Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves

Introducing Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Nestled within towering cliffs just 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) east of downtown Turpan, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves stand as a breathtaking testament to Buddhist artistry. This sprawling cave complex, the largest in the Turpan region, originally boasted 83 grottoes, of which 57 remain preserved today. 

The caves are spread across multiple levels, each with unique features: majestic stupas on the upper level, numerous cave shrines in the middle, and a labyrinth of caves, temples, and former living quarters on the lower level. While the entire site holds immense historical significance, only a select 4-6 caves in the middle level are currently accessible to the public. 

Recognized as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site by the Chinese government in 1982, the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves join the ranks of other celebrated sites like the Mogao Caves, Yungang Grottoes, and Longmen Grottoes, attracting and enchanting visitors from every corner of the globe.

Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves Fast Facts
• AKA: Bezeklik Grottoes
• Chinese Name: BóZī KèLǐKè QiānFóDòng 柏孜克里克千佛洞
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Culture, Buddhism
• Opening Hours: 9:30 – 19:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY40
• Address: Approx. 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) east of Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

History of the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
With a long history dating back to the 5th century, the caves experienced their golden age between the 10th and 14th centuries under the Uyghur Kara-Khoja (Gaochang) kingdom (499-640 AD). During this period, the caves were recognized as a royal temple and flourished with the support of the Gaochang kings. This prosperity waned in the late 13th century. As the Kara-Khoja kingdom migrated east and Islam spread throughout Turpan, Buddhism lost its hold. This shift exposed the Bezeklik caves to neglect and damage, caught in the crossfire of religious change.

Adding to this tragedy, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw expeditions from Western nations and Japan arrive in Turpan. While claiming archaeological interest, these expeditions looted the Bezeklik caves, stripping them of numerous murals and artifacts. Today, these stolen fragments are scattered across museums in Germany, Russia, Britain, Japan, and South Korea, serving as a painful reminder of the destruction inflicted by colonial exploitation.

What to Expect at the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Stepping into these caves is a bittersweet experience. While the echoes of looting and vandalism are impossible to ignore, the remaining beauty is captivating. Faded paintings, though marred and incomplete, whisper stories of the past, making this site undeniably interesting and worth experiencing firsthand.

Cave No.9
Cave No. 9, carved during the Kara-Khoja kingdom, resonates with the echoes of history. A central pillar rises within, its presence commanding the space. The antechamber and passageways bloom with the colors of a thousand painted Buddhas, their serene faces a testament to centuries of devotion. Intriguingly, Uyghur and Chinese inscriptions mingle with some figures. This hints at a vibrant cultural exchange along the Silk Road back then. Though time has faded the brilliance of the decorative flames, scrolls, and lotus motifs that adorn the remaining surfaces, they still showcase the cave’s former splendor.

Cave No.20
Cave No. 20, a humble square-shaped grotto with a vaulted ceiling and slender side corridors, bears the scars of time and plunder. Though foreign expeditions have stripped away much of its painted glory, a haunting beauty lingers. The mural of a royal couple, perhaps the King and Queen of Kara-Khoja, stand frozen within these remnants, their presence a poignant echo of art’s ability to endure even as cultures rise and fall.

How to Get to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
• The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves are located approx. 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) east of Turpan.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.