 These caves fifty kilometers northeast of Turpan are among the best known grottoes in Xinjiang. Built during the late Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-581), the fifty-seven grottoes are known mainly for their murals, which still retain their fresh, bright colors though bits and pieces are missing here and there. The themes of the paintings are taken mostly from Buddhist tales, but they also reflect the close relations that existed between the Mongolian, Uygur and Han ethnic groups. Influence from western regions – China’s Xinjiang and Central Asia-is strongly evident in the artistic style of these murals.
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