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Visit the ancient caves and explore the well-preserved Buddhist murals and statues. Hiking around the site allows you to enjoy the surrounding scenic desert landscape. Photography is also a popular activity due to the unique architecture and natural beauty.
Located in Yanqi County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the Xikeqin Thousand Buddha Caves are Buddhist sculptures from the ancient Yanqi Kingdom, one of the Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions. The Xikeqin Thousand Buddha Caves site comprises the South Great Temple, the North Great Temple, and the Thousand Buddha Caves complex, located not far from the temple. The Xikeqin Thousand Buddha Caves were Buddhist temples in the ancient Yanqi Kingdom, once a key point on the ancient Silk Road. Early Yanqi Buddhist art was influenced by Gandhara, with sculptures primarily made of wood, frame, and clay. The site has unearthed the "Record of Maitreya's Meeting," a text in Tocharian script, which demonstrates the flourishing of Buddhism in ancient Yanqi.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Nanda Temple, Beida Temple, and Thousand Buddha Caves, 1-2 hours
free
The Xikqin Thousand Buddha Caves, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, are an important cultural and religious site in Xinjiang. The caves feature intricate Buddhist statues and murals that reflect the region’s Buddhist heritage and artistic craftsmanship.
The Xikqin Thousand Buddha Caves are located in the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang. The nearest city is Korla, from which you can take a taxi or private vehicle to reach the caves, as public transportation options are limited.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is more temperate and ideal for outdoor exploration. Summer and winter can be extreme.
The entrance fee is approximately 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site. There are no online ticketing options currently available for the caves.
Tickets do not need to be booked in advance. You can purchase them on the day of your visit at the entrance. However, booking for guided tours is recommended during peak seasons.
A visit to the Xikqin Thousand Buddha Caves typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. This allows ample time to explore the caves, view the murals, and take in the surrounding landscape.
The must-see highlights include the various Buddhist statues and murals inside the caves, each depicting different scenes from Buddhist history. The cave architecture itself is also a significant feature to explore.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and English-speaking guides can be arranged with prior notice. Audio guides are not typically provided.
The best photography spots include the cave interiors, with their ancient murals and statues, and the surrounding desert landscape. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photos.
Start by visiting the caves and spend time exploring the various statues and murals. Afterward, take a walk around the surrounding area to appreciate the natural scenery and take photographs of the desert landscape.
There are no night visits, light shows, or special tours available. The site is best explored during the daytime.
The site is generally not very crowded. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the mornings. Weekends and public holidays can attract more visitors, so it's best to avoid these periods if you prefer solitude.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available at the site. There are no restaurants or shops directly on the premises, so visitors should bring their own food and water.
The site is partially accessible for elderly and children, with easy walking paths. However, some areas with steeper terrain and cave interiors may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Cash is required for entrance fees and purchases. Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted in some places, but it's a good idea to carry cash as well.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly at the caves. However, in Korla city, you can find numerous local restaurants offering traditional Xinjiang cuisine such as lamb kebabs and pilaf.
Yes, Xinjiang cuisine is predominantly halal, and vegetarian and vegan options are available, although meat-based dishes are more common in the area.
There are several hotels in Korla, such as the Korla Hotel and other mid-range options, which are about an hour's drive from the caves.
Other nearby attractions include the Loulan Ruins and the Keriya River. These sites can be easily visited in a day trip from Korla.
There are no souvenir shops at the caves, but in Korla, you can find traditional Xinjiang handicrafts, dried fruits, and textiles as souvenirs.
From the caves, taxis or private vehicles are the best options to continue your trip. Korla offers bus and train services to other destinations in Xinjiang.
