Kizil Grottos or Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, located at cliff of Mingwutage Mountain73 kilometers away from Kuqa. Actually it is situated in Paicheng County. As one of the oldest caves, it was built in the 3rd century and completed till in the 9th century. There are 236 numbered grottoes extending about 3km along the riverbank of Muzart River, including East District, West District, Inner District and Back District.
There are colorful frescos in these caves that were damaged badly in the history, the architectures of the grottos are wonderful example to study the ancient history of Western Region, the old name of Xinjiang.
Over a thousand years ago, Buddhism was introduced from ancient India to the western part of China. The earliest Buddhism in the western region was born in the Qiuci region, the old name of modern Kuqa. Unfortunately, the murals and statues in the caves were stolen by many foreign expedition teams including Albert Von Le Coq at the end of 20th century and early of 21st century.
In 1961, Kizil Grottos were designated among the first batch of key cultural relics under state protection.
