Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Buddhist grotto complex in Turpan, China
The Bezeklik Caves form a complex of 57 temple caves carved into the rock cliffs of Mutou Valley. The interior walls feature painted scenes depicting Buddhist teachings and stories.
Buddhist monks began carving and painting these caves starting in the 6th century. Later, the Huihu Kingdom adopted the site as a royal temple and expanded it further.
The caves display Buddhist artwork that blends Chinese, Indian, and Central Asian artistic traditions together. You can see how these different cultures came together in the paintings on the walls.
The caves sit outside the city center and require organized transport to reach comfortably. Wear good walking shoes, as the paths include stairs and uneven ground.
Portions of the original wall paintings were removed by explorers in the early 1900s and now reside in six museums worldwide. This dispersal gave the site international recognition, though many wish the works had stayed together.
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