Gaochang (Khocho) Ruins

---

The next day in Turpan we popped out to see the Khocho Ruins. These were 'settled in the first century BC and became a major regional centre in the 7th C during the Tang Dynasty. It became the Uighur Capital in AD850 and it was a major point on the Silk Route until it was burned in the 14th C AD'. (good old Lonely Planet again). I really enjoyed wandering around out there. It was hot ... but no one out there except our group ... quite an eerie feel to it. (not sure about that spelling of eerie).

On the way back we had a look at the Emin Minaret - a local Mosque made of mud. First time with the headscarves ... booo! We had the afternoon cruising around Turpan (basically eating and watching more Olympics in Chinese). Popped into the Night Market for dinner.

---