Kuqa sits in central/west Xinjiang and is a dusty city in this remote, autonomous region of China. It lies on the main Urumqi-Kashgar route and makes a decent enough stop-off on the journey.
Kuqa was an oasis on the ancient Silk Road and boasted massive monasteries and Buddha statues as far back as the 7th century. There’s not that much to see in Kuqa today, although the huge Grand Kuqa Mosque is worth a visit and the many markets offer some relief from long bus journeys.
A major attraction worth seeing near to Kuqa is the Iron Gate Pass (Tiemen Pass), a few kilometers north of the town. It used to help protect this part of the Silk Road from marauding nomads.
The Thousand Buddha Caves in Kizil, 70-odd kilometers to the east, is a popular side trip. It features a series of grottoes and abodes sliced into a cliff.
Getting There & Away
Kuqa is connected with the Xinjiang capital, Urumqi, by National Highway 218. It is between a 10- and 17-hour bus journey away. Services are irregular and may or may not include sleepers. Kuqa sometimes receives flights from Urumqi, which is connected to Beijing.
Things to Do
Kuqa Attractions
- Grand Kuqa Mosque
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Is a surprisingly well-preserved structure in an otherwise dusty and drab town. women should double-check whether they are permitted to enter.
Side trips from Kuqa
- Thousand Buddha Caves
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Lie a couple of hours east of kuqa in the village of kizil and have a striking location.