Subashi Buddhist Ruins
苏巴什佛寺遗址
The ruins of a large Buddhist monastery on both banks of the Kuqa River, dating from the Wei-Jin to Tang periods. Identified with the “Zhaohuli Great Monastery” recorded in Xuanzang’s Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Subashi Buddhist Ruins lie at the southern foot of the Chilletag Mountains, about 20 km northeast of Kuqa city, on both banks of the Kuqa River where it leaves the mountains. The site consists of an East Temple and a West Temple facing each other across the river. Construction began in the Wei-Jin period and reached its peak in the Tang dynasty. It is generally believed to be the “Zhaohuli Great Monastery” described in Xuanzang’s Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, where Kumarajiva once gave lectures. Remains of stupas, halls, monks’ cells and caves survive as rammed-earth ruins, which look especially desolate and impressive against the gravel plains and riverbeds. The West Temple is better preserved and open to visitors. The site was inscribed in 2014 as part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an–Tianshan Corridor.” Visit: allow 1–1.5 hours. Follow the walkway around the main stupa of the West Temple, then climb up for a view of the East Temple. The best photos are taken at sunset. Admission is about CNY 30–50 (confirm with the site). Getting there: about 30 minutes by private car or chartered vehicle from the city; there is no public bus. Note: these are earthen ruins, so do not climb on them or touch them. The desert winds are strong, so bring a hat and sunglasses.
Opening hours
About 10:00–19:30 (Beijing time)