Yungang Grottoes

Yungang Grottoes is China's oldest attraction, thanks to cave grottas that were cut down here about 15 centuries ago. This area, which attracts many tourists, is located 400 km. from Beijing.

Political aspects gradually transformed Indian Buddhism into the Chinese religion. Buddhism has not played any role in China for several centuries in a row. Yungang Caves are a magnificent Buddhist monument of all China, which are created by the hands of mankind. So much work has been invested here that respect for talented ancient masters immediately appears.

Archaeologists have established that the caves in the rock were cut down around the 5th century, and the sculptures themselves, which are their decoration, were created no earlier than the 6th century.

The Yungang cave complex has many images of birds and animals, and Buddha of various sizes is also represented here. The decoration of the caves is various Buddhist saints and dancers. The walls are generously embellished by bas-reliefs and ornaments, which are preserved almost in their original form. In total, there are close to 50 thousand statues that have come to us since ancient times. They are placed in grottoes, which are divided into 3 parts – North, West and East. Each grotto stands out for its unique sculptures.

One of the most famous caves of Yungang is the fifth-room cave, which belongs to the Middle Group. She was glorified by the largest Buddha, whose sculpture reaches seventeen meters. It is so large that more than a hundred people can sit on its knee at the same time, and the size of the Buddha’s ear is as much as three meters. In one of the Yungang caves you can find the smallest statue of Buddha, about 2 cm in size, but despite the size, this is a very valuable relic of the culture of all of China.

Around 486, the ruling emperor created a decree where he was about wearing Chinese decoration throughout the royal court. It is at this time that Buddha statues also acquire a Chinese look, applying a layer of appropriate painting. During this period, Buddhism finds a Chinese face in Yungan caves.

During Buddhist holidays, many pilgrims gather here, and even the saints themselves look at visitors from their lodges at this time.