Follow Wukong to explore the ancient architecture of the Yungang Grottoes in Datong.

🌈The Yungang Grottoes are located at the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain, 17 kilometers west of Datong City, Shanxi Province. The excavation began in the Northern Wei Dynasty. During the period of Emperor Daowu of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Tuoba Gui moved the capital to Pingcheng (now Datong City). Emperor Wencheng Tuoba Jun ordered Tan Yao to preside over the restoration of the Dharma. Tan Yao chose the beautiful Wuzhou Mountain to excavate the grottoes. Most of the grottoes in Yungang were completed before Emperor Xiaowen Yuanhong moved to Luoyang. The excavation of the Yungang Grottoes lasted for about 150 years. There are currently 45 main grottoes and more than 59,000 stone carvings. It is a world cultural heritage and a treasure in the treasure house of Chinese grotto art. ❤When you enter the Yungang Grottoes Scenic Area, the first thing you see is Tan Yao Square. In the center of the square stands a statue of Tan Yao. He has a firm face and deep eyes, as if he is staring at this group of grottoes he created by himself. Tan Yao, a famous monk in the Northern Wei Dynasty, was the promoter and organizer of the excavation of the Yungang Grottoes, and excavated the first five grottoes of the Yungang Grottoes. ❤The Yungang Grottoes stand out among many grotto temples. Its most prominent feature is the strong Gandhara art atmosphere. Here, you can clearly see the perfect fusion of Indian and Central Asian art elements with Greek and Roman architectural shapes, decorative patterns, and human facial features. Walking into the 12th cave is like walking into a paradise of music. Looking up, the heavenly musicians and flying musicians either live in the cave top, or surround the lotus, or protect the Buddha niche. Some sit upright, some fly and play. The colorful colors and brilliant art are intertwined to form a grand music celebration ceremony. ❤What is particularly eye-catching is the 13.75-meter-high open-air seated statue of Sakyamuni in the 20th cave. The part above its chest is quite well preserved. The face is semi-circular, with deep eyes and high nose, big eyes and thin lips. It perfectly retains the facial features of the ethnic minorities in the Western Regions and Indians, and is a treasure of art. 🍵Ticket price: 120 yuan (peak season), 100 yuan (off season); opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00-17:00 (January 1-December 31), recommended tour time is half a day.