As one of the three major cave clusters in China, Yungang Grottoes, are located the north cliff of Wuzhou Mountain, Datong. The area was excavated along the mountain, extending 1 km from east to west, revealing 53 caves and over 51,000 stone statues.

 

Yungang Grottoes are divided into east, middle, and west parts. Pagodas dominate the eastern parts; west caves are small and mid-sized with niches. Caves in the middle are made up of front and back chambers with Buddha statues in the center. Embossing covers walls and ceilings.

 

Being a relic of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), the Yungang Grottoes were started in 450.  Absorbing Indian Gandhara Buddhist art, the sculptures here developed traditional Chinese art melded with social features of the time.

 

During the reign of Emperor Xiao Wen a monk named Tanyao took charge of the construction of Yungang Grottoes. The largest cave is No.6, which is 20 meters (65.6 foot) high, standing a 15-meter (49.2-foot)-high pagoda-like column decorated with Buddha statues and designs. On the four sides of the tower pillar, and on the east, south and west walls of the cave, 33 embossed panels depict the story of Saykamuni.

Yungang Grottoes graphically tell the story of past glory. The caves worth special attention are No.16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. Upon Tan Yao's suggestion, five statues of Emperors Taizu, Taizong, Shizu, Gaozong, and Gaozu as Buddha express the religious theme that the Emperor is Buddha. Caves housing these statues are known as the Five Tan Yao Caves, similar in style but not identical. The statue in Cave 20 is martial and stately, No.19 handsome and elegant, while No.18 is dignified but lively. Their similarity lies in their thick lips, big noses, slanted eyes and broad shoulders depicting the ethnic culture of the time.

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Travel Tips
Add: in the north cliff of Wuzhou Mountain, Datong. , Shanxi Province
Entrance Fees: CNY 120
Opening Hours: :08:00-17:00