Heicheng city, Khara-Khoto or "Black City", in the Ejin Banner of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. A thriving center of trade in the Western Xia period (1038-1227), the town played an important role along the ancient Silk Road. It was abandoned after General Feng Sheng of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) conquered it and left it in ruins. In recent years, worsening desertification has further threatened the ruins from three sides, already burying some relics. An old man surnamed Wang still works there, living with the ramparts, thick outer walls and desolate towers.[Photo/CTPphoto]