Bezeklik Buddhist Grottos (Turfan Basin, Xinjiang)

Ref: 070706-2212     Date: 06-07-2007

The Bezeklik Buddhist Grottos, dated 5th-13th centuries AD, are cut into the cliff face of the Shengjinkou Gorge which dissects the Flaming Mountains (Turfan Basin, Xinjiang). The cave interiors were decorated with murals and sculptures. Meltwater from the Bogda range (of the Tian Shan mountains) to the north flows through the gorge at the base of the cliff, permitting crop production. The Bogda Shan are visible in the distance.