A vast network of crumbling ruins on the western bank of the Nexus River in Xinjiang presents a unique glimpse into the former splendor of this region. In fact, Subashi stands as the largest Buddhist temple complex found in modern Xinjiang, harkening to its splendor as once the largest  of the “Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions,” as mentioned in the Book of Han, an historical account of China and the surrounding regions written in the 2nd century. From the 3rd to 13th centuries A.D. the city rose tall and welcomed weary visitors near and far as a branch of the northern spur of the Silk Road.

The original age of this settlement suggests a much early period though, as evidenced by some incredible artifacts discovered. The “Witches of Subashi” is one such, where three woman dated to the 3rd century B.C. were found to have long, pointed hats and unique clothing. Figurines and a wooden casket depicting images of Central Asian men were also found in the site. The rediscovery of Subashi is credited to the Japanese archaeologist and Buddhist leader Count Otani, who carried out excavations at this site in the early 1900’s. Even today, where the excavations reveal streets, pavilions and pagodas, it still remains seldom visited and reminds the visitor how much has been lost to history.

In 2014, Subashi, along with 32 other sites along the Xinjiang - Gansu corridor were inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List as Silk Roads: The Routes Network of Chang’an - Tianshan Corridor.