Qiuci, located in present-day Kuqa, Xinjiang, is known for its Buddhist grotto murals, music, and dance. A thousand years ago, it was home to countless temples and vibrant art.

A traveler crosses the desert to the Kumutula Caves dances gracefully in a dreamlike scene. The dance, inspired by Qiuci’s mural art blends the elegance of Central Plains dance with the vigor of Western Regions dance mirroring the distinctive characteristics of contemporary Uygur dance.