Caves 7 to 8 of the Yungang Grottoes are about to reopen

Located about 16 kilometers west of Datong city, at the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain and the northern bank of Wuzhou River, the Yungang Grottoes were built during the Northern Wei dynasty when Pingcheng was the capital. They are a brilliant gem among cultural landscapes and have impressively risen to seventh place on the list of 5A scenic spots dominated by natural landscapes. Here, you can find not only traditional Chinese artistic styles but also a fusion of ancient Indian, Western Regions, and Central Plains ethnic art characteristics. For example, Cave 20 features an open-air seated Shakyamuni statue standing 13.75 meters tall, with a half-round face, deep-set eyes, and a high nose, retaining typical facial features of Western ethnic minorities and Indians. The clothing lines reflect the concise style of early Northern Wei art, distinctly different from the style of the Longmen Grottoes' giant Buddha. The Yungang Grottoes scenic area is divided into the landscape area and the grotto group, which is split into eastern, central, and western sections according to the mountain terrain. Currently, about 40 caves are open to the public. Visitors can follow the traditional route starting from Cave 1 in the east and proceed westward in order. If you have two hours to visit, focus on Caves 5 and 6, the Wuhua Caves (Caves 9-13), and the Tanyao Five Caves (Caves 16-20). Come to the Yungang Grottoes to explore historical traces and experience the unique charm of multicultural integration!

Post by Trip.Pulse | Oct 22, 2025