

Year Built
3rd-4th century CE
Period
Ancient Period
Architectural Style
Buddhist Stupa Architecture with Indian Taxila and Gandharan Influences
Built By
Kingdom of Khotan
Material Used
Rammed Earth, Fired Brick, Stucco, Terracotta, Paint, Lime Mortar
Heritage Status
UNESCO Tentative List
Rawak Stupa, located on the southern rim of the Taklamakan Desert near Hotan, Xinjiang, China, represents one of the most magnificent and architecturally sophisticated Buddhist monuments along the ancient Silk Road, constructed during the 3rd to 4th centuries CE when the Kingdom of Khotan flourished as a major center for the transmission of Buddhism from India to China, creating a stunning three-dimensional mandala that demonstrates the direct transmission of Indian Buddhist architectural and iconographic traditions to Central Asia. The stupa, constructed primarily from rammed earth and fired brick with extensive stucco decoration, features a massive cruciform-shaped base with staircases on each of the four sides, representing an architectural evolution from the simple square-based stupa form found in India to the more elaborate cruciform design that became characteristic of Central Asian Buddhist architecture, while the stupa itself rises in multiple tiers to create a monumental structure that served as the focal point of an extensive Buddhist monastery complex. The site's architectural design demonstrates direct influence from Indian Buddhist stupa architecture, particularly the traditions of Taxila and other Gandharan sites, with the overall form, decorative elements, and iconographic programs reflecting Indian Buddhist practices that were systematically transmitted to Central Asia, while the discovery of numerous colossal statues, terracotta reliefs, and wall paintings that once surrounded the stupa provides crucial evidence of the site's role as a major center of Buddhist artistic production that was directly influenced by Indian traditions. Archaeological excavations conducted by Sir Aurel Stein in 1901 revealed that the stupa was originally surrounded by a courtyard containing over 90 smaller stupas arranged in a mandala pattern, with the entire complex forming a three-dimensional representation of Buddhist cosmology that demonstrates the sophisticated understanding of Indian Buddhist iconography and architectural planning possessed by the builders, while the discovery of numerous stucco sculptures and wall paintings executed in styles clearly derived from Indian artistic traditions provides further evidence of the direct transmission of Indian Buddhist art to Central Asia. The stupa complex flourished particularly during the 4th to 5th centuries CE, when Khotan served as one of the most important centers for the transmission of Buddhism from India to China, attracting monks, traders, and pilgrims from across the Buddhist world, while the site's location along the southern Silk Road facilitated its role in the transmission of Buddhist teachings, art, and culture. The site was likely abandoned during the 8th or 9th century CE following political changes and the decline of Buddhism in the region, but the substantial architectural remains that survive provide crucial evidence of the site's original grandeur and the sophisticated engineering techniques employed in its construction, while the discovery of numerous artifacts including sculptures, manuscripts, and ritual objects continues to provide insights into the site's history and significance. Today, Rawak Stupa stands as a UNESCO Tentative List site and represents one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the Taklamakan Desert, serving as a powerful testament to the transmission of Indian Buddhist architecture and art along the Silk Road, 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 Buddhist art and architecture. ([1][2])
Rawak Stupa was constructed in the 3rd to 4th centuries CE during the Kingdom of Khotan period. The stupa flourished particularly during the 4th to 5th centuries. The site was discovered and excavated by Sir Aurel Stein in 1901. The stupa complex was likely abandoned in the 8th or 9th century. Ongoing archaeological research continues to reveal new insights. ([1][2])
Sir Aurel Stein, Chinese Archaeological Institute


Excavations revealed the cruciform stupa, over 90 surrounding stupas arranged in mandala pattern, colossal statues, terracotta reliefs, wall paintings, and evidence of Buddhist practices.
Archaeological excavations; documentation; structural stabilization; conservation efforts. ([1][2])
UNESCO Tentative List
Construction utilized rammed earth for the core structure, with fired brick used for structural reinforcement and stucco for decorative elements. The stupa employed a cruciform base design with staircases on four sides, representing an evolution from Indian square-based stupas. The foundation system utilized compacted earth platforms. The numerous surrounding stupas were constructed using similar techniques. Colossal statues and terracotta reliefs were created using stucco modeling techniques derived from Indian artistic traditions. ([1][2])
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The structural system employs rammed earth core with fired brick reinforcement. The cruciform base design utilizes sophisticated engineering. The foundation system consists of compacted earth platforms. The mandala arrangement of surrounding stupas demonstrates Indian cosmological planning. ([1][2])
37.116700, 79.916700
{"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."}
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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.
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Respect archaeological remains; do not remove artifacts; follow designated pathways; be prepared for desert conditions.
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Yes
Yes
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2025-11-09T09:15:48.508886+00:00
2025-11-09T09:15:48.508886+00:00
Ancient Period
Xinjiang
Buddhist Stupa Architecture with Indian Taxila and Gandharan Influences
UNESCO Site
Rawak Stupa Hotan Xinjiang China is a historic Temple located in Xinjiang, China (East Region). This Buddhist Stupa Architecture with Indian Taxila and Gandharan Influences architectural masterpiece was built during the Ancient Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of China (East Region). Rawak Stupa, located on the southern rim of the Taklamakan Desert near Hotan, Xinjiang, China, represents one of the most magnificent and architecturally sophisticated Buddhist monuments along the anc...
| ¥Entry Fee | Chinese nationals: CNY 70; Foreigners: CNY 140; 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 Rawak Stupa Hotan Xinjiang China. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Rawak Stupa Hotan Xinjiang China is located in Rawak, Hotan County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang, China, Xinjiang. The nearest major city is Rawak. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 37.1167, 79.9167.
Entry fee: Chinese nationals: CNY 70; Foreigners: CNY 140; 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 Rawak Stupa 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 Rawak Stupa Hotan Xinjiang China by Kingdom of Khotan
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under UNESCO Tentative List
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation