Kuche Thousand Buddha Caves Travel Guide

The Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves
The Caves were renamed Chinese Second Dunhuang, which referred to Mogao Grottos. Some experts predicted that the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, which locates at 70 kilometers west of Kuche County, would be much more famous than Mogao Grottos in Dunhuang. The Caves were built from 3rd century to 13th century, with total 236 caves and mural about 10 thousand square meters. This is the largest Buddhist cultural relics in Xinjiang Region and has been listed as Important Historical Monuments under Special Preservation.

According to the historical records, Kuche County was the location of Ancient Qiu Ci Kingdom, which is established by Aryan people 2000 years ago. The Qiu Ci Kingdom was founded in 176 B. C. and destroyed by Uighur Empire in 1001 A. D. This kingdom, existed for more than 1000 years, was one of the thirty-six kingdoms in western region of China. It’s territory covered basin oasis of Kuche, Sayram Oasis, Bycheng Oasis, Aksu Oasis, Xinhe Oasis, Xayar Oasis, and Luntai Oasis.

In East Han Dynasty, Buddhism was introduced into Xinjiang Region from the Silk Road and was prosperous for a thousand years. When the Buddhism flourished, Qiu Ci Kingdom built the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and temples. The carving of this cave was begun in East Han Dynasty and ended in Tang Dynasty. Until seventh century, the communication of Buddhism in Qiu Ci reached a summit.

Traffic:

rend a car or take a taxi charging about CNY 150-200

DCT Tips:

The caves devide into two sections, east and west. The west section is much popular. Each section charges CNY 55 p.p.

Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves would be much more famous than Mogao Grottos in Dunhuang

the front appearance of the cave

Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves would be much more famous than Mogao Grottos in Dunhuang

the front appearance of the cave

The cave was built in ancient Qiu Ci Kingdom

Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves in Autumn

In East Han Dynasty, Buddhism was introduced into Xinjiang Region from the Silk Road

Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves in Summer