Tuyoq Caves

CHINA, Xinjiang, Turpan

These caves are located 15 km east of the ancient city of Gaochang in Xinjiang. They were built in the 4th century and are the earliest in the area. The caves were in use until the 9th century and number 46 in total. The Tuyoq Caves were listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The early caves include caitya caves, meditations caves, and vihara caves, with the oldest dating to the Eastern Jin dynasty (317–420). The caves are mostly square, with murals depicting scenes of the Buddha teaching the Dharma, Bodhisattvas, Jataka illustrations, and motifs of the Thousand Buddhas. The paintings were influenced by both the Kuchean and Gandharan styles. The background color for the murals is predominantly red.
When King Afuzhiluo of Gaochang conquered the region in 499, some of the Tuyoq Caves became royal temples. Cave 38 is one of these, and dates to the early period of the Qu family (499–640) ruling over Gaochang. Caves 1, 2, 12, and 20 were also used as royal temples and date to the late period, around the 6th–7th century. During that time, greater Kuchean influence resulted in the creation of additional large caves with central pillars, and more use of green coloring. Pure Land themes also emerged during this time.
The Tuyoq Caves prospered for over 200 years. Their decline after the 7th century was marked by a regional shift in the center of Buddhism to the Bezeklik Caves; however, there was a brief resurgence of interest after the 9th century, when the caves were restored by the Uighurs.