Yungang Grottoes

The Yungang Grottoes, located at the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain in Datong, Shanxi Province are one of three major cave complexes in China.

The construction of the caves was started by the renowned monk Tan Yao in 453 (during the Northern Wei Dynasty) and took 50 years to complete. Some 40,000 people, including Buddhists from what is present-day Sri Lanka, contributed to the huge endeavor.

Yungang Grottoes

The Yungang Grottoes were built against the mountain and extend about one kilometer (0.62 miles) from east to west. Totally there are 53 grottoes in Yungang. These include some 1,000 alcoves and recesses with about 51,000 statues. These statues make up a treasure trove of grotto art that combines traditional Chinese art forms with foreign influence, particularly Greek and Indian.

The Grottoes are numbered from east to west and each has its own character. Grottos No. 5-20 in the central zone form the most amazing part of the whole complex. Grotto 6 depicts the life of Sakyamuni (founder of Buddhism) from the day of his birth up to the time of his achieving Buddhahood. Grottos 16-20 are the earliest of the Yungang grottos. Sculptures inside these five caves symbolize the five Northern Wei rulers. Grotto 20 houses the sitting statute of Sakyamuni. It is 13.7 meters (45 ft.) high with a full and round face, majestic smile, slim lips, a high nose, radiant eyes, broad shoulders, and ears that extend almost to the shoulders. It is the most important Buddha sculptures in the Yungang Grottoes.

Among the statues, those of Buddha, Bodhisattva, Arhat and Flying Apsaras are rich in variety and true to life. The tallest statue of Buddha is 17 meters (56 ft.) tall while the smallest is only several centimeters. These stone sculptures are majestic, vivid and unique, showcasing the superb skills of the craftsmen.