#Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (Kezi'er Qian Fo Dong) Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
#1 of Best Things to Do in Baicheng
Grottoes
Historical Sites
Address:
About 7 kilometers southeast of Kezier Township, Baicheng County, Aksu Prefecture
Opening times:
Opens at 09:30-19:00(Tickets available until 19:00)
Recommended sightseeing time:
2-3 hours
Phone:
0997-8636144
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.
EnchantedValley
Duku Highway Terminal | Xinjiang Kuqa
| Xinjiang Kuqa.
📍 🌟Destination Introduction🌟 📍
🏰 Kuqa—the ancient Kingdom of Kucha, located in the hinterland of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is a magical city overlooked by 95% of travelers. It is not only the final stop of the legendary Duku Highway journey but also the key to unlocking the dual adventures of Western Region culture and natural wonders.
🔥 🌟Stroll through the colorful streets of the ancient city, wander through the millennia-old grottoes more mysterious than the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang, and taste the heartwarming sweetness of the small white apricots; Kuqa, this small city in southern Xinjiang, is unforgettable🌟
🌈 🌟Must-Visit Attractions🌟 🌈
1🏘️ Kuqa Old Town: Step into Hotan Road, where colorful Uyghur courtyards gather, and behind each door lies a story.
2⃣️👑 Kuqa Royal Palace: Glimpse the life trajectory of the last royal family, and feel the sedimentation and changes of history.
3🕘 Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: An ocean of murals, whispers of history, listen to Buddhist stories from a thousand years ago.
4🌋 Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon: Walk into nature's red labyrinth, experience the artistic carving of the Earth over billions of years.
5🗻 Red Mountain Stone Forest: Under the setting sun, the interplay of light and shadow on the red rocks is picturesque, a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
🍜 🌟Culinary Exploration🌟 🍜
🍽️ Yaksim Restaurant: Don't miss the authentic Xinjiang cuisine, each dish is a feast for the taste buds.
🍈 Kuqa Small White Apricots: Seasonally limited sweetness, a bite leaves a lingering fragrance.
🥐 Kuqa Large Naan: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, the simplest delicacy.
🛌 🌟Accommodation Recommendation🌟 🛌
🏨 Kuqa Hotel: With a prime location and convenient transportation, it is the ideal place to stay for exploring Kuqa, offering great value for money.
📱 🌟Tips🌟 📱
1*🌡️ Best Travel Season: Spring and summer, with pleasant weather and scenery.
2*🧥 Dressing Guide: Large temperature differences between day and night, it is advisable to carry a coat.
3*🙏 Safety Tips: Respect local customs and habits, and pay attention to personal property safety.
4*🚗 Transportation: Self-driving on the Duku Highway is a classic choice, with endless scenery along the way.
Lucy~Ward
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 are backed by the Mingwutag Mountain and face the Weigan River to the south, also known as the Kizil Grottoes or the Hezier Grottoes.
The Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves have a very high artistic component, bringing together caves, sculptures, and murals to form a unique Kucha style. It predates the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang by 300 years, with the grottoes beginning to be carved at the end of the 3rd century to the early 4th century. Equally famous as the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, 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 complete, and 80 retain murals, with about 10,000 square meters of murals preserved. The content of the murals is very rich, with scenes of farming, hunting, music and dance, etc., all vividly displayed.
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 scenic area's services are very user-friendly, with visitors grouped in tens and a guide specially arranged to take you on a tour, allowing you to better appreciate the charm of the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves.
XerxesZephyr456#
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves
The Kizil Caves, also known as the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, are located on the cliff of Mingwutage Mountain in the southeast of Kizil Town, Baicheng County, Xinjiang. It is known as the 'ancestor of the eight sects of Chinese Buddhism', and the famous monk who is on par with Tang Xuanzang in the Buddhist world: Kumarajiva was born here. The Kizil Caves are more than two hundred years earlier than the world-famous Dunhuang Mogao Caves, and can be called the source of Chinese grottoes. The Kizil Caves are the earliest and westernmost large-scale grotto group in China, which was excavated approximately between the 3rd and 8-9th centuries AD, and the duration of its continuation is unique in the world. It was announced as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units by the State Council in 1961, and was included in the 'World Heritage List' by the United Nations in 2014, and belongs to the world cultural heritage.