Xinjiang's Rawak Temple ruins offer window into Silk Road Buddhist heritage

Xatnur Sadik said many of the unearthed sculptures and murals bear the South Asian Gandhara style, offering valuable materials for studying ancient Buddhism in the region. The site has yet to undergo formal archaeological excavation, although investigations into surrounding ancient city remnants and river courses suggest it was once a bustling area.

Current preservation includes reinforcing the stupa and protective fences. Straw grids have been deployed to control wind and sand erosion, with caretakers regularly on duty.