Buddhist Ancient Charm: Kuqa

Author: Xue Zongzheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-08-01
Features: Snow-capped mountains, vast rivers, deserts with sparse vegetation, iron-like branches of poplar trees, misty red willows – a unique Western Regions landscape. Yet, the mild climate, humid air, small bridges, quiet paths, villages, evening cooking, and rooster crowing also resemble the water towns of Jiangnan. This is the ancient Western Regions kingdom of Kucha, with its center in the present-day Kuche Oasis. However, the ancient Kucha was far more extensive than the current Kuche, encompassing eight counties and one city under the jurisdiction of the Aksu region, including Kuche, Xinhe, Shaya, Baicheng, Wensu, Wushi, Keping, Awati, and Aksu. Its eastern boundary also extended to LunTai County under the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. Its glorious history and ancient civilization still radiate a mysterious and enchanting charm.