Gongyi Grottoes - A treasure-rich and niche grotto temple that you cannot miss when you come to Henan.

Gongyi Grottoes Temple was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty. It was originally named Xixuan Temple. It was renamed "Shifang Pure Land Temple" in the Song Dynasty and renamed Grottoes Temple in the Qing Dynasty. It is an important Buddhist grotto in the Central Plains. The place where Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty became a monk. The Grotto Temple was the place where the emperor and empress of the Northern Wei Dynasty held Buddhist worship services, leaving behind a large number of precious statues, inscriptions, etc. After more than 1,500 years of wind and rain.

If it weren't for the recommendation and guidance of the locals, it would be difficult to discover this place, and there are even few relevant guides. It’s not big, but it’s really a treasure. It’s not well-known so there are very few tourists. I love it so much.

The "Emperor and Empress Worshiping Buddha" in the first cave is the most complete and unique piece preserved in China. It has a perfect composition and fully depicts the grand scene of the Northern Wei royal family going to the grotto temple to worship Buddha. It is a representative work of Northern Wei stone carving art, a national treasure, and a masterpiece of art that is breathtaking.

If you look closely, you can see that handbags had already appeared, so maybe the saying "a bag can cure all diseases" appeared at that time.

There is another pair of "Flying Apsaras" in the third cave, both of which are supported by arc-shaped honeysuckle patterns below. The flying apes are slender and graceful, with light bodies. Their gaunt faces and slender fingers all reveal the elegant style of the Southern Dynasties scholars. The swept-back ribbons and the hem of the dress are raised to a great extent, which enhances the rhythm of the flying.

➡️Visiting time: 1-2 hours
🚘Transportation: Self-driving
⏱Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
🎫Tickets: 25💰/person (The paper ticket is a part of the picture of the emperor and empress worshiping Buddha. The ticket inspection can be stamped and used as a bookmark. It is exquisite and full of sincerity)

Post by TranscontinentalWanderlust | Nov 1, 2024