The Shadow of the Buried Jialan Ruins - Turpan Shengjinkou Grottoes

️A Manichaean relic crossing a thousand years of time

🔥【Shengjinkou Grottoes Site】
📍Location: Mutougoukou, southern foothills of Flaming Mountains, Turpan, Xinjiang
⏰Opening Time: Newly opened in April 2025
🎫Tickets: To be announced
✨Cultural Relic Protection Level: National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit (designated in 2006)

💎This thousand-year-old grotto site is finally unveiling its secrets! As Turpan’s newest secret attraction, it is definitely the most anticipated treasure trove of Buddhist art～

✨【Four Major Highlights Revealed】
1️⃣ Fusion of Buddhist and Manichaean art
2️⃣ Tang Dynasty style mural masterpieces
3️⃣ Unique cultural code of the Northern Silk Road route
4️⃣ Religious witness from the Gaochang Uighur period

🏛️【Visiting Guide】
The entire site is divided into:
🔸North Monastery
🔸South Monastery
🔸Residential Area
Currently open: North Monastery Caves 5/6/7, South Monastery Cave 3

🎨【Must-See Murals】
✔️Cave 5 Life and Death Tree mural (symbol of the Manichaean sacred tree)
✔️Cave 7 Grape Vine Auspicious Pattern (full of Western Region style)
✔️Cave 3 Thousand Buddhas mural (majestic and grand)

🌌【Unique Features】
Manichaean elements were discovered here! The Life and Death Tree mural and inverted lotus seat in Cave 5 reveal the coexistence and integration of Buddhism and Manichaeism here～

📸Photo Tips:
✅Overcast or rainy days add a sense of antiquity
✅Danxia landform background is very photogenic
✅Recommended to wear ethnic-style clothing

You’ll regret a lifetime if you don’t check in at such a secret relic site😭!