Western Thousand-Buddha Cave
The Western Thousand-Buddha Cave, situated to the west of Dunhuang Mogao Caves, is set into a cliff on the bank of the Dang River, 35 km from Dunhuang City in Gansu Province. Because the frescos in this cave are similar in structure and artistic style to those found in Mogao Caves, the Western Thousand-Buddha Cave is considered Duahuang Buddhist art. Although the exact ages of the caves are not known, there is speculation that this cave may have emerged earlier than the Mogao Caves did.
What to see?
There are 16 caverns, over 800 square meters of murals and 34 painted clay statues. Some of the caverns were made in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and others in the Wei Dynasty (386 - 534). Unfortunately, some of the caverns have collapsed, but ten of them are open to tourists.
In cavern No. 4, we find several very large statues. They are painted with strong bodies and slender eyebrows.
In cavern No. 5, decorated during the Wei Dynasty, we find an inscription written by a Buddhist disciple called Tanzang for the figures of his dead grandparents and parents. So far, more than 70 characters can be seen clearly.
Moving on to cavern No.7, we see one of the most famous aspects of the cave, a painting of Apsaras, a Buddhist god (known for dancing and singing), which is painted so vividly that it seems to come to life.
In cavern No. 9, a unique structure shaped like nomad's yurt, serves as a valuable reference for researching the ethnic customs of Gansu Province. The god Nryana, an outstanding warrior in Buddhist legend, appears painted under some stone statues. In the caves, many colorful frescos tell informative Buddhist stories, putting these caves among the finest sources of Buddhist art in China.
The Western Thousand-Buddha Cave is all this and more. The surrounding landscape is blessed with healthy ancient trees, and a nearby brook runs clear and clean, making this impressive repository of Buddhist art feel like Xanadu.
Travel Tips
Add: 35 km away from downtown Dunhuang City,Gansu Province
Entrance Fee: CNY 30
Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
What to see?
There are 16 caverns, over 800 square meters of murals and 34 painted clay statues. Some of the caverns were made in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and others in the Wei Dynasty (386 - 534). Unfortunately, some of the caverns have collapsed, but ten of them are open to tourists.In cavern No. 4, we find several very large statues. They are painted with strong bodies and slender eyebrows.
In cavern No. 5, decorated during the Wei Dynasty, we find an inscription written by a Buddhist disciple called Tanzang for the figures of his dead grandparents and parents. So far, more than 70 characters can be seen clearly.
Moving on to cavern No.7, we see one of the most famous aspects of the cave, a painting of Apsaras, a Buddhist god (known for dancing and singing), which is painted so vividly that it seems to come to life.In cavern No. 9, a unique structure shaped like nomad's yurt, serves as a valuable reference for researching the ethnic customs of Gansu Province. The god Nryana, an outstanding warrior in Buddhist legend, appears painted under some stone statues. In the caves, many colorful frescos tell informative Buddhist stories, putting these caves among the finest sources of Buddhist art in China.
The Western Thousand-Buddha Cave is all this and more. The surrounding landscape is blessed with healthy ancient trees, and a nearby brook runs clear and clean, making this impressive repository of Buddhist art feel like Xanadu.
Travel Tips
Add: 35 km away from downtown Dunhuang City,Gansu Province
Entrance Fee: CNY 30
Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
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