Kumtura Caves

The Kumtura Caves  are located at the outfall of the Weigan River, about 30 kilometers northwest to Kucha, on the cliff of the Mountain Dinggu by the eastern bank of the river. The listed 112 caves can be divided into southern and northern parts, including worship caves, monk’s caves and a few meditation caves. The murals remained here are only 4,000 square meters. Speaking of the excavation time, the caves belong to 3 periods. The earliest period is the 5-7th centuries, the artistic style is typical local, namely Qiuci style, the 2nd period is between 8th to 9th centuries, the artistic style from inner China appeared here on some paintings, and the latest period ranges from the 10th century to 11th century or later, Uighurian style became prominent. As an important Buddhist cultural remains which reflects the blend of the art of ancient Qiuci, Han and Uighur people, the caves have been listed as historical monuments and cultural relics under state protection.