Kuqa, a bustling town at the center of the ancient state of Qiuci, used to be a hub of business, culture and ideas along the ancient Silk Road. It drew travelers and traders from far and wide, all with different perspectives on life and happy to hear about others. It was known to be a place where a belief system could truly thrive. Zheng Yibing has more.

The centuries seem to have passed by in a flash here, yet the long passage of time could not totally bury history. These are the remains of the Subash Temple, just north of the city of  Kuqa in southern Xinjiang. It was once at the core of Qiuci state and highlights the dominance in these parts of one particular religion.

MIAO LIHUI Chief Researcher, Kucha Academy of  Xinjiang "Buddhism came to Qiuci in about the 2nd century  AD. Construction began on Subash in the following century. It was supposed to be the largest temple here. It flourished until the 12th century AD. From here, we can see traces of the time when Indian Buddhism was  introduced into China, and Chinese Buddhism later spread  westward."

These traces have gone down in history, but the evidence is still quite vague. However, there are stronger claims in the Kizil Buddhist cave temples in the neighboring Baicheng county.

MIAO LIHUI Chief Researcher, Kucha Academy of  Xinjiang "The theme of these paintings is closely related with Sakyamuni, and so are the stories, which are about Buddha's previous lives and journey in this life. On this dome, there's a painting of the Buddha's life as Prince Sudana is sacrificing his own life to save a family  of tigers."

These paintings are said to encourage kindness and good deeds. Let's get closer look. It was actually from Qiuci  where Buddhism was introduced to central parts of China. Qiuci's prince  Kumarajiva travelled eastward and translated numerous Buddhist scriptures into the ancient Chinese language in Chang'an, -- or today's Xi'an -- until he passed away.

MIAO LIHUI Chief Researcher, Kucha Academy of  Xinjiang "We see these temples, grottoes, and the  Buddhists who once lived here and brought Buddhism to Qiuci. Through this,  they were able to bridge cultural exchanges between the east and the  west, and promote world cultural prosperity and development."

Though in the past centuries, many were stolen and brought to other parts of the world, those that remain are well-preserved and listed as a part of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. They are our window into a time when Buddhism truly flourished in Xinjiang.

ZHENG  YIBING Kuqa, Xinjiang "Over time, Buddhism gradually disappeared from Qiuci, now known as Kuqa. But its legacy remains. It will not quietly turn to ashes and dust, it will rather, be remembered for generations to come. Zheng Yibing, CGTN, Kuqa in Xinjiang."