Yungang Grottoes

Tour Code : C1747

Type : Historic sites

City / Province : Shanxi (Datong、Pingyao)

Built in : 460.A.D

Highlights

As one of most famous ancient grottoes , Yungang Grottoes is said to be the best preserved Buddhist cave art in China with 53 caves containing over 51,000 stone carvings of Buddha and Buddhist dating from the 5th and 6th centuries.

Introduction
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Yungang Grottoes

　　Yungang Grottoes, one of the three major cave clusters in China, punctuate the north cliff of Wuzhou Mountain, Datong. The area was excavated along the mountain, extending 1 km (0.62 miles) from east to west, revealing 53 caves and over 51,000 stone statues.
　　The 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 ceilingsStarted in 450, the grottoes a relic of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). Absorbing Indian Gandhara Buddhist art, the sculptures here developed traditional Chinese art melded with 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, standing15-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 SaykamuniCaves 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 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.

Yungang Grottoes graphically tell the story of past glory.

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5 Days Datong and Pingyao Tour by Train

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This Datong and Pingyao tour package selects many cultural and historical attractions in Shanxi province! In just five days, delve into the Buddhist buildings like Yungang Grottos, Hanging Temple, and Shuanglin Temple. Besides, fully understand splendid residence buildings at Pingyao Ancient City and Wang Family Compound. 　　

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Visit the historical wonders on this private one day tour in Datong. Enjoy ample time to tour grottoes of thousands of Buddhist statues in Yungang Grottoes. Explore the famous Hanging Temple with Buddhas carved on cliff, smaller caverns and niches filled with murals and figurines.

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The Datong classic tour gives you the chance to explore the prosperous historical and cultural relics, Datong highlights such as the Nine Dragon Screen, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, discover Buddhist statues in the Yungang Grottoes and plus visit the cliff-side Hengshan Hanging Temple, Shanhua Temple with Liao Dynasty architecture style, and Datong Confucius Temple with a profound and splendid history.

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Shanxi is a rare paradise for cultural fanatics where they can get acquainted with lots of Buddha temples, grottoes, pagodas and villas of ancient commercial tycoons, receiving hundreds and hundreds of overseas Buddhists and architectural buffs every year. Explore World Heritage sites including Pingyao Ancient City, Yungang Grottoes, Mount Wutai, with some historical yet popular sites to complete your wonderful Shanxi tour.

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