Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins

Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins

The Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Also known as the "Zhao Kuli Buddhist Temple," the Subashi Buddhist Temple ruins are located in Kuqa County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China. They are the remains of a Buddhist temple complex dating from the Northern and Southern Dynasties period to the Tang Dynasty (4th–10th century AD).

The Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins are the largest such site discovered so far in Xinjiang. The ruins are divided into eastern and western parts, covering a total area of approximately 180,000 square meters. Centered around a complex of Buddhist stupas, the site features remains of temples, monks' quarters, caves, stupas, halls, and more. Artifacts unearthed include bronze ware, ironware, pottery, wooden objects, as well as murals and clay Buddhist statues. Additionally, wooden slips and fragments of paper inscribed with ancient ethnic scripts have been found.

The discovery of the Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins provides important physical evidence for studying the Buddhist art and culture of the ancient Kucha region during that period. (National Cultural Heritage Administration)

Further reading:

· Fourth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units