Bajiao City is located on the terrace where the Yangqu River and Yangla River intersect in the eastern part of Ganjiatan, Xiahe County, and is named after its eight city corners. In ancient times, this was a key transportation hub between Gansu and Qinghai, as well as a military stronghold fiercely contested by central governments and the Tuyuhun, Tubo, Western Xia, and Silla dynasties throughout history.
The octagonal city outline is a hollow cross shape, with a moat, moat, and outer wall outside the city, and an outer city outside the south gate. This shape of castle is rare in the history of our country and has high archaeological and ornamental value. The city was built during the Han Dynasty, and its architectural form broke through the square pattern, making it very unique. Although the city is not small, the distance between the city corners is within the effective range of the crossbow, which can complement each other, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack.
A large number of cultural relics were excavated in Bajiao City, such as metal currency from the Tang and Song dynasties, copper oxen, square bricks, simple tiles, and slab tiles. In addition, on the flat land, hills, and plateaus around the octagonal city, there are layers of ancient abandoned terraced fields everywhere. In some places, terraced fields are built all the way to the top of the mountain, which reflects the once developed economy and dense population here.
Travel Tips
Address: 35 kilometers north of Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province
Opening hours: Open all day throughout the year
Ticket:CNY 20