

Year Built
2nd-6th century CE
Period
Ancient Period
Architectural Style
Buddhist Monastery Architecture with Indian Buddhist and Indic Sculptural Influences
Built By
Kingdom of Kucha
Material Used
Rammed Earth, Fired Brick, Wood, Stucco, Paint, Metal
Heritage Status
UNESCO Tentative List
Subashi Buddhist Temple, located near Kuqa in Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang, China, represents one of the most magnificent and architecturally sophisticated Buddhist temple complexes along the northern branch of the Silk Road, constructed from the 2nd to 6th centuries CE when the ancient Kingdom of Kucha flourished as a major center for the transmission of Buddhism from India to China, creating a stunning testament to the direct transmission of Indian Buddhist architectural and artistic traditions to Central Asia. The temple complex, constructed primarily from rammed earth, fired brick, and wood with extensive stucco and painted decoration, features massive walls, towering pillars, and extensive ruins that once formed one of the largest Buddhist monastic complexes in the Tarim Basin, with the site's architectural grandeur and sophisticated design demonstrating the systematic transmission of Indian Buddhist monastery architecture, particularly the traditions of northern India, to Central Asia. The site's architectural design demonstrates direct influence from Indian Buddhist monastery architecture, with the overall plan, structural forms, and decorative programs reflecting Indian Buddhist practices that were systematically transmitted to Central Asia, while the discovery of numerous Indic sculptures, including a remarkable 6th to 7th century sarira (Buddhist relic box) depicting Central Asian figures in long tunics reminiscent of Tocharian friezes, 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 have revealed extraordinary preservation of architectural elements including massive walls, pillars, and foundations that demonstrate the sophisticated engineering techniques employed in the temple's construction, while the discovery of numerous sculptures, inscriptions, and ritual objects provides further evidence of the site's importance as a center of Buddhist worship, learning, and artistic production. The temple complex flourished particularly during the 5th to 7th centuries CE, when it 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 northern Silk Road facilitated its role in the transmission of Buddhist teachings, art, and culture. The site continued to function as a Buddhist center through the 6th century CE, with evidence of continued use and modifications that reflect the evolving religious and political landscape of the region, while the site's eventual abandonment, likely during the 7th or 8th century CE following political changes and the decline of Buddhism in the region, left substantial ruins that continue to provide crucial insights into the site's history and significance. The discovery of the sarira casket and other Indic sculptures at Subashi provides particularly important evidence of the ways in which Indian Buddhist artistic traditions were adapted and synthesized with local Central Asian elements, demonstrating the complex cultural exchanges that occurred along the Silk Road, while the site's architectural grandeur underscores its historical importance as a major center of Buddhist learning and practice. Today, Subashi stands as a UNESCO Tentative List site and represents one of the most important archaeological sites 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])
Subashi Temple was constructed from the 2nd to 6th centuries CE during the Kingdom of Kucha period. The temple flourished particularly during the 5th to 7th centuries. The complex was one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the Tarim Basin. The temple continued in use through the 6th century. The site was likely abandoned in the 7th or 8th century. Archaeological excavations have revealed Indic sculptures and artifacts. ([1][2])
Sir Aurel Stein, Chinese Archaeological Institute


Excavations revealed massive walls, pillars, Buddhist structures, Indic sculptures including sarira casket, inscriptions, and evidence of Buddhist practices.
Archaeological excavations; documentation; structural stabilization; conservation efforts. ([1][2])
UNESCO Tentative List
Construction utilized rammed earth for walls and foundations, with fired brick used for structural reinforcement and wood for framing. The temple employed load-bearing earth construction with sophisticated engineering. The massive walls and pillars utilized rammed earth and brick construction following Indian Buddhist architectural principles. The foundation system utilized compacted earth platforms. Decorative elements including Indic 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 massive walls and pillars utilize sophisticated engineering. The foundation system consists of compacted earth platforms. ([1][2])
41.716700, 83.083300
{"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.
4
Yes
Yes
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complete
2025-11-09T09:17:43.070845+00:00
2025-11-09T09:17:43.070845+00:00
Ancient Period
Xinjiang
Buddhist Monastery Architecture with Indian Buddhist and Indic Sculptural Influences
UNESCO Site
Subashi Buddhist Temple Kuqa Xinjiang China is a historic Temple located in Xinjiang, China (East Region). This Buddhist Monastery Architecture with Indian Buddhist and Indic Sculptural Influences architectural masterpiece was built during the Ancient Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of China (East Region). Subashi Buddhist Temple, located near Kuqa in Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang, China, represents one of the most magnificent and architecturally sophisticated Buddhist temple complexes along the northern br...
| ¥Entry Fee | Chinese nationals: CNY 60; Foreigners: CNY 120; 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 Subashi Buddhist Temple Kuqa Xinjiang China. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
Subashi Buddhist Temple Kuqa Xinjiang China is located in Subashi Temple, Kuqa County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang, China, Xinjiang. The nearest major city is Subashi Temple. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 41.7167, 83.0833.
Entry fee: Chinese nationals: CNY 60; Foreigners: CNY 120; 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 Subashi Buddhist Temple Kuqa 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 Subashi Buddhist Temple Kuqa Xinjiang China by Kingdom of Kucha
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under UNESCO Tentative List
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation