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What is the importance of the Silk Road for Xinjiang?
The Silk Road was a network of trade routes connecting China to Central Asia and Europe. Xinjiang was an important stop on this route, with cities like Kashgar serving as hubs for trade. The Silk Road allowed for significant cultural and commercial exchanges that shaped the region's history and culture.
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How did Buddhism develop in Xinjiang?
Buddhism arrived in Xinjiang around the 1st century AD, brought by itinerant monks on the Silk Road. It developed in the region for several centuries, constructing many temples and caves, such as those of Kizil and Bezeklik. However, with the arrival of Islam in the 10th century, Buddhism gradually declined in Xinjiang, leaving behind a rich artistic and cultural heritage.rtistic and cultural heritage.