STORY: Ancient grottoes in China's Xinjiang attract tourists worldwide
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Oct. 19, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:13
LOCATION: BAICHENG, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZHANG YUDONG, Xinhua correspondent
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ANARGUL, Tour guide at Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): HOU LIPING, Visitor
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ANARGUL, Tour guide at Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves

STORYLINE:

The Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves in Xinjiang, one of China's earliest large-scale grotto groups, attracts visitors from all over the world.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZHANG YUDONG, Xinhua correspondent
"The Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves attract tourists from all over the world. There is a docent who has been working here for years. She is explaining in this grotto. Let's go inside."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): ANARGUL, Tour guide at Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves
"One feature of the flying apsaras here, especially during the early stages, was that they appeared to be somewhat clumsy. But gradually, their appearance began to combine elements of the Han people, with a more feminine and graceful appearance, floating more lightly in the air."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): HOU LIPING, Visitor
"I am deeply impressed. Apparently, it holds significant historical value."

Anargul is a native of Kizil Township, where the Kizil grottoes are located. While explaining the Kizil Caves to visitors, Anargul deeply felt that this job allowed her to gain a better understanding of the local history.

SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): ANARGUL, Tour guide at Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves
"The attire depicted in the murals is very beautiful and shares similarities with the clothing of ethnic groups today. For example, certain patterns, such as the acanthus design, are commonly found in the carpets of some ethnic groups today."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Baicheng, China.
(XHTV)