Kuqa
Kingdom of Qiuci
Ancient Qiuci was a Buddhist kingdom of musicians and muralists; the Kizil caves nearby hold some of China's earliest temple paintings. The grand mosque and the old town carry the Silk Road forward into the present.
Don't miss
- Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves
- Kuqa Grand Mosque
- Tianshan Grand Canyon
Best time to visit: May–October
Visas: Australian passport holders currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days — an arrangement scheduled to end on 31 December 2026, so confirm the rules for your travel dates.