Yarhu Caves

CHINA, Xinjiang

These caves are located on a steep cliff 20 m above riverbed on the west of the ancient city of Yarhu, about 10 km west of the city of Turpan. The caves began excavation during the Eastern Jin dynasty (317–420). As part of the Ancient City of Yarhu, the caves were listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site, in 1961.
There are seven caves, with murals preserved in Caves 4 and 7. Cave 7 is a central pillar cave. On its barrel-vaulted ceiling is a mural depicting the Buddha Land with a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas, surrounded by the Thousand Buddhas. Judging from the cave’s layout and the content and theme of the murals, it was likely constructed some time around the 5th century during the Northern Liang Kingdom (397–439). Cave 1 is a vihara cave with cells built on the sides, and Cave 4 is a meditation cave. The caves were restored by the Uighurs in the 10th century. They preserved the murals in Cave 7 and repainted Cave 4, adding new figures making offerings.