Kizilgaha Grottoes

Kizilgaha Grottoes

The Kizilgaha Grottoes are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Kizilgaha Grottoes are located on the southern slopes of the Queletage Mountain Range, near the Yanhuagou Valley, 14 kilometers northwest of Kuqa County in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, adjacent to the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower. They were first built in the 5th century AD.

The grottoes were carved into the cliffs within an area approximately 170 meters wide from east to west and 300 meters long from north to south. They are divided into two main groups, eastern and western, and currently comprise 54 caves, 46 of which are numbered. Among these, 39 caves are relatively well-preserved, and 13 contain murals. The caves can be roughly divided into two periods: the earlier period dates from the 6th to 7th centuries AD, and the later period from the 10th century AD onward. Based on depictions of kings and royal family members as patrons, as well as inscriptions in Kucha script, it is believed that this was once a royal temple of the Kucha Kingdom. The architectural styles of the caves are diverse; functionally, they include chaitya halls, monk dwellings, preaching halls, and meditation caves; structurally, they feature flat ceilings, vaulted ceilings, domed ceilings, coffered ceilings, and inverted bowl-shaped ceilings. The 39 relatively intact caves can be grouped into five clusters, each serving various functions such as worship, preaching, meditation, and residence.

The cave murals are all in the typical Kucha style, featuring over 40 types of Jataka tales, more than 20 types of avadana (moral stories), as well as illustrations of the life of the Buddha and inscriptions in Kucha script. The Jataka tales are painted on the side walls of the corridor in the central pillar caves, often depicted on a large scale, which is rare among other Kucha grottoes. The murals from the grottoes’ peak period showcase the “curved iron-wire line” painting technique, characterized by vivid and luxurious colors, natural poses of figures, and richly varied, exquisite costumes. Among them, the eight flying apsaras in Cave 30 are the most famous.

The Kizilgaha Grottoes are the closest grotto temple to the ancient capital of the Kucha Kingdom. As a state-sponsored temple, they form an important part of the Kucha grottoes and are also a significant Buddhist cultural site along the Silk Road. The preaching caves here are unique among Kucha grottoes, with their strong Kucha artistic style and rare Kucha inscriptions, holding high historical, scientific, and unique artistic value.

In June 2001, the Kizilgaha Grottoes were designated as part of the fifth group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units