Kumtura Thousand Buddha Caves

The Thousand Buddha Caves Kumtura ( Qumtura ) (Chinese库 木 吐 喇 千佛洞, Pinyin Kumutula Qianfodong, English Kumtura Thousand Buddha Caves ) in Kuqa County ( Kucha Kucha etc.) (库车 县, Kucha xian ) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are 25 km west of Kuqa ( Kucha ) on the left bank of the river Muzart ( consecration ).

The earliest were dug in the 4th century. They are famous for their Buddhist mural in old Qiuci ( Kucha ) style.

At installation of grottoes three phases can be distinguished: 5th - 7th Century, 8th - 9th and 10th - 11th Century.

The caves are since 1961 on the monument list the People's Republic of China ( 1-42 ) and the UNESCO has provided funds for its restoration.

At the beginning of the 20th century, they were visited by Japanese, German, Russian and French expeditions.