Bajiao Ancient City, Ganjia
八角城
The ruins of a Han dynasty ancient city on the Ganjia Grassland. Its walls form a distinctive cross-shaped octagon, and Tibetan villagers still live inside.
Bajiao Ancient City, Ganjia lies in Ganjia Town, Xiahe County, about 35 kilometers from Xiahe town. It is believed to have been founded in the Western Han dynasty and continued to be used through the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties as a military garrison and strategic crossroads. Its rammed-earth walls form a cross-shaped plan with sixteen outer corners, earning it the nickname “Octagon.” This is extremely rare among ancient Chinese cities, and it is a national key cultural heritage site. Tibetan villages now occupy the interior. Visitors can climb the walls to look down over the city's layout and the surrounding grassland. Admission is free. It can be combined with Baishiya Karst Cave and Ganjia Grassland into a one-day “Ganjia Secret Land” tour. Getting there: hire a car from Xiahe town. Note: Respect village life. Do not enter courtyards without permission.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Zuohai Monastery
- Baishiya Karst Cave
- Ganjia Grassland
- Dazong Lake
- Labrang Prayer Wheel Circuit
- Labrang Monastery
- Gongtang Stupa
- Sangke Grassland