Chakar Luopu Grottoes, the only national protected grotto temple in Lhasa

Chakar Luopu Grottoes, also known as Luopu Rock Temple, was built in the 740s of the 7th century during the Tang Dynasty. It was presided over by the Ru Yongfei (Jie Mo Zun) of Songtsan Gampo and took 13 years to complete. It belongs to the early Buddhist stupa-style grottoes, which were popular during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties and the Sui and Tang Dynasties. They were spread in Central Asia, the Western Regions and the Central Plains, and were less seen after the Tang Dynasty. There are 71 statues on the central stone pillar and the south, north, and west walls of the grottoes. Except for two mud sculptures, the rest are all stone carvings. Among the 71 statues, there are 47 statues from the Tubo period. Their performance techniques are influenced by Indian and Nepalese carvings and have the early carving style of Tubo. They are now the eighth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. This cave-style small temple is the only grotto in Tibetan history that can be traced back to the Tubo period. It not only adds foreign cultural elements to Tibet's local culture, but also is a brilliant stroke in the history of ancient cultural exchanges, integrating and carrying the artistic essence of various different cultures! The grottoes are located on the waist of the eastern slope of Yao Wang Mountain, 22 meters from the ground, and only one or two hundred meters from the famous 50 yuan internet celebrity check-in spot Yao Wang Mountain viewing platform. It is this short distance, the viewing platform is crowded with people, and there are few tourists on the side of the grotto temple. The price of 20 yuan is very cheap among the various attractions in Lhasa with high ticket prices. Going up the steps, this small grotto temple is also small but complete. The statues and cliff carvings in the single grotto are very dense, and the style is indeed different from the Buddhist grottoes in Xinjiang, Hexi Corridor, and the Central Plains. It's very alternative. The lamas in the temple are generally friendly and did not prohibit us from taking pictures. On the top floor of the grotto temple, we found a great position for side shots of the Potala Palace, which is much better than the perspective of the Yao Wang Mountain viewing platform!