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Located within the Tuyu Valley, the Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves are one of Xinjiang's three major Buddhist grottoes. Constructed during the Jin and Sixteen Kingdoms eras, the 94 caves were carved into the steep cliffs of the mountains lining the Tuyu Valley's mouth. Most have collapsed, leaving only 46 caves, of which only eight retain murals. These caves have attracted the attention of experts and scholars worldwide studying Buddhist history and art, showcasing the splendor of ancient Xinjiang civilization.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Jataka Tales and Thousand Buddhas, 1-3 hours
30 yuan
08:00-21:00; Last admission: 21:00 (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
The Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves are a collection of Buddhist cave temples in the Turpan region, dating back to the 5th century. They were carved into the cliffs along the Tuyugou River. The caves are significant due to their unique blend of Buddhist, Central Asian, and local Xinjiang artistic styles, making them a vital part of the Silk Road heritage.
The Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves are located near Turpan, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. To get there, visitors can take a taxi or private car from Turpan, which is around a 40-minute drive. There is no metro or bus directly connecting the caves, but taxis and tour buses are common options.
The caves are open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn when the weather is cooler, as the area can be extremely hot in the summer months.
The entrance fee for the Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves is approximately 60 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site, as there are no online sales for individual tickets at this attraction.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, as the site is generally not crowded. However, for group tours, it is advisable to book a day in advance.
A visit to the Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on how deeply you want to explore each cave and learn about their history.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin Chinese, and some tours might offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides are not commonly available, so a guide is highly recommended to understand the historical context of the caves.
The best viewpoints for photography are from the top of the cliffs overlooking the caves and the Tuyugou valley. The caves themselves, with their intricate statues and murals, also make for great photo opportunities.
Start by entering the main cave to see the large Buddha statue, then explore the smaller caves surrounding the area. It is recommended to walk along the cliffside to appreciate the panoramic views of the desert landscape.
There are no night visits or light shows at the Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves. Special tours are generally available during peak seasons or upon request, but night tours are not offered.
The caves are typically not very crowded, except during Chinese public holidays. Weekdays, particularly in the off-peak seasons, tend to be the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities such as toilets and water stations are available at the site. There are no major food outlets or restaurants, but you can find small local shops selling snacks and drinks.
The Tuyugou Thousand Buddha Caves are accessible for most visitors, but there are some uneven paths and stairs leading to the caves. Elderly and disabled visitors may find it difficult to navigate certain parts of the site. It is recommended to check with the local staff for accessibility options.
Cash is widely accepted, and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also commonly used. Credit cards are not typically accepted in the area, so it’s advisable to carry cash or use mobile payment methods.
There are no restaurants inside the site, but there are several small local eateries in Turpan where you can enjoy Xinjiang cuisine, including lamb skewers, naan bread, and pilaf.
Yes, local restaurants in Turpan offer vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options, including traditional Uyghur dishes such as hand-pulled noodles and various vegetable stews.
There are several hotels in Turpan, ranging from budget to mid-range options. The city center is around 40 minutes away from the caves by taxi, and accommodations include international hotels as well as local guesthouses.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance of the site where you can purchase traditional Uyghur crafts, scarves, spices, and small Buddhist-inspired souvenirs like statues and paintings.
The best way to continue your trip is by taxi or private car to explore nearby attractions. Public transport options are limited, so a taxi or rental car is the most convenient method of transport for tourists.
