Leiyin Temple, Dunhuang – Stillness on the Silk Road

While most people head straight to the Mogao Caves, Leiyin Temple felt like a hidden sanctuary — quiet, serene, and steeped in the spirit of ancient travellers and monks who passed through Dunhuang centuries ago.

Tucked beneath the golden curve of the Singing Sand Dunes, this temple is far less crowded but no less powerful. There’s something deeply humbling about walking through its courtyard, with the desert wind carrying whispers of the past. I came across delicate carvings, fading murals, and a hall that once welcomed revered monks like Xuanzang and Kumarajiva during their westward journey for the Dharma.

But the real highlight? Seeing the Sanskrit scrolls. Absolutely mind-blowing. To witness these ancient texts — symbols of cultural exchange between East and West — was a rare moment of awe. You don’t need to understand the script to feel its weight.

It’s places like this that remind you why Dunhuang is so special. Not just the big-ticket sights, but these quieter spaces where history lingers in the dust and the light.

Highly recommend if you’re looking to experience a deeper, more contemplative side of the Silk Road.

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Post by JetSetJames | May 28, 2025