China: Jataka mural from the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Xinjiang

The Kizil Caves (Qizil Ming Oy; Kizil Cave of a Thousand Buddhas) are 236 Buddhist rock-cut caves located near Kizil Township in Xinjiang. The site is located on the northern bank of the Muzat River 75 kilometres by road northwest of Kucha (Kuqa). This area was a commercial hub of the Silk Road.

The caves are said to be the earliest major Buddhist cave complex in Xinjiang, with development occurring between the 3rd and 8th centuries. Although the site has been both damaged and looted, at least 1000 square metres of wall paintings—mostly Jataka stories—remain.

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