Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves

Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and experience the charm of 'China's Second Dunhuang' Located in Baicheng County, Aksu, Xinjiang, the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, leaning against Mingwutag Mountain and facing the Weigan River to the south, are also known as the Kizil Grottoes or Hesel Grottoes. The artistic component of the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves is very high, bringing together caves, sculptures, and murals to form a unique Kucha style. It predates the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang by 300 years, with the grottoes beginning to be carved from the end of the 3rd century to the early 4th century. Equally famous as the Mogao Caves, it is known as 'China's Second Dunhuang'. The grotto complex stretches for 3 kilometers, with a total of 251 caves, 236 of which are numbered, 135 are relatively intact, and 80 retain murals, covering about 10,000 square meters. The murals are rich in content, vividly depicting various scenes of farming, hunting, music, and dance. In front of the caves' plaza, there is also a black statue, which is of the famous translator of Chinese Buddhism from Kucha, Kumarajiva. Books we are familiar with, such as the 'Vajracchedika Prajnaparamita Sutra', were translated by him. The service in the scenic area is very user-friendly, with groups of 10 visitors each being specially arranged with a guide for the tour.