Videos about YunGang, China

Exploring the YunGang Grottoes, near DaTong, ShanXi province

Ancient Buddhist carving caves.

With DuckTravel ...

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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.

YunGang Caves, Hanging Temple, YingXian Pagoda, HengShan, Datong

Videographer : marcobandi

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YunGang Caves

The YunGang Grottoes, one of the three major cave clusters in China, punctuate the southern foot of the north face of WuZhou Mountain, in the ShiLi River valley, 16 km west of Datong City. The worked area extends about 1 km (0.7 miles) from east to west. There are 252 caves of various sizes and over 50,000 stone statues.

The Caves are divided into east, middle, and west parts. Pagodas dominate the eastern parts; west caves are small and mid-sized with niches. Caves in the middle are made up of front and back chambers with Buddha statues in the center. Embossing covers walls and ceilings.

Started in 450, YunGang Caves are a relic of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). Absorbing Indian Gandhara Buddhist art, Yungang sculptures developed traditional Chinese art blended with contemporary social features.

The Hanging Temple at Mount HengShan

The Hanging Monastery (XuanKong Si) is one of the most dramatic sights at HengShan - a wooden temple clinging to the cliff side about 75 meters (250 feet) above ground, appearing to defy gravity with only a few wooden posts as support. The Hanging Monastery, constructed from 491, has survived more than 1,500 years. The extant monastery was largely rebuilt during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties and last restored in 1900. There are 40 wooden halls and structures linked by an ingenious system of pillars, posts and walkways.

HengShan lies in HunYuan County, ShanXi province. The closest city is Datong, 65 kilometers to the northwest. Although HengShan is one of the five sacred Taoist mountains of China, the temples and grottoes at this part of the mountain are all Buddhist, though with some Taoist, and Confucian influences.

Along with the YunGang Grottoes, the Hanging Temple is one of the main tourist attractions and historical sites in the Datong area. Built more than 1,500 years ago, this temple is notable not only for its location on a sheer precipice but also because it includes Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. The structure is kept in place with wooden crossbeams fitted into holes chiseled into the cliffs; the main supportive structure is ingeniously hidden.

According to legend, construction of the temple started at the end of the Northern Wei dynasty by only one man, a monk named Liao Ran. Over a history of more than 1,500 years, many repairs and extensions have led to its present-day scale.

YingXian Pagoda

In the center of the small town, 75 kilometers south of Datong, stands the stately YingXian Pagoda, one of the oldest wooden buildings in China. Constructed in 1056 during the Liao dynasty, the octagonal pagoda, towers nearly 70m high in nine stories; an early masterpiece of structual engineering.

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