Gāochāng (高昌) is also known as Qocho, Khocho, Chotscho, Khocho, Qocho, Qočo, Karakhoja, Qara-hoja, Qara-khoja, Kara-Khoja or Karahoja. In ancient times, it was an oasis city. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, Gaochang was referred to as Halahezhuo (哈拉和卓), or Huozhou.

The town used to be an important trading center and a stop for merchant traders travelling on the Silk Road. Gāochāng was destroyed in the 14th century and it remains in ruins. At the site you can see the remains of palaces and dwellings. In 2014, Gāochāng was inscribed into the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.

Gāochāng sits on the northern fringe of the Taklamakan Desert within the municipal borders of present-day Sanbu Township. Not far from Gāochāng is the archeological site of the Astana Tombs.

Gāochāng ©David Stanley

Gāochāng ©Hotel Kaesong

Gāochāng ©Hotel Kaesong

Gāochāng ©Hotel Kaesong

Preaching hall ©David Stanley

Gāochāng ©Paul