cave on the mountain are ancient Buddhist writings carved into the rock by monks.
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