History of Western Regions - Ancient Charm of the Buddhist Kingdom of Kucha

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—such a unique Western region landscape. But the mild climate, humid air, small bridges, secluded paths, villages, evening cooking, and rooster crowing also resemble the water towns of Jiangnan. This is the ancient Western region kingdom of Kuqa, with its center in the present-day Kuche Oasis. However, the scope of ancient Kuqa was far beyond the current Kuche; its territory was much larger, encompassing eight counties and one city under the jurisdiction of the Aksu region, including Kuche, Xinhe, Shaya, Bayin, 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 to this day.