On October 18, the “Toward a New Era of Open and Inclusive China” event drew to a close, leading the visiting group to their final destination in the outskirts of Datong, Shanxi Province: the Yungang Grottoes, a treasure trove of China’s grotto art.
As the autumn breeze swept away the leaves and the sunlight cast a warm glow, the group explored the grottoes, delving into the history crafted through centuries of intricate chiseling.
The Yungang Grottoes, which date back over 1,500 years, were the first large-scale cave temples commissioned by the royal family after the advent of Buddhism in China. These caves showcase a stunning fusion of artistic elements from India and Central Asia, alongside influences from Greek and Roman architectural styles and decorative motifs, revealing the deep connections with major world civilizations.
Carved into the mountainside, the grottoes stretch impressively for about a kilometer. Today, there are 45 major caves and 209 smaller ones, covering an astonishing area of over 18,000 square meters. The site is home to more than 59,000 statues, ranging in size from the tallest at 17 meters to the smallest at just 2 centimeters.
These statues stand as silent masterpieces, each telling stories of the grandeur and glory of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Members of the visiting group were visibly awed by the sheer scale of the grottoes and the intricacy of the carvings.
As they stepped into each grotto, mere visual appreciation quickly proved insufficient; foreign guests often pulled out their smartphones to capture images, eager to document the exquisite artistry for future reflection.
Munkhbat Anu-ujin from Mongolia expressed, “The artistic beauty of the Yungang Grottoes is breathtaking. Standing before these caves, I am deeply impressed by their magnificence. These sculpted vistas are not just a prime destination for appreciating ancient Chinese sculpture, but also a window for culture enthusiasts to delve into China’s rich history and culture. For those who love history and art, the Yungang Grottoes are undoubtedly worth a visit.”
This event, part of the “Toward a New Era of Open and Inclusive China,” was guided by the National Internet Information Office’s Network Communication Bureau, and co-hosted by the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region’s Internet Information Office, the Shanxi Provincial Internet Information Office, and China Daily Online.
