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Bezeklik Caves
42.9558° N, 89.5394° E
About
The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (Chinese: 柏孜克里克千佛洞; pinyin: Bózīkèlǐkè Qiānfódòng, Uyghur: بزقلیق مىڭ ئۆيى ) is a complex of Buddhist cave grottos dating from the 5th to 14th century between the cities of Turpan and Shanshan (Loulan) at the north-east of the Taklamakan Desert near the ancient ruins of Gaochang in the Mutou Valley, a gorge in the Flaming Mountains, in the Xinjiang region of western China. They are high on the cliffs of the west Mutou Valley under the Flaming Mountains, and most of the surviving caves date from the West Uyghur kingdom around the 10th to 13th centuries.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Initial use and decoration
5th–14th century
West Uyghur flourishing
10th–13th centuries
Removal of murals by explorers
late 19th–early 20th century
East–west admixture in Uyghur populations
c. 500 AD
Conversion of Buddhist Uyghurs to Islam
1389–1399
Destruction of museum-mounted murals
20th century (Second World War)
European publication on murals
1913
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
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