
Year Built
1st-4th century CE
Period
Ancient Period
Architectural Style
Kushan-Era Buddhist Settlement Architecture with Indian Kushan and Gandharan Influences
Built By
Kushan Empire Period
Material Used
Rammed Earth, Fired Brick, Wood, Stucco, Paint, Pottery, Metal
Heritage Status
UNESCO Tentative List
Keriya Ruins, also known as Yotkan, located in Keriya County near Hotan, Xinjiang, China, preserve the remarkable remains of a Kushan-era Buddhist settlement that flourished along the southern branch of the Silk Road during the 1st to 4th centuries CE, representing one of the earliest and most significant centers for the transmission of Indian Buddhist traditions to Central Asia during the period when the Kushan Empire facilitated extensive cultural exchange between India and Central Asia. The settlement, constructed primarily from rammed earth, fired brick, and wood with extensive stucco and painted decoration, features the remains of Buddhist stupas, temples, monastic cells, and residential structures that demonstrate the systematic transmission of Indian Buddhist architectural and artistic traditions to Central Asia, while the discovery of numerous artifacts including sculptures, coins, pottery, and manuscripts provides crucial evidence of the site's role as a major center of trade, cultural exchange, and religious transmission along the Silk Road. The site's architectural design demonstrates direct influence from Indian Buddhist architecture, particularly the traditions of the Kushan period in northern India and Gandhara, with the overall planning, stupa forms, and decorative programs reflecting Indian Buddhist practices that were systematically introduced to Central Asia through centuries of cultural exchange, while the discovery of Kushan coins and artifacts showing clear Indian influences provides further evidence of the deep cultural connections between the region and the Indian subcontinent. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of extensive Buddhist activity at the site, including the discovery of stupas, temples, and monastic structures that demonstrate the site's importance as a center of Buddhist worship and learning, while the site's location along the southern Silk Road, connecting India with Central Asia and China, underscores its historical role in facilitating the transmission of Buddhist teachings, art, and culture. The settlement flourished particularly during the 2nd to 4th centuries CE, when the Kushan Empire facilitated extensive cultural and religious exchange between India and Central Asia, creating conditions that allowed for the flourishing of Buddhism and the transmission of Indian architectural and artistic traditions to the Tarim Basin, while the site continued to function as a Buddhist center through the 5th and 6th centuries before gradually declining following the decline of the Kushan Empire. The site was likely abandoned during the 7th or 8th century CE following political changes and shifting trade routes, but the substantial architectural remains that survive provide crucial evidence of the site's original grandeur and importance, while ongoing archaeological research continues to reveal new insights into the site's history, the lives of its inhabitants, and the cultural exchanges that occurred along the Silk Road. Today, Keriya Ruins stand as an important archaeological site in the Taklamakan Desert, serving as a powerful testament to the early transmission of Indian Buddhist traditions to Central Asia and the historical role of the Kushan Empire in facilitating cultural exchange, while ongoing archaeological research and preservation efforts continue to protect and study this extraordinary cultural treasure that demonstrates the profound impact of Indian civilization on Central Asian societies during the ancient period. ([1][2])
Keriya Ruins were established during the Kushan period from the 1st to 4th centuries CE. The settlement flourished particularly during the 2nd to 4th centuries. The site served as a major center of Buddhist activity and trade. The settlement continued in use through the 5th and 6th centuries. The site was likely abandoned in the 7th or 8th century. Archaeological excavations have revealed Kushan coins and artifacts. ([1][2])
Sir Aurel Stein, Chinese Archaeological Institute

Excavations revealed Buddhist stupas, temples, monastic cells, residential structures, Kushan coins, pottery, and evidence of Buddhist practices.
Archaeological excavations; documentation; structural stabilization; ongoing research. ([1][2])
UNESCO Tentative List
Construction utilized rammed earth for walls and foundations, with fired brick used for structural elements and wood for framing. The settlement employed load-bearing earth construction with timber reinforcement. The Buddhist stupas and temples utilized rammed earth and brick construction following Indian Buddhist architectural principles. The foundation system utilized compacted earth platforms. Decorative elements including sculptures were created using stucco modeling techniques derived from Indian artistic traditions. ([1][2])
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The structural system employs load-bearing rammed earth construction with timber and fired brick reinforcement. The foundation system consists of compacted earth platforms. The Buddhist structures utilize rammed earth and brick construction following Indian principles. ([1][2])
36.816700, 81.633300
{"notes":"Desert archaeological site; wear appropriate clothing for desert conditions; respect archaeological remains; remote location.","restrooms":"Limited facilities available.","wheelchair_accessible":"Limited due to desert terrain."}
3 items
Early morning (9:00-11:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) to avoid extreme heat; spring and autumn for comfortable weather.
2 items
Respect archaeological remains; do not remove artifacts; follow designated pathways; be prepared for desert conditions.
2
Yes
Yes
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complete
2025-11-09T09:16:01.381122+00:00
2025-11-09T09:16:01.381122+00:00
Ancient Period
Xinjiang
Kushan-Era Buddhist Settlement Architecture with Indian Kushan and Gandharan Influences
UNESCO Site
Keriya Ruins Yotkan Hotan Xinjiang China is a historic Temple located in Xinjiang, China (East Region). This Kushan-Era Buddhist Settlement Architecture with Indian Kushan and Gandharan Influences architectural masterpiece was built during the Ancient Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of China (East Region). Keriya Ruins, also known as Yotkan, located in Keriya County near Hotan, Xinjiang, China, preserve the remarkable remains of a Kushan-era Buddhist settlement that flourished along the southern branch ...
| ¥Entry Fee | Chinese nationals: CNY 50; Foreigners: CNY 100; Children under 12: Free. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Check opening hours and entry fees for Keriya Ruins Yotkan Hotan Xinjiang China. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Keriya Ruins Yotkan Hotan Xinjiang China is located in Yotkan, Keriya County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang, China, Xinjiang. The nearest major city is Yotkan. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 36.8167, 81.6333.
Entry fee: Chinese nationals: CNY 50; Foreigners: CNY 100; Children under 12: Free.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Keriya Ruins Yotkan Hotan Xinjiang China. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Construction of Keriya Ruins Yotkan Hotan Xinjiang China by Kushan Empire Period
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under UNESCO Tentative List
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation