▲ The Yungang Grottoes, a 5A-level tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site, represent one of ancient China's most precious grotto complexes and a magnificent masterpiece from the Northern Wei Dynasty.
▲ It is known as one of China's Four Great Grotto Art Treasures alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, and Maiji Mountain Grottoes in Tianshui. Originally named Lingyan Temple and Stone Buddha Temple, the grottoes are located at the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain in Datong, Shanxi Province. The deep area of Wuzhou Mountain is called Yungang, hence the name Yungang Grottoes.
▲ The grottoes were carved into the mountain, stretching 1 km from east to west. There are currently 45 main caves with over 59,000 statues of various sizes, covering a carved area of more than 18,000 square meters. The statues range from 17 meters tall to as small as 2 cm. The Yungang Grottoes hold significant historical and cultural value, particularly in the history of Northern Buddhism, the history of the Northern Wei Dynasty, and the artistic value of stone carvings.
