The Astana Tombs (Asitana Gumu) are a series of underground tombs located 6km from the ancient city of Gaochang; and 42km from Turpan; in Xinjiang; China. The tombs were used by the inhabitants of Gaochang; both commoners and locals; for about 600 years from 200 CE - 800 CE. The complex covers 10 square kilometers and contains over 1;000 tombs. Different plots for separate castes and families are marked by gravel dividers. Due to the arid environment many important artifacts have been well preserved at the tombs; including natural mummies. Image taken by Jalo at Astana in 2007 and released into the public domain.