Mo'er Temple ruins witness 900-year Buddhist history in Kashgar

Hidden in the vast land of Kashgar in Xinjiang, the Mo'er Temple ruins stand as a silent witness to around 900 years of Buddhist history in ancient Shule – a city state of Xiyu, or the Western Regions, in ancient China.

Occupied from the 1st century to the early 10th century, this is the westernmost and oldest well-preserved large earthen Buddhist temple site discovered in China. Archaeologists have discovered two pagoda foundations, 18 structures with 62 rooms and two stairway-like paths, and a wealth of relics that echo historical records. Through interdisciplinary research, the ruins help piece together the daily life of monks and the changing environment of ancient times.