Qizil Grottoes is located 7 kilometers southeast of Qizil Township, Baicheng County, Xinjiang, on the cliff of Mingwutag opposite Qiertag Mountain on the north bank of Muzati River. The overall trend of the grottoes is east-west, stretching for about three kilometers. According to the natural topography, the cave is divided into four areas, namely, the west valley area, the east valley area, the inner valley area and the back mountain area. At present, there are 349 caves exposed on the ground, 236 numbered caves, more than 80 caves with murals, with murals of nearly 10000 square meters and a small number of statues.
Qizil Grottoes, the first of the four Buddhist grottoes in China, is the earliest cave temple group built in China. It integrates architecture, murals and sculptures, and integrates the western Indian, Gandhara and Persian artistic styles. It has inspired the development of Buddhist art in Dunhuang and the Central Plains of China in the East, made great contributions to the splendid ancient western civilization and the gradual spread of Buddhist culture and art, is the best combination of eastern and western art, has unlimited historical, artistic and cultural relics value, and has the reputation of "art treasure house". It is not only an important symbol of the ancient Silk Road culture, but also an important part of China traditional culture. She witnessed the history of multicultural exchanges, exchanges and blending in Xinjiang. It is recognized as the first stop of Buddhism among the four grottoes. 196 1 year, Qizil Grottoes were announced by the State Council as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units. In 20 14, Qizil Grottoes was listed as a site in the Silk Road: Chang 'an-Tianshan Corridor.
Autumn and winter tourist routes (1) Baicheng-Qizil Grottoes
Starting from Baicheng City, drive 55km eastward along Provincial Highway 307, pass through Kangqi Township, Yatur Township, Toksun Township, Sailimu Town, Qizil Township and Silk Road Station, reach the entrance of Qizil Grottoes Tourist Dedicated Line, and then drive southeast10km to reach the scenic spot. You can visit Kangqi Wetland Scenic Area and Qizil Silk Road Station along the way.
There are eye-catching traffic signs and smooth tourist roads along the way, which are convenient for tourists to drive by car and visit in groups. Interval speed measurement is implemented throughout the journey, with a speed limit of 70 kilometers and 90 minutes.
(2) Kuqa-Qizil Grottoes
Starting from Kuqa, go all the way along National Highway 2 17, pass through the Guanlei site in Yanshuigou, Potala Palace Scenic Area in Qizil Township, and the Qizil Silk Road Post Station, reach the entrance of the Qizil Grottoes Tourist Dedicated Line, and then drive to the southeast 10 km to reach the Qizil Grottoes Scenic Area. The whole journey is about 70 kilometers and takes 70 minutes to 90 minutes.
Qizil Grottoes can be visited by reservation and on-site ticket purchase. The daily opening hours are 9: 30- 19: 00 in summer time (May-September) and165438 in winter time (June1April of the following year). You can make an appointment at the official WeChat account of Xinjiang Qiuci Research Institute. Online booking time is 24 hours, and you can make an appointment 7 days in advance.
The tour ticket price is: 70 yuan/person, with free explanation service. There are free parking lots and parking areas outside the gate of the grotto scenic spot.
Soldiers, medical personnel, the elderly, the disabled, teachers and students enjoy preferential treatment with valid certificates.
Tel: 0997-8636 144.