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The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves are located at the foot of Huoyan Mountain, 45 kilometers east of Turpan City, on a cliff on the west bank of Mutougou. 83 caves were carved into the caves, 57 of which remain. Over 40 of these contain murals, totaling 1,200 square meters. This makes it the largest and most richly painted cave complex in Turpan, and one of the largest Buddhist cave temple sites in Xinjiang.
The murals at the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves primarily depict Shakyamuni's vows and offerings to the Buddhas countless generations ago, as well as stories about the Buddha's life. The caves are primarily large rectangular caves with vertical vaulted ceilings. The ceilings are often painted with thousands of Buddhas, while the walls on the sides depict the Buddha's life. Standing Buddhas, draped in red robes, step on blooming lotuses, their figures are benevolent and solemn. Surrounding the Buddhas are figures of celestial beings, bodhisattvas, monks, Brahmins, and kings. The paintings also feature props, city walls, temples, and pagodas, reflecting the social life of the time.
Once the center of Western Buddhism, this site has been eroded by time, religious wars, and looting by Western powers, leaving only the remnants of murals, which silently testify to its former glory. Despite this, the remaining Buddha seats are magnificent and exquisite, and the remaining murals are rich and diverse in content, making it a vast treasure trove of culture and art.
This is also the place where the story of Sun Wukong borrowing the palm-leaf fan three times in "Journey to the West" took place, and the filming location for dramas such as "Where Are We Going, Dad?"
June and July are Turpan's hottest months, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. August also sees the Turpan Grape Festival, featuring a variety of activities such as grape tastings, Dawaizi performances, Muqam folk song and dance festivities, and large-scale song and dance evenings. Visitors can fully experience the classic Uyghur customs of this grape-rich country. September brings cooler weather, and Hami melons, grapes, and watermelons are ripe.
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
40 yuan/person
Peak season (April 21st - October 20th) 8:00-20:00
Off-season (October 21st - April 20th): 10:00-18:30
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, dating from the 5th to 14th centuries, are a series of Buddhist cave temples along the Silk Road. The murals and statues illustrate religious, cultural, and artistic exchanges between China, India, and Central Asia, making it an important historical and archaeological site.
Entrance fee is around 80 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through local travel agencies.
Booking in advance is optional but recommended during holidays; 2–3 days prior is sufficient.
Allow 2–3 hours to explore the caves and surrounding areas fully.
Guided tours in Chinese are common. English guides can be arranged via travel agencies. Audio guides are generally unavailable.
No night visits or light shows are offered. Special tours can be arranged via local agencies.
Least crowded on weekdays and outside peak tourist holidays. Early morning visits are recommended.
Basic facilities include restrooms, shaded rest areas, and a souvenir shop at the entrance. Limited food and water vendors are available.
Partially accessible; cliffside caves involve steps and uneven paths. Children should be supervised. Elderly and disabled visitors may need assistance.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used.
Halal food is widely available; vegetarian options include bread, fruits, and nuts.
