Mazhabohe Caves

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

Only a few kilometers from the Simsen Caves, the Mazhabohe Caves are situated along a cliff southwest of Mazhabohe village, approximately 30 km northeast of Kuche county. The caves were constructed during the 6th and 7th centuries, and are scattered throughout the horseshoe-shaped valley. The caves can be grouped into three areas: west, central, and east areas. There are 34 caves and, together with the Simsen Caves, were listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The most common style of cave is the central pillar cave, with a barrel-vaulted in the main chamber. There are also rectangular caves with a domed ceiling and long narrow caves for reciting sutras that extend more than 10 m into the cliff. Originally, the caves were decorated with sculptures and murals, but only a small number have been preserved. Caves 1 and 9 still contain murals. Cave 1 is a rectangular cave with lotus flowers painted in the center of the domed ceiling. The ceiling is divided into seven segments, displaying Buddhas and Bodhisattvas alternately. The four corners of the ceiling show the Buddha teaching the Dharma. The extant murals include a depiction of the First Turning of the Dharma Wheel at Deer Park, and a hundred deer listening to the Dharma. Apsaras, with elegant postures and stoles floating gracefully behind them, surround the mural.