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The Thousand Buddha Caves are located on the cliffs of Mingyutag Mountain, 7 kilometers southeast of Kizil Town, Baicheng County, Xinjiang, with the Muzhat River valley to the south. Begun in the 3rd century AD, construction gradually ceased between the 8th and 9th centuries. It is the earliest and westernmost large-scale cave complex in my country, and one of the four renowned Buddhist caves in the country. Its continued existence is unparalleled anywhere in the world.
The Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves have four cave areas and 236 officially numbered caves. Most of the statues have been destroyed, but there are still 81 caves with exquisite murals, which are cultural relics of the ancient Kucha Kingdom.
Compared to other grottoes, the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves are arguably one of the earliest and largest extant grotto temples in my country. Its unique cave forms, mural themes, and artistic style profoundly reflect the state of Kucha Buddhism and represent the cultural and artistic level of the Kucha people, making it a vital location for visiting and studying Buddhist culture and art.
Baicheng County has a temperate continental arid climate with cold winters and cool summers.
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
Ticket price: 70 yuan/person; guide fee: 55 yuan/person
Mid-April to September 3 : 9:30-7:00
October 1st to mid-April: 10:00-18:30
The Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves date back to 3rd–8th centuries and are one of the earliest major Buddhist grotto complexes in China. They were a key religious and cultural site along the Silk Road, showcasing Indian, Persian, and Central Asian artistic influences.
Located near Kizil Village in Baicheng County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang. Accessible by taxi or private car from Kizil town; walking is necessary inside the cave complex.
Entrance fee is moderate; tickets can be bought at the site. Some local travel agencies offer online booking options.
Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons to secure access, usually 1–2 weeks ahead.
2–4 hours depending on interest in murals and walking pace.
Guided tours are available mainly in Chinese; English-speaking guides may be arranged via local travel agencies.
Night visits and light shows are not available. Special guided or educational tours can sometimes be arranged by local agencies.
Least crowded on weekdays outside peak holiday periods; early morning visits recommended.
Basic facilities include toilets and a small visitor center; limited food and water options on site.
Moderate accessibility; cliffside paths and stairs may be challenging. Children should be supervised.
Cash is preferred for entrance fees and small purchases; mobile payments may be accepted at larger ticket counters.
Limited options on site; local restaurants in Kizil Village offer Uyghur cuisine.
Halal and vegetarian options are available at local eateries in nearby villages.
Guesthouses and small hotels in Kizil Village or Baicheng County, within 20–30 minutes by car.
Souvenir shops near the entrance sell local crafts, small Buddha statues, and Uyghur textiles.
