Yegongtai-Xiheigou Relics Cluster

Yegongtai-Xiheigou Relics Cluster

The Yegongtai-Xiheigou Relics Cluster is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Yegongtai–Xiheigou Relics Cluster is located on the gentle foothill slopes of the northern side of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains (Barkol Mountain), approximately 3 kilometers southwest of Barkol County in the Hami region of Xinjiang. Situated on the windward slope north of the mountains, the area receives abundant orographic rainfall and features vast grassland pastures and mountain forests. The relics cluster is semi-encircled by mountain ranges extending from the Tianshan, with the perennially flowing Xiheigou River to the west, Barkol Lake not far to the northwest, and the perpetually snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains to the south. To the north, the terrain offers an elevated vantage point with a panoramic view of the Barkol Grassland. The Barkol Basin, where the relics cluster is situated, lies along the east-west trade route of the northern Eurasian steppe, making it a location of significant strategic importance. Traveling east along the northern foothills of the Tianshan through the Yiwu Valley leads to the Mongolian steppe; southeast connects to the northern regions of Gansu; westward along the Tianshan foothills via Mulei and Qitai leads into the Junggar Basin; and to the south, various ancient mountain passes allow passage over the Tianshan into the Hami Basin.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units