Luoyang
Luoyang and Longmen Grottoes Longmen Grotto in Luoyang is one of the four major Grottoes in China.We have visited two already, Mogao in Dunhuang and Maiji Shan near Tianshui. Unfortunately, on this trip we will miss Yungang Grottoes in Datong. Which gives us an excuse to visit again.
Maiji Shan
Tianshui and Maiji ShanThe last segments of the trip require longer train rides.Tianshui which is a must see stop for the grottoes at Maiji Shan is not on a high speed rail line.Lanzhou to Tianshui is a six hour ride.Although we had “soft seat” this train is still not as comfortable a higher quality first class seating. Less leg room. Otherwise, it does give me lots of opportunity to work.Bless the portable computer with long life battery.
Bazeklik Grottoes
About a 45 minute drive from Turfan is Bezeklik Grottoes. The drive passes the famous Flaming Mountains which are red in sunlight. Flaming Mountains were on the Journey of the Monkey King, the popular version of the story of the monk Xuanzang “Journey to the West.”
Kizil Caves
Kizil are the better known of the Kuqa caves. They are about 50 miles from the city of Kuqa and quite into the mountains. They are on the Muzat River. They date from the 3rd to the 8th centuries. There are 269 existing caves in the Kizil group.
Even driving you get the feeling of isolation that the monks were seeking. You are driving through the Tarim Basin of sandstone cliffs with jagged edges jutting upwards at steep angles. After the last mountain you come upon the Muzat River and the valley where the monks found peace and isolation.
On to Kizil Caves
Photos: D
Drying peppers at road side.
Mountainous route to Kizil
Kizil Entrance
Walking to the East Caves
Kissing Under Kizil
Kumtura
Kumtura is a lesser known Buddhist Grotto in the Kuqa region. It dates from the 5th or 6th century. It has about 112 caves. The caves are in three periods, the first of the period of the Kuqa Kingdom is heavily influenced by the Gandarian Style with a central pillar. The second period is of the 7th and 8th centuries with the Grand Anxi Militant Government Period. The third phase is the Uighur Period from the 9th century and after.
Silk Road - Starting Out
Seven days until we leave for China’s part of the Silk Road. Quite an itinerary. “Thirty Caves in Thirty Days.” Actually 10 cities in 22 days and 9 cave sites with hundreds of caves at each site. Start from the far west, Urumqi, we’ll trek eastward to Luoyang. Plane, train, boat, car and camel plus some hiking and maybe a donkey. The big stuff is set. Hotels, trains, and planes are reserved. On site details will depend on conditions. We’ll be flexible.