Guide to Visiting the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
The mural corridor of the cave on the hillside of Flame Mountain
The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves are carved into the cliffs in the middle section of Flaming Mountains and are a group of royal grottoes from the Gaochang period. The caves are arranged along the earthen cliffs, and the remaining murals show Uighur donors and a mix of Central Plains and Central Asian artistic styles, making it a key stop for understanding Turpan Buddhist art.
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Destination Details
The grottoes were first carved during the Gaochang Kingdom period and reached their peak during the Uyghur period of Gaochang, once serving as royal temples. The caves face the Mutougou Valley, and from the cliff top, one can view the folds of Flaming Mountains; the site selection itself carries both religious and practical considerations.
Visitor Highlights
- Points of interest: murals of Huihe patrons, central pillar caves, and two types of caves with barrel-vaulted ceilings
- Only a limited number of caves are open; some murals were lost overseas in earlier years, and many on-site are restorations or fragments
- Combination: often paired with Flaming Mountains, Gaochang Ancient City, and Shengjinkou Earthen Pagoda for a one-day tour
Photography and touching inside the caves are prohibited; visits last about 1-1.5 hours. The cliff faces are exposed to the sun in summer, so bring sun protection when climbing.
