Kizilgaha Caves
克孜尔尕哈石窟
Kucha grottoes about 12 km from Kuqa city, carved between the 5th and 8th centuries, with a rich variety of murals. They sit right beside the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower.
The Kizilgaha Caves lie at the southern foot of the Chilletag Mountains, about 12 km northwest of Kuqa city. More than 60 caves survive, carved roughly between the 5th and 8th centuries. They are the Kucha caves closest to the city. The caves are spread along the cliffs on both sides of a gully. The surviving murals include Jataka tales, scenes from the life of the Buddha and portraits of donors, and the Kucha donor portraits are particularly distinctive. Only a limited number of caves are open, and visits are led by a guide. Photography inside the caves is prohibited. Admission follows the site’s published prices. The beacon tower is about 1 km south of the caves, so the two are easy to visit together.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–19:00 Beijing time (per scenic area)