40 Best Scenic Spots Recommended by CNN VIII: Yugang Grottoes, A Treasure of World Grottoes

Buddhism, one of the most popular religions in China. You can find a lot of Buddhist architectures like temple, Grottoes which built many years ago. Yugang Grottoes, will be talked about in the article, is one of the four major grottoes in China. Explore it when you take a China tour to Datong.

Chapter Eight

Yungang Grottoes, A Treasure of World Grottoes

Are you interesting in culture heritages in China? Are you curious about Chinese Buddha? If one of the answer is YES, you should not miss this article. 

Background of Yungang Grottoes

Talking about Yungang Grottoes, the first thing you should know is the background. The grottoes

Whole View of Yugang Grottoes

were built in Northern Wei Dynasty around A.D.460 for emperors to pray for the country prosperity and to release souls from suffering. Although at that time, the Buddhism was not as prosperous as it in Tang Dynasty, the governors hoped the grottoes of Buddhism can consolidate their power. It took years to finish this gorgeous heritage and it witness the prosperity and decline of Chinese grottoes.

Introduction of Yungang Grottoes

Composed by 45 grottoes, yungang grottoes is one of the four greatest grottoes in China and is a UNESCO Culture Heritage (Grottoes) together with Mogao Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes and Dazu Carving in China. It is also the essence of Chinese grottoes in 5th century.

Facing the 45 grottoes, you may be confused and want to know which one is the best one. Among the 45 grottoes, the first 20 are the best ones for tourists to this scenic spot. The

The 20th Grottoes

content of grottoes, the carving skill and painting are the top ones comparing with the rest. yungang Grottoes are the beginning of stylish transformation of grotto art into Chinese. By seeing the first 20 grottoes, you will learn track of how Indian and Middle Asia Buddhism art were changed into the Chinese one. Besides, the grottoes will show you three periods’ artistic style of China --exotic in Early Northern Wei, luxury in Middle time and exquisite in late Northern Wei. If you are interesting in Chinese culture of Northern Wei, yungang Grottoes area good reference.

Recommended Grottoes in Yungang Grottoes

Although the first 20 grottoes are the best ones for traveling in yungang Grottoes, there are some most popular ones among the first 20 grottoes. 

The Fifth Grottoes 

The 20th grottoes: Carved three Buddhas, it is the representative of yungang Grottoes Carving Art

The 16th grottoes: There are thousands of Buddhas carved with shrine. The carvings are beautiful.

The 15th grottoes: Called the Wanfo Grotto, here you will see ten thousand buddha carving here.

Being a relic built in 1500 years ago, yungang Grottoes are not as charm as before. With time goes by and people’s damage, the color of the carvings has faded and many statues in the grottoes are broken. Chinese government has taken actions to restore the broken ones but it is a huge project. If you travel to yungang Grottoes, please following the guide.