Suoyang City

Suoyang City is an archaeological site in Guazhou County with remains of rammed earth walls, residential buildings, and outer fortifications. The site is crossed by traces of an ancient canal system that transported water across considerable distances.

The site originated as Ming'an County in 111 BC under Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty. It was later relocated to its present position around 295 AD during the Western Jin dynasty period.

The place served as a major trading hub along the Silk Road where merchants, pilgrims, and travelers from different regions met and exchanged goods and ideas. People from east and west encountered each other here, making it a crossroads of cultures.

The site is open daily and requires approximately two hours for a thorough visit of all main areas. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since walking across the terrain is necessary and sun exposure can be intense.

The site contains over 2000 tombs from different periods and the Ta'er Temple. The temple is notable as the place where Tang dynasty monk Xuanzang taught before departing on his journey to India.

Location: Gansu

Part of: Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor

GPS coordinates: 40.24670,96.20270

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03