Miran fort

The rectangular fort structure contains 44 excavated rooms and multiple defensive positions along the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert.

The fort served as a military stronghold during the Tibetan Empire's control of the region between the 8th and 9th centuries CE.

Excavations revealed hundreds of Tibetan military documents, manuscripts, and administrative records that demonstrate early examples of Tibetan writing systems.

The archaeological site requires advanced arrangements for visits, as local families maintain daily checks to prevent unauthorized access and looting.

The fort's location at an oasis where the Lop Nur desert meets the Altun Shan mountains enabled control over caravan routes avoiding harsh desert conditions.

GPS coordinates: 39.22690,88.97086

Latest update: March 4, 2025 10:57