Kumtura Thousand Buddha Caves, Buddhist cave temples near Kuqa, China
Kumtura Thousand Buddha Caves is a complex of 112 temple caves carved into the river cliffs and separated into northern and southern sections. The chambers contain sculptures, relief carvings, and painted surfaces showing Buddhist scenes and narratives.
The caves were carved between the 5th and 11th centuries when Buddhism spread from India into the ancient kingdom of Qiuci in the Western Regions. This period marked the rise of Qiuci as a key religious and trading center along the Silk Road.
The paintings blend Indian and Persian artistic traditions brought along the Silk Road trade routes. Local artists combined Buddhist imagery with elements from Qiuci culture, creating visual records of how different worlds merged in this region.
The site is located roughly 25 kilometers west of Kuqa and is usually accessible to visitors only through organized tours that can arrange access and guidance. It is best to contact local tour operators in Kuqa ahead of time to confirm visit details.
Water levels rose in the 1970s when a hydroelectric dam was constructed nearby, beginning to damage the ancient paintings and carved figures. This shift in water flow remains an ongoing challenge that continues to affect preservation efforts today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
