Princess Fortress Ancient City Ruins

Princess Fortress Ancient City Ruins

The Princess Fortress Ancient City Ruins is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Princess Fortress Scenic Area is located on a high mountain over 4,000 meters above sea level in the Karakigu Canyon, a strategic section of the ancient Silk Road south of Taxkorgan. It is one of the highest ancient castles known in China to date.

The Princess Fortress is located on a high mountain over 4,000 meters above sea level in the Karakigu Canyon, a strategic section of the ancient Silk Road south of Taxkorgan, and is one of the highest ancient castles known in China to date. The mountain where the fortress stands features steep and rugged terrain, with a valley on the north side that leads to the Pisiling Pass at an altitude of 4,000 meters. It served as a strategic throat along the southern route of the Silk Road. The ancient city ruins have an east-west earthen wall on the southern side, about 150 meters long and roughly 10 meters high. The fortress walls were built by alternating layers of earth, stones, and tree branches. The structure consists of ramparts, double gates, underground chambers, and stone rooms, all perched precariously high up, making the climb difficult. The walls follow the contours of the mountain, and the protruding section on the western side resembles a "barbican" (commonly referred to as a gun platform). There are 13 residential remains inside the castle. Judging from the terrain, the fortress primarily served a military function, playing a role in safeguarding the safety of the ancient Silk Road.

In 2019, the Princess Fortress Ancient City Ruins was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units