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Yungang Grottoes
A treasure trove of stone sculpture
Located 10 miles (16km) west of the city of Datong in Shanxi province, the Yungang Grottoes became a famous tourist attraction in the 1980s. The image of Buddha in the twentieth grotto has already become popular, and is available in pictures and souvenir albums, and on postage stamps. The big statues in the grottoes are known as a landmark scene, while small statues behind the big ones - ignored by many - attract the attention of the discerning visitor, especially those in the fifth and sixth grottoes.
The statues covering the cliff catch your eye upon entering. The most representative grotto is No.6, which features the story of the spreading of Buddhism, together with Buddha, Bodhisattvas, arhats, and flying Apsaras.
Also known as the "Grotto of Sakyamuni," it is dominated by a huge square pillar some 49 ft (15m) high. The 20-odd statues on the four sides of the pillar depict scenes from the life of Sakyamuni, from his birth to his attainment of nirvana.
In the Chinese-style pavilion, some of the figures play flutes, others play stringed instruments. Still others invite reclining men to have more to drink. Above these are two figures sitting hand in hand, who are presumably talking lovingly to each other.
Groups of standing or kneeling Bodhisattvas and arhats are reminiscent of sculptures in ancient India, Greece, and Egypt.
The stone statues of Buddha in the Gown style are characteristic of Chinese images of Buddha. Those in other styles are foreign, even western. According to The Chinese History of Art by Wang Xun and The Cambridge Introduction to the History of Art by Susan Woodford, et al., both the Chinese and the western style sculptures are equally impressive, despite their different techniques and clothing.
The atmosphere of Grotto No.12 is enlivened by statues of flying Apsaras that dance on the ceiling and walls. Of these, perhaps the most captivating is a group carved on the northern wall. One Apsaras is known as the "Chinese Venus."
With a history of 1500 years, the Yungang Grottoes were first built in the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534AD). The whole area extends about two thirds of a mile (l km) from east to west. The existing 53 grottoes are home to an amazing total of more than 5100 stone statues.
Historians of Buddhism regard the grottoes as a treasure trove. The Northern Wei dynasty is an important period during which Buddhism was fairly popular, and instrumental in the emperors' rule of the country.
In a word, the Yungang Grottoes are both a scenic spot and a valuable historical resource.
Location
The Yungang Grottoes are situated at the foot of Wuzhou Mountain, 10 miles (16km) west of Datong on the loess plateau.
Climate
In this area there is a weather pattern of cold winters and cool summers, with a big difference in temperatures between day and night. The two best seasons to visit are spring and summer.
Of Special Interest
The grottoes date back some 1500 years to the Northern Wei dynasty. In the existing 53 grottoes, which stretch about two thirds of a mile (1km) from east to west, there are 5100 or so statues. Grottoes Nos. 16-20 are the earliest, the giant statue of Buddha in the open at Grotto No.20 being the representative work of Yungang. Noted as one of the four most famous grottoes in China, this particular one is of very high artistic merit.
Main Attractions
Giant Buddha at Grotto No.20, Grottoes Nos. 5 and 6, and Grottoes Nos. 16-20.
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