Wenbashi Caves
Wenbashi Caves
CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu
These caves are located in a large gorge of the Queletage Range, 12 km southeast of Wenbashi village. They were constructed during the Tang dynasty (618–907) and were expanded in later periods, until the 12th century. The Wenbashi Caves were listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The caves were built in various styles, including central pillar caves, square caves, vihara caves, niches, and irregular caves. There are currently 27 numbered caves, however, some of these are in ruins or have been buried in the sand. Only 14 caves are preserved, of which four still contain murals. The content of the murals include seated and standing Buddhas, diamond-patterned karma stories, and decorative patterns.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves T-Z, page 1486.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves T-Z},
pages = 1486,
title = {{Wenbashi Caves}},
volume = 9,
year = {2016}}