The construction of the “Yungang Grottoes,” located in Datong City, began during the Northern Wei Dynasty about 1,500 years ago. It took roughly 70 years to complete, but gained great renown as an original style that fused the culture of the Xianbei people, the influence of Buddhism, and traditions passed down since the Qin and Han periods. For this reason, it was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2001, and Datong’s Yungang Grottoes have since become a world heritage destination attracting tourists from both within China and abroad.
The Yungang Grottoes stretch for 1 km east to west along the southern slope of Mount Wuzhou, 16 km west of Datong City. Along with the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, it is considered one of the three great grottoes of China!
Now, let’s introduce the charm of the Yungang Grottoes, this World Heritage Site, in detail!
What are the Yungang Grottoes?
The Yungang Grottoes began construction in the Northern Wei period when the monk Tanyao petitioned Emperor Wencheng. The “Five Caves of Tanyao,” modeled after five emperors of the Northern Wei, are the most spectacular highlight for visitors.
In total, 53 main grottoes have been confirmed, with as many as 50,000 Buddhist statues of all sizes carved! Construction, led by the emperors, continued until the capital was moved to Luoyang in 494, after which local people kept creating smaller grottoes until around 520. From these historical facts, we can see the deep-rooted Buddhist faith of that time. It is truly a World Heritage Site that Datong City takes great pride in!
Did you know that the “Yungang Grottoes” are closely connected to Japan? In the early 20th century, the architect Chuta Ito visited Datong and introduced the grottoes to the world, which brought them global attention. Later, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, when Japan occupied Datong, Japanese scholars carried out research and preservation activities.
Name: Yungang Grottoes
Address: 37000 Mount Wuzhou, Datong City, Shanxi Province, People’s Republic of China
Official/Related Site URL: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1039/
Access to the Yungang Grottoes
To reach Datong, the nearest city to the World Heritage Site “Yungang Grottoes,” it takes about 15 hours flying from Tokyo Narita Airport via Beijing or Shanghai. From Datong Airport, you can take a bus to the city center. Then, by boarding the public bus “Tourism 603,” you will arrive at the site in about 30 minutes if everything goes smoothly.
For those unfamiliar with traveling in China or who feel uneasy, it may be best to join a local optional tour.
Recommended points of Yungang Grottoes ①: The Five Caves of Tanyao
The “Five Caves of Tanyao” can be said to be the main reason for the World Heritage registration. These caves are especially popular because of the dynamic Buddhist statues that captivate visitors. As mentioned earlier, construction of the Yungang Grottoes began in 460 when Emperor Wencheng accepted the request of the eminent monk Tanyao.
The caves now called 16–20 are the “Five Caves of Tanyao.” The Great Buddha carved in Cave 20 is said to be modeled after Emperor Daowu, the founding emperor of the Northern Wei, and is considered the representative statue of the Yungang Grottoes. This 13.75m tall Buddha, influenced by Gandhara art from Afghanistan, has a solid build, wears a partially draped robe exposing one shoulder, and features a flat face with a high nose.
Meanwhile, the principal seated Buddha in Cave 19 has a gentle expression, and comparing the differences among these statues makes for a fascinating experience!
Recommended points of Yungang Grottoes ②: The Cave Complexes 1–15
The cave complexes 1–15 were constructed around 470 to 494. The wooden pavilions in front of Caves 5 and 6 were built during the Qing Dynasty, but it is said that in the Northern Wei period, all caves were fronted by such pavilions.
Inside Cave 5 stands the tallest statue in the Yungang Grottoes, a 17m golden seated Shakyamuni. This cave reflects strong Han cultural influence. Said to represent the “world of heaven,” the space, adorned with carvings of flying deities and Buddhas, leaves a solemn impression.
Caves 8 and 9, on the other hand, show Indian influences and stand out with distinct colors compared to Cave 5. Observing these cultural differences adds much enjoyment to the visit.
Recommended points of Yungang Grottoes ③: Hanging Temple
About an hour and a half by car from the Yungang Grottoes lies the “Hanging Temple,” a temple that combines the philosophies of China’s three great religions: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It was founded at the end of the 5th century.
Its main charm lies in the magnificent buildings lined up along the cliff face. The poet Li Bai, also known as the “Immortal of Poetry,” is said to have engraved “spectacular” on the rock wall after seeing the temple. The Hanging Temple mainly consists of six buildings connected by wooden plank walkways, which visitors can walk on.
The “Hall of Three Religions,” a highlight of the site, houses statues of Confucius, Shakyamuni, and Laozi—the founders of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. This unique view is a must-see. While not registered as a World Heritage Site, the Hanging Temple is a recommended destination to visit along with the Yungang Grottoes.
◎ Summary
To think that such a large-scale grotto complex was built more than 1,500 years ago shows the unimaginable effort it required. It also reveals the tremendous power of the dynasty at the time and how deeply Buddhism had spread among the people.
Along with the Mogao Caves, which meet all World Heritage criteria, and the Longmen Grottoes, which inherit the traditions of the Yungang Grottoes, why not take on the challenge of visiting all three of China’s great grottoes? We hope your visit to the Yungang Grottoes becomes an unforgettable memory!