The ancient oasis town of Kuqa (Kuche); though now overshadowed by Korla to the east and Aksu to the west; was once a key stop on the Northern Silk Road. It first came under Han Chinese control when it was conquered; in 91AD; by the indomitable General Ban Chao.

By the 4th century it had emerged as an important centre of Tocharian civilisation sitting astride not just the Northern Silk Road; but also lesser routes to Dzungaria in the north and Khotan in the south. The celebrated Buddhist monk Kumarajiva was born here; and travelled west on the Silk Road to study in Kashmir before returning east; to Wuwei; where he taught and translated Buddhist texts for 17 years.