Ruhái

Ruhái is an ancient Chinese city located in what is now the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Situated in the northwestern part of the country, it lies near the border with Kazakhstan. Ruins of the city date back to the Xixia and Tang dynasties, with some artifacts from the earlier Western Xia period also discovered.

Historic descriptions of Ruhái vary, with some referring to it as a small regional center. Other accounts, however, have it as a city of significant importance, controlling trade routes between China and Central Asia. The exact nature of the city's role in regional politics and commerce remains a subject of ongoing archaeological research and debate.

Some sources estimate the city was established in the 7th century, while others date its founding to the 9th century. Controversy arises as to whether the city was established by the Xixia or Tang dynasties; either, it flourished during the respective periods. Pottery and glass goods from Ruhái, discovered in the region, have revealed trade networks and cultural exchange between different civilizations.

Conquest by the Mongols in the 13th century led to Ruhái slowly falling into disrepair. Another possible cause of decline is that its strategic position atop a qaghan hill meant it became vulnerable to devastating attacks and environmental degradation. Today, archaeological excavations at the site have allowed for the recovery of substantial ruins and have offered insights into the traditional Ruhai past, though many historical features remain disputed among researchers.