Exploring the YunGang Grottoes, near DaTong, ShanXi province

Ancient Buddhist carving caves.

With DuckTravel ...

[640],shadow=true,start=,stop=

Visitor Guide to the YunGang Grottoes

Introduction to the YunGang Grottoes

The YunGang Grottoes (云冈石窟), located near Datong in ShanXi Province, are one of China's most remarkable ancient Buddhist art sites. Carved into the sandstone cliffs during the Northern Wei Dynasty (5th–6th centuries), the grottoes feature over 51,000 statues and carvings, showcasing the fusion of Chinese, Indian, and Central Asian artistic traditions. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the YunGang Grottoes are a must-visit for history, art, and culture enthusiasts.

Highlights of the YunGang Grottoes

  • The Five Iconic Caves (TanYao Five Caves) - These are the earliest and most impressive caves, featuring colossal Buddha statues that symbolize the power and authority of the Northern Wei emperors. Cave 20, with its towering seated Buddha, is particularly famous.
  • Intricate Carvings and Reliefs - The grottoes are adorned with detailed carvings of Buddhist deities, celestial beings, and narrative scenes from Buddhist scriptures. The craftsmanship reflects the artistic brilliance of the era.
  • Cultural Fusion - The grottoes display a unique blend of Chinese and foreign influences, including Gandharan and Gupta styles, highlighting the Silk Road's cultural exchange.
  • Outdoor Statues - In addition to the cave carvings, the site features numerous outdoor statues and steles, offering a glimpse into the religious and artistic practices of the time.

Visitor Information

  • Location: The YunGang Grottoes are located approximately 16 kilometers west of Datong City in ShanXi Province.
  • Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (April–October); 8:30 AM to 4:50 PM (November–March).
  • Entrance Fee: Approximately 120 CNY (April–October); 100 CNY (November–March). Discounts are available for students and seniors.
  • Guided Tours: English-speaking guides are available for hire at the entrance, providing in-depth insights into the history and significance of the grottoes.

How to Get There

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Datong YunGang Airport, with connections to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. From the airport, taxis or buses can take you to the grottoes.
  • By Train: Datong is well-connected by high-speed rail. From Datong Railway Station, you can take a taxi or bus to the grottoes (about 30 minutes).
  • By Car: The grottoes are easily accessible by car via the Datong–YunGang Expressway.

Tips for Visitors

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Avoid visiting during national holidays, as the site can get very busy.
  • What to Wear: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the site involves some walking. Bring a hat and sunscreen during summer, as parts of the site are exposed.
  • Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash photography is prohibited inside the caves to protect the ancient artwork.
  • Respect the Site: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the grottoes are a precious cultural treasure. Avoid touching the carvings and follow all posted guidelines.

Nearby Attractions

  • HengShan Hanging Temple (悬空寺) - A unique temple built into a cliff face, combining Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements.
  • Datong City Wall - A well-preserved ancient city wall offering panoramic views of Datong.
  • Nine Dragon Screen (九龙壁) - A stunning glazed-tile screen depicting nine dragons, located in Datong.

Conclusion

The YunGang Grottoes are a testament to China's rich cultural and religious history. With their awe-inspiring statues, intricate carvings, and historical significance, they offer a profound and unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, the YunGang Grottoes are a must-see destination in China.

ShanXi map

Related Videos

 

