Yungang Grottoes

(Image source: www.shanxichina.gov.cn)

Yungang Grottoes is one of the largest grottoes in China. Together with the other three grottoes: Mo Kao Grotto at Dunhuang, Gragon Gate Grotto at Luoyang, and Maijishan Grotto, they are known as the Four Grotto Treasures in China. It’s located on the south foot of Wuzhou Mountain, 16 kilometers west to Datong City, Shanxi Province. It was dug along the mountain with a stretch of one kilometer from east to west. It’s grand and abundant.

There are 51 caverns that house 252 shrines of different sizes and 51,000 statues, with the highest one being 17 meters and shortest one being several centimeters. The designs of these statues are vivid and lively. It was listed as the world cultural heritage in 2001. Five Grottoes of Tanyao have precise and neat design and layout and it’s a master piece in the first peak stage of Chinese Buddhism art. Wuhua Cave has gorgeous carved decorations which are colorful. Viewing these caves is a precious way to study the history, art, music, dance, calligraphy and architecture in Northern Wei Dynasty.