With an area of 570,000 square meters, Gaotai Ancient Homes is a settlement for around 600 families now. Most of the houses were built with immature soil. The high cliff has stood there for more than 2,000 years while Uighur ethnic minority settled there some 1,000 years ago.

The houses were built from mud and poplar. After the branches have been removed from the trees, they are used for supporting the roof, the attic and the balcony directly. But the houses here are said to be very solid, and many houses have stood for hundreds or even thousands of years. Three or four Uyghur generations may live in one house due to their strong clan concept. In most courts of the houses, you will see various flowers.

Along the winding streets, you will see many arcades overhead. The arcades are supported by wooden poles. You will also find tens of old earthenware workshops where the handicraftsmen make the exquisite pottery with earth in the primitive way.

Please note, Gaitai Ancient Homes is not open to the visitors any more at present for renovation. If you would like to explore it, please enter the area by 7am.