Featured Videos

Dali 大理, YunNan province – Travelogue
Dali 大理, YunNan province – Travelogue
A fascinating, hour plus documentary by CCTV's Travelogue (from the English language CCTV9 channel). Dali is a four and a half hours drive from KunMing, the provincial capital of YunNan in south China, or forty minutes by air. By rail it is also connected to nearby LiJiang. We haven't posted a Travelogue for a couple of years, but are very happy to say that it is back to its best - intelligent presenter and beautiful cinematography. Highly recommended. Inhabited predominantly by the Bai and Yi ethnic groups. 1 : Dali Old Town 1/1 In this segment, presenter Katrina Yu tours the artistic cobblestone streets of the Old Town, meeting adventurous travelers along the way -- and shows where you can party with musical locals at night. 1/2 Katrina sails across the serenely beautiful ErHai Lake, enjoying a taste of ethnic Bai culture along the way. She also gets a lesson in an ancient handcraft and peeks inside a luxurious lakeside guesthouse. 1/3 Katrina strolls through the surrounding grounds of Dali's iconic Three Pagodas, and shows audiences the breath-taking view from the top of the soaring CangShan Mountains. 2 : The outskirts of Dali 2/1 Katrina hikes the holy paths of JiZu Mountain, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in China, and discovers the historic temples which have given the area the nickname of "scented wonderland" 2/2 Katrina visits the traditional ethnic Bai village of XinHua. Join her as she is treated to a colorful 'Eight bowl' Bai banquet and gets a lesson in an age-old handicraft from a master silver maker. 2/3 Katrina wanders through the ancient town of ShaXi. Join her as she savors the sights and tastes of the bustling weekly market, and finds out how this age-old center has succeeded in becoming a modern tourist destination while maintaining its old-world charm. 3 : The 'thousand year old' village of NuoDeng, deep in rural Dali 3/1 Katrina and the crew arrive at the hillside village. They get a taste of Nuodeng's famous salted ham and meet a local man whose character is just as interesting as the temple he guards. 3/2 Katrina visits a unique family museum, and has her pulse checked at a guesthouse where the owners offer holistic health treatments as well as accommodation. 3/3 Katrina plays teacher and student for a day, getting a lesson in local culture at Nuodeng's lively primary school.
Xi’An 西安 – lively city !
Xi’An 西安 – lively city !
Xi'An is the provincial capital of ShaanXi, central China. August 13th 2016 : high heat alert - over 40C is seriously hot so take plenty of water (and some salty food). Xi'An is one of the oldest cities in China and was known as Chang'An prior to the Ming dynasty. Indeed, Xi'An is the oldest of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, having held this position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang. Xi'An was the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road trade route. Xi'An is also home to the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang, who became China's first emperor after the Qin (dynasty: 220 to 210 BC) conquered / unified all of the other Warring States. Rather than maintain the title of 'king' borne by the previous Shang and Zhou rulers, he created the title of 'emperor' (皇帝, HuángDì), which would continue to be borne by Chinese rulers for the next two millennia.
The China / West schism, with Martin Jacques
The China / West schism, with Martin Jacques
How the West created the discord with China, and Asia, and what might ensue ...
Monsters and Big Fish – a music special
Monsters and Big Fish – a music special
Music - the global language that brings people together. Love has no borders. Zhou Shen sings 'Monsters' by Katie Sky - a song about the demons that can crush the human spirit. Reaction by Katie, talking with YouTuber British Jack - and a challenge ... British Jack and British Mum invited their friend and Professional UK Singer Katie Sky (of Monsters) to sing 周深 Zhou Shen's '大鱼/ Big Fish' all in Chinese! As we all know, 'Big Fish' is a very difficult song full of Chinese style, with a beautiful melody. As a powerful singer, Katie Sky showed off her voice today and sang a deep 'Big Fish', which amazed British Jack and British Mum ... Katie Sky - Big Fish, the video ... Katie and Jack look back on the musical journey, and also to the future ... Don't miss the totally beautiful, moving and inspiring 2018 animated movie Big Fish and Begonia ... Big Fish lyrics ... The waves of the sea soundlessly drowns out the night, Overflowing from the edges of the sky. Big Fish is swimming in the gaps of dreamscape, Gazing upon your slumbering form. Look - the sea and sky are of the same color, Listen - raising winds and falling rain. Take your hand, blow away the endless mist. Big Fish's wings are too vast, I release the ropes of time. I fear you'd fly far, Far away from me. But I fear even more so that you stay here forever. Every drop of tear, they flow to you. Falling into the depths of the sky. The waves of the sea soundlessly drowns out the night, Overflowing from the edges of the sky. Big Fish is swimming in the gaps of dreamscape, Gazing upon your slumbering form. Look; the sea and sky are of the same color, Listen; raising winds and falling rain. Take your hand, blow away the endless mist. Big Fish's wings are too vast, I release the ropes of time. Watch you fly far, so far, Far away from me. It was true, you were born for the Heavens. Every drop of tear, they all flow to you. Falling back to the first time we met. Falling back to the first time we met. Falling back to ... the first time ... we met.
Aerial scenes of YangShuo 阳朔 and GuiLin 桂林, GuangXi province
Aerial scenes of YangShuo 阳朔 and GuiLin 桂林, GuangXi province
Beautiful ...
ShangHai 上海 in timelapse
ShangHai 上海 in timelapse
The beautiful HuangShan 黄山 Mountain, part 2 (5/7)
The beautiful HuangShan 黄山 Mountain, part 2 (5/7)
AnHui province.
China’s watermelon season begins …
China’s watermelon season begins …
With DianXi XiaoGe ... Bonus films - mandarin oranges ... Grapes ... Plums ...
Dance !
Dance !
Dance - the second international language, after its sister : music. BeijingBuzzz is 9 (and a half - July 2017) ! So besides a little jelly, we thought we'd celebrate with a typically eclectic selection of 12 dance videos from our first 9 years ... Two left feet ? No matter; whatever your passion, remember that time flies - follow your dream; how often does the butterfly land in the palm of your hand ...? Keep warm this winter, but also be cool - and get off that sofa, or internet, now and then ... Live more ! (especially if you have noted that there are actually 13 videos ;) Happiness is not what you get, but what you give. Become a fountain of joy and share the love ...

Tag search ?