The Ruins of Camel City (骆驼城遗址), located in present-day Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, China, stand as a testament to the vibrant history of the Silk Road during the Han and Tang Dynasties. Initially established as a frontier county (representing Jiuquan Commandery) during the Han Dynasty, it evolved into a significant administrative and military center under subsequent dynasties.
During the Western Jin Dynasty and the Sixteen Kingdoms period, Camel City served as the administrative capital of the Hexi Jiankang Commandery, strategically positioned along the Hexi Corridor. In the Tang Dynasty, it became even more pivotal with the establishment of the Jiankang Army under the jurisdiction of the Hexi Circuit. By the early Ming Dynasty, Camel City had transformed into a remote and desolate area known for its wilderness, becoming a natural grazing ground for camel caravans traversing the Silk Road.
Camel City covers an expansive area of 299,200 square meters, shaped like a rectangle with dimensions of 425 meters east-west and 704 meters north-south. It is renowned as one of China’s largest and best-preserved Han and Tang Dynasty cultural sites. The city is divided into two main sections: the South City and the North City, separated by a waist wall.
The South City spans 233,800 square meters and is fortified with gates on the east, west, and south sides, each protected by square-shaped barbicans (wengcheng). The southwest corner houses a smaller enclosure known as the “Palace City,” measuring 132 meters long and 79 meters wide, featuring an ancient well. Known as the “Imperial City,” the north citycovers 65,400 square meters and is connected to the South City via east-west gates. It includes notable architectural remnants such as corner bastions and square-shaped barbicans at strategic points.
The ruins of Camel City have yielded a treasure trove of artifacts, providing valuable insights into daily life and governance during ancient times:
- Artifacts: Excavations have unearthed Han Dynasty bricks, tiles, and pottery shards within the South City, alongside Tang Dynasty coins, ceramic spinning wheels, and various copper and iron tools from the North City.
- Funerary Complex: Located within the southern cemetery, discoveries include Wei-Jin Dynasty portrait bricks, wooden measuring instruments, Han-Jin era inscribed documents, painted wooden horses, and West Jin era painted banners and wooden boards.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0936-6783289 |
Location and Transportation
The Ruins of Camel City are located in Xitan Village, Luotuocheng Town, Gaotai County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province, China. To get there, travelers can opt to start their journey from Lanzhou or Urumqi, taking a high-speed train to Gaotai County. From there, a short 20-kilometer westward drive by car leads directly to Luotuocheng Town, where the archaeological site is situated.
