In Xinjiang tourism, the Thousand Buddha Caves are an important cultural attraction, mainly including Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Beziklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Jimusar Thousand Buddha Caves, Senmusaim Thousand Buddha Caves, and Kumtul Thousand Buddha Caves.?
Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves: Located about 60 kilometers southeast of Baicheng County, Xinjiang Autonomous Region, it is the earliest built, largest, and westernmost group of grotto temples and artistic treasures in China. The caves were carved into the cliffs of Mingwudage Mountain on the north bank of the Muzhati River, with 236 numbered caves remaining, which are the product of the combination of foreign culture and traditional Chinese culture.?
Beziklik Thousand Buddha Caves: Located in the middle section of the Flaming Mountains, about 45 kilometers east of Turpan City, Xinjiang, it is one of the largest groups of grottoes with the most caves and richest mural content among the existing grottoes in Turpan, and also one of the larger Buddhist grotto temple sites in Xinjiang. Originally, there were 83 caves carved, with 57 remaining, of which more than 40 contain murals, and the mural content is extremely rich.?
Jimusar Thousand Buddha Caves: Situated on a loess ridge 5 kilometers southwest of Jimusar County in the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains, the ticket price is 60 yuan. The Thousand Buddha Caves are rectangular in shape, oriented east-west, with a mountain gate on the east side. The main hall faces east, with a wooden and earth structure, and there are side rooms built on the north and south sides, constructed with bricks and wood. Inside the main hall are statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Buddhist sermons, statues of the Eighteen Arhats, and a recumbent Buddha.?
Senmusaim Thousand Buddha Caves: Located at the entrance of Queletage Mountain in the north of Kerxi Village, Yaha Town, Kuqa County, Aksu City, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, it is a site of Buddhist grottoes from the Jin Dynasty to the Song Dynasty (3rd to 13th centuries). There are 52 numbered caves remaining, most of which are Western Regions-style grottoes, with 19 containing murals. The mural themes are mainly based on karma and Buddhist stories, with a typical ancient Kucha artistic style.?
Kumtul Thousand Buddha Caves: Located on the east bank of the Weigan River Valley, about 20 kilometers west of Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, it is the second largest group of grottoes in Xinjiang. The existing grottoes can be divided into two areas, namely, the Valley Mouth Area and the Large Gully Area, with 112 caves numbered. Kumtul Thousand Buddha Caves are one of the typical representatives of the Kucha grottoes, displaying all stages of the roots, development, prosperity, and decline of Buddhist statues originating from India and Central Asia in China.?
These Thousand Buddha Caves are not only important cultural heritage sites in Xinjiang, but also crucial physical materials for studying ancient Buddhist art and cultural exchanges between the East and the West. When visiting these caves, one can gain a deeper understanding of their historical background and artistic value, and feel the charm of ancient culture.